by Christopher S. Pineo

The 27th Middlesex district state representative spoke at the weekly contributors meeting of The Somerville News Jan. 11 at The Somerville News office at 21A College Ave.

State Rep. Denise M. Provost, D, Somerville

“I thought to myself, who’s going to represent me? Who’s going to represent the values of the community,” said State Rep. Denise M. Provost, D, Somerville. “I thought I could do as good a job as anyone and better than most.”

In 1993, Provost, formerly an assistant city solicitor of Somerville, ran for the city’s aldermen, but was not elected, she
said.

In the 1993 elections, there were voting irregularities, similar to those in Florida, said Provost. “I may have won that election. It’s impossible to determine at this time.”

In 1999, she was elected and served as alderman-at-large from 2000 to 2006.

In 2006, she said, she capitalized on the vacancy of the 27th Middlesex Seat when Patricia D. Jehlen was elected to state Senate.

When proposals arise in the state house concerning the city, Provost said she examines each issue on an individual basis. ‚ÄúI feel that every representative has two responsibilities. One  is to represent their constituents. The other is to not be a pass through,‚Äù Provost said, ‚ÄúI‚Äôm not just there in an ornamental capacity.‚Äù

Working as a state representative is a bit like being in college, there’s always something to do, there’s always something to occupy myself with, said Provost. “I don’t waste as much time as the system seems designed to waste.”

Provost has presented numerous environmental proposals. “The issues I have addressed in bills include air quality, water quality; I’ve got half a dozen pedestrian safety bills,” she said. “The first bill would have the Division of Environmental Health look at the data on what are called fine and ultra-fine particulates.”

These particulates have been linked by scientists to higher rates of cancer amongst people located near heavily trafficked areas, she said. “The science that’s emerging signals a very potent cause of a variety of human health problems, not just pulmonary, but also cardiovascular.”

Provost said Somerville, and other urban communities, have also experienced significant increases in asthma cases due to such particulates.

After studying the demographic maps published by the Metropolitan Area Training Council, Provost said she noticed correlations between concentrations of adverse health conditions and regions of heavy traffic. ‚ÄúThere are maps that show the incidents  of childhood asthma in this district and I was called by the state department of health who said these elevated rates are from cockroach allergies,‚Äù she said.

“That’s why it’s important to study it, to encapsulate it,” she said. Provost said she continues to educate herself on these issues. “As the sciences develop, I’ll pick up things.”

In addition to further environmental issues, Provost said she plans to address transportation issues, and the rising costs of municipal construction.

“This is my triumvirate. These are the pillars that I believe a strong community is built on: human rights, strong economy, and a healthy environment.”