Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Republican - 20th Middlesex

Bradley H. Jones Jr. has served the Reading and North Reading area for the past 16 years, working every day to represent his district's best interests on Beacon Hill. Since his election to the House of Representatives in 1994, Jones has proven himself to be a dedicated advocate for his constituents - he has never missed a roll call vote. Currently, his district includes the towns of Reading, North Reading, Lynnfield and Middleton.

As the House Republican Leader, Jones is committed to championing tax relief, accountability in government, fiscal restraint and smarter spending. He is an advocate for tougher laws on crime, improved educational opportunities for Massachusetts children, better benefits for seniors and veterans, and more local aid for cities and towns. Jones, a North Reading native, has strong ties to his community. After graduating from North Reading High School in 1983, he spent time working in the school system as a tutor and substitute teacher before attending The Johns Hopkins University. He received his associate's and bachelor's degrees from Harvard University Extension School in 1987 and 1988, and then dedicated himself to public service in his hometown. Jones became a member of the North Reading Housing Authority in 1988 and served until 1992, when he joined the town's Finance Committee. In 1993, Jones was elected to the North Reading Board of Selectmen, and served two terms on the board. He acted as the board's chairman from 1995 to 1998. In 1999, he rejoined the Finance Committee and remained a member until 2002.

His experience as a municipal official gave him a keen understanding of local needs and concerns, which serves him well as a state representative. When gas prices rose after Hurricane Katrina, Jones acted immediately to protect already struggling cities and towns by filing legislation to exempt local officials from paying gas tax for municipal vehicles. Jones entered public service on the state level in 1994, when he was elected to the House of Representatives. In 2002, his colleagues elected him House Republican Leader. Today, he continues to serve as the highest ranking Republican in House leadership.

During his time at the Statehouse, Jones has served on numerous committees, including the Committees on Commerce and Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Federal Financial Assistance, Local Affairs and Ways and Means. He was the ranking member of the Committee on Election Laws.

Jones also served on the Special Commission to Study the Financing of the MBTA from 1995 to 1996, and the Special Committee to investigate the Big Dig. He was also a member of the MacQueen Commission, which was charged with reviewing and making proposals on the House Budget process. Jones lives in North Reading with his wife Linda and two young children. He is often seen throughout his district attending ham and bean suppers with seniors, reading to elementary schoolchildren during the annual Read Across America event, attending the Middleton Pumpkin Festival with his family, and dropping by the Lynnfield Rotary Club barbecue on Lynnfield Common. Jones also hosts annual Thanksgiving dinners for seniors in both North Reading and Reading. .... TestLink