With longtime state Rep. Jon Zlotnik-D-Gardner deciding not to run for re-election (reportedly to take a teaching job), there are two new challengers for the spot of state representative in the Second Worcester District, which covers the city of Gardner and the towns of Ashburnham and Templeton, plus part of Winchendon. Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson is running against Asburnham business man John Reilly
Nicholson
Current Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson is the Democratic nominee.
He noted that this is not an election year in Gardner for mayor, and while he wasn’t necessarily going to run for state rep. to begin with, when he heard that Zlotnik, who he has worked well with in the past, was not running, he decided to throw his hat in the ring.
Nicholson said that while working as mayor, he has encountered a number of statewide policies that he thinks could be improved if you take in the considerations of the towns and cities that have to deal with them, and that having worked on those issues from behind the mayor’s desk in Gardner, he thinks he can bring a good perspective to the job representing the area at the State House in Boston.
One priority, he said, would be looking at the Student Opportunity Act, which appropriates additional money for schools that have students facing extra pressures, such as low incomes, English learners and other challenges, and make sure those funds continue to help school districts battling those issues.
Road repair funds are another area of concern, he said.
“All of these issues are being looked at, and being someone who as a current mayor has dealt with them,” he feels he can add something valuable to the conversation.
Nicholson noted that the Chapter 70 school funding formula is based on student populations, but he said that might not always be the most equitable gauge, and often towns “west of 495 are really behind the 8-ball.”
“There should be less emphasis on student populations and more on the costs,” he said.
He also wants to “work with our cities and towns so the housing crisis can be assessed.
He said in Gardner they have worked proactively to address the problem and seen some positive results.
He also said the ballot question that would strip a lot of local control over housing is not necessarily the answer, saying, “We need to make sure we get that aspect of the character they would like to see in the community,” to be preserved, adding, “we can accomplish more in a collaborative approach.”
“There are a lot of communities that really do have to ease up on the zoning, but the state should be viewed in collaborative roles, not” forcing it on the towns he said.
“Being able to make these connections, from having been on this side of the aisle,” should help him bring the small-town communities’ concerns to the state effectively, he said.
“Really, it’s just time to find a way to build a better Massachusetts from the ground up. You really don’t have a good Massachusetts if you don’t have good cities and towns.”
Reilly
Reilly could not be reached by phone or email for this article by the Sentinel & Enterprise.
His website outlines some of his background and goals, which we will include here.
“John Reilly Jr. is an Ashburnham resident, and is a proud native of Central Massachusetts. He is a devoted father, with strong ties to all of the cities and towns of our district. John is an accomplished business leader who has spent his career turning strong ideas into real results. His focus is on running to give a stronger voice to the people of our district. He vows to restore opportunity, strengthen the community, and make things more affordable for everyone.”
“John Reilly Jr. is an award-winning DJ, producer, computer/audio engineer, and entrepreneur with a career built on creativity, leadership, and real-world results. Recognized as ‘Worcester’s Best DJ’ seven times, he has spent years mastering the art of connecting with people — whether through music, business, or community engagement.
“With a background in both computer and audio engineering, Reilly has worked with some of the most recognizable organizations in the country, including MTV in Santa Monica, as well as with Google and Android. His professional experience spans complex licensing, developing a global brand, marketing strategies, budgeting, and large-scale event coordination — skills that require precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how to bring people together and drive success.
“Beyond the tech and entertainment industries, Reilly has also worked in the legal field, serving as a legal assistant at several respected law firms in both Massachusetts and California. This experience strengthened his attention to detail, understanding of regulatory systems, and ability to navigate complex challenges.
“A committed member of his local community, Reilly served as a coach for Murdock High School softball, leading the team to a league championship in 2018. His leadership on and off the field reflects a belief in discipline, teamwork, and mentorship.
“At the center of everything he does is family. Reilly is a proud, full-time father to his daughter, Kalea, who graduated high school in 2025 while simultaneously earning her associate degree through the Pathways Program at Mount Wachusett Community College — an achievement that reflects the values of hard work and perseverance he instills every day.
“Reilly’s diverse career — spanning music, technology, law, and community leadership — has been defined by one constant: the ability to bring people together, solve problems, and deliver results.”
Original article
Comments