
Clean bill of health: Westminster Fire Department purchases new washer-extractor machine
WESTMINSTER — The Fire Department has purchased a new piece of equipment that will improve firefighter health and safety by preventing and reducing exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Chief Kyle Butterfield and state Sen. Dean Tran, R-Fitchburg, worked closely together to secure $10,000 in state funds for the purchase of a Milnor Gear Guardian washer-extractor.
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Boston Globe
Some members push back as Mass. Asian American Commission head stands firm on Black Lives Matter statement
Boston -- For many Asian-Americans, especially those with little education who immigrated from poorer countries, life in this country has been beset by challenges, state Senator Dean A. Tran said Friday.
“I have experienced racism, discrimination, and prejudice my entire life. My accomplishments are not the result of white privilege,” said the Fitchburg Republican, who released a separate statement last week denouncing the commission’s claims.
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Some members push back as Mass. Asian American Commission head stands firm on Black Lives Matter statement
Boston -- For many Asian-Americans, especially those with little education who immigrated from poorer countries, life in this country has been beset by challenges, state Senator Dean A. Tran said Friday.
“I have experienced racism, discrimination, and prejudice my entire life. My accomplishments are not the result of white privilege,” said the Fitchburg Republican, who released a separate statement last week denouncing the commission’s claims.
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Sen. Dean Tran reads to Gardner students at MOC Child Care and Head Start Services
GARDNER — A group of students at MOC Child Care and Head Start Services enjoyed a book reading from a special visitor on Monday, Feb. 24.
State Sen. Dean Tran, R-Fitchburg, stopped by to take a tour of the school on Coleman Street and read “The Wonky Donkey” to 14 students. He said another reason for his visit was to show his support for early childhood learning.
“I have always been a big advocate and supporter of providing adequate funding for (these programs) because the children are our future,” said Tran, who is the father of four children. “And providing for their future starts at an early age, and (the MOC program) is so vital because it not only provides day care services to very young children, but it also provides learning skills that a lot of these children don’t acquire outside of a program like this.”
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Sen. Tran files emergency insulin bill
BOSTON — A new bill before state lawmakers on the Public Health Committee would allow pharmacists to dispense a 72-hour supply of insulin to a patient in an emergency situation.
The bill, filed by Fitchburg Republican Sen. Dean Tran, defines “emergency situation” as an event in which a doctor’s authorization for dispensing insulin cannot be readily obtained.The bill (S 2425) presents another option for state lawmakers to consider as they mull potential steps to take this session around health care access and prescription drug costs.
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Tour of local businesses stops at New England Peptide in Gardner to highlight the changing face of manufacturing in the region
GARDNER — These are not your grandfather’s manufacturing jobs. That was the message during a tour of local businesses sponsored by the MassHire North Central Workforce Board.
The tour, which was attended by several local school officials and lawmakers, included a stop at New England Peptide in Gardner.
“When we talk about manufacturing jobs, most of us immediately think about manufacturing jobs in the old days,” said state Sen. Dean Tran, R-Fitchburg. “And that is something we need to change, we need to change that stigma, because we need to make sure the new generations know that manufacturing jobs nowadays are technology-driven and high-paying wage jobs.”
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VNA Care celebrates 100 years in Leominster
LEOMINSTER -- “The care and hospice that the VNA provides to the community — to my community — is so important to me and so I wanted to show you how grateful I am to all of you,” state Sen. Dean Tran said before he delivered two formal citations from the state’s legislative branch, congratulating the nonprofit on their accomplishment.
“And not just because of the services you provide to my community,” Tran continued. “You do it with kindness and compassion, and those are two very, very important, critical components of providing healthcare and hospice to people.”
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Recovery center is ready to begin helping those battling substance abuse
FITCHBURG -- “Substance abuse has been plaguing our communities for too long, and it is imperative that we help provide the necessary resources,” said Sen. Tran in a Facebook post. “Short-term solutions have a history of short-term results and it is important that we continue to make long-term investments in individuals suffering from addiction.”
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Tran’s proposal would make illegal for protesters to cover their faces
BOSTON – Following a weekend that saw three dozen people arrested when counter-protesters and police clashed in downtown Boston, one state senator is proposing to make it a crime for protesters to cover their faces during public events.
Four police officers were injured and 36 people were arrested Saturday after a series of fracases between law enforcement and protesters demonstrating against a straight pride parade that wended its way through downtown Boston. Many of the protesters, some of whom were affiliated with the leftist group Antifa, wore bandanas, masks or other items to shield their faces.
“It is time, federal, state, and local to make it illegal to cover your faces in public events and demonstrations. A danger to public safety and our police officers,” Sen. Dean Tran, a Fitchburg Republican, tweeted Monday along with a cover of Sunday’s Boston Herald, which showed a man with a bandana around his neck being carried away by police officers. “No one or group is above the law.”
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BOSTON – Following a weekend that saw three dozen people arrested when counter-protesters and police clashed in downtown Boston, one state senator is proposing to make it a crime for protesters to cover their faces during public events.
Four police officers were injured and 36 people were arrested Saturday after a series of fracases between law enforcement and protesters demonstrating against a straight pride parade that wended its way through downtown Boston. Many of the protesters, some of whom were affiliated with the leftist group Antifa, wore bandanas, masks or other items to shield their faces.
“It is time, federal, state, and local to make it illegal to cover your faces in public events and demonstrations. A danger to public safety and our police officers,” Sen. Dean Tran, a Fitchburg Republican, tweeted Monday along with a cover of Sunday’s Boston Herald, which showed a man with a bandana around his neck being carried away by police officers. “No one or group is above the law.”
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“I most enjoy being able to give back to the communities that adopted me and my family after we first came to the U.S. from Vietnam. It was not easy, but my family and I worked hard to achieve the American dream and make a life for ourselves in our new home.”
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Column: Budget includes North Central Mass.
On July 22, I, along with my colleagues in the House and Senate, voted to send the long-awaited FY2020 state budget to Gov. Baker’s desk. During this budget, I have worked diligently to ensure that the final Fiscal Year 2020 budget is one that addresses the priorities of the Worcester and Middlesex District and targets funding gaps, particularly in education and public safety. I am proud to say that the adopted Massachusetts FY2020 budget, contains the largest year-over-year increase in Chapter 70 education funding ever proposed by the Senate
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Lavender Darcangelo's star continues to rise
BOSTON — Everyone who heard Lavender Darcangelo sing at the Statehouse on Thursday was left open-mouthed and teary eyed after she belted out an acapella performance of the national anthem.
“When Lavender began to sing the national anthem, everyone in the Senate Chamber was frozen and in awe,” said state Sen. Dean Tran. “Lavender’s rendition moved everyone present to tears.”
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EDITORIAL: Revamped Route 2 will be giant 1st step
A long overdue meeting of the minds convened Monday to find ways of making the area's major transportation link a better conduit for economic development in the Fitchburg-Leominster-Gardner corridor.
That's the mission of state Sen. Dean Tran, a Fitchburg Republican, whose office coordinated the inaugural meeting of the North Central Route 2 Transportation Task Force.
It drew the mayors of the region's three cities, staff from the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority and Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, plus leaders of the area chambers of commerce.
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Can Route 2 be fixed?
A task force dedicated to improving Route 2 met Monday to brainstorm ways to make the highway that powers North Central Massachusetts' economic development and links the region to Boston safer and more efficient to travel.
"Now it's time for us to come together to work on something big," said state Sen. Dean Tran, a Fitchburg Republican whose office coordinated the North Central Route 2 Transportation Task Force.
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Tran signs letter fighting cable access change
Sen. Dean Tran is among a group of 16 state senators who wrote to Federal Communications Commission about a proposed rule that could cut funding to local community access TV stations.
"The new regulations would have a tremendous negative impact on my district and communities around the commonwealth," the Fitchburg Republican said last Friday.
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Tran tops Chalifoux Zephir to keep Senate seat
"This victory is not my victory," he told supporters. "This victory is our victory. It took all of us to win and it will take all of us working together to achieve success."
He joined supporters at the Leominster Elks Lodge to celebrate before 9:30 p.m. People watched results projected on a screen as they began to come in after polls closed.
He walked into the hall to applause and "God Bless the USA" playing. By the end of his speech, Tran took off a red button-down shirt to reveal a white T-shirt that said "Win again!" in red letters.
"I can assure you, every town and every city in my district will not be ignored any longer," he said to supporters.
The song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" played after he ended his remarks.
Tran said serving the people will be his number one priority and that he will focus on infrastructure, education, and other issues that are important to the district.
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Tran, Higgins, Daigneault roll to victories in midterm election
“The towns and cities in the Worcester [and] Middlesex district are moving forward,” Tran said. “Great things are happening. The mayors are working hard and doing a great job in moving their cities forward. The towns, now, have a voice. I am that voice, and I can assure you every town and every city in my district will not be ignored any longer. We delivered great accomplishments to the communities in the district.”
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North Central Mass. can benefit from true team of bipartisan legislators
Republican incumbent Dean Tran has overachieved in his seven months on the job since winning a special election, showing he can quickly get up to speed and deliver for the district. He's a fiscal conservative, offering a balanced view in light of the Senate's increasingly progressive voice for more taxes and spending. If the Baker team is re-elected -- and all signs point to it -- Tran has the chance to enhance the district's profile and speak for its needs as an emerging GOP leader. He deserves a full two-year term to capitalize on the ties he's made and to expand and strengthen them.
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Rematch: Tran vs. Chalifoux Zephir
“We live in a district where the majority of people cherish their 2nd Amendment. They cherish their personal liberty and personal property,” he said.
Tran, 42, is married with four children. He is a Vietnamese immigrant who came to America with his family as a young boy to escape communist rule, calling America “the greatest country in the world” for its freedom and opportunities.
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Dean Tran drawing support from both parties
INCUMBENT STATE Sen. Dean Tran may be a Republican, but that doesn't mean his supporters are.
Tran had previously announced the endorsements of the mayors of the three largest cities in the Worcester Middlesex district, including Democratic Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, but a statement released by Tran's campaign last week claimed that he had also won the support of Leominster City Council President Rick Marchand.
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Democrat supports Tran for the 'common good'
Let me be very clear. As a Democrat, I've never endorsed a Republican in my years as a public figure.But I think that Senator Dean Tran has demonstrated a real effort on behalf of North Central Massachusetts, and I believe that he deserves a full term in the state Senate to show his ability to represent the area. We need good people willing to serve the common good, and not just the interests of Republicans or Democrats.
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Senator Tran is the only choice
Sen. Tran's diverse background enables him to identify with the working people of the Worcester and Middlesex District. As a first-generation immigrant, he and his family sacrificed everything to flee a waring communist country and, with no guarantees of success, they survived a two-year ordeal to finally make it to the United States to live the American dream.
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Fitchburg - Tran picks up major mayoral backing in Senate run
In a rare showing of bipartisan support, incumbent state Sen. Dean Tran has won the endorsements of the mayors of his district's three largest cities for his re-election bid in November.
Tran, a Fitchburg Republican, announced his support from Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, and Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke in a statement released Monday.
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EDITORIAL: Sen. Tran can deliver for the district
It is a great honor to endorse Sen. Dean A. Tran for re-election to the Worcester Senate Third District. Sen. Tran was present and voted on 99.6 percent of the 261 roll-call votes held in 2018, quite a job for an individual who has held the seat for this district less than 10 months.
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EDITORIAL: Tran's point well-taken on new tobacco law.
Where do you draw the line between personal responsibility and an overbearing nanny state?
That's the question Republican Dean Tran of Fitchburg wrestled with before refusing recently to support a bill that raised the legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21.
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Environmental Bond Bill will help around the region
I was very proud to represent the people of the Worcester & Middlesex District over the process of getting this Environmental Bond Bill through the Senate. As always, no matter whether it is through the legislative or budgetary process, my priority will always be the interests of the people in my district.
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Senator: Critical district needs were addressed in state budget
I am very proud to have represented the interests of the Worcester Middlesex district during this year's budget session, and whether it is through the budget or legislative process, my priority will always be serving the needs of the people in my district.
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Tran sets sights on energy providers
Sen. Dean Tran's amendment, which was adopted, asking the state's Department of Public Utilities and the Department of Energy Resources to "facilitate regulation of new municipal light districts" was directed at the New Hampshire-based utility.
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For Tran, district priorities take precedence in first 100 days
In my first 100 days as your State Senator, I've worked hard to build a strong, bipartisan approach to governance. I've been an active participant in the Legislature, filing bills, advocating for the Worcester Milddlesex district, and continuing to provide strong constituent service. I have worked hard to represent you with integrity and professionalism.
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Changes ahead for bill that would gather data on Asian-Americans
BOSTON -- Sen. Dean Tran, R-Fitchburg, was the only member of the Legislature's Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to vote against substituting the new legislation and attributed his decision to the divisive nature of the bill.
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Fitchburg’s Dean Tran continues to defy odds as freshman senator
BOSTON – Sen. Dean Tran, R-Fitchburg, has spent his entire life breaking boundaries.
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Fitchburg’s Dean Tran sworn in as state Senate
Boston -- “Dean’s lifetime of hard work and determination is inspiring and exemplary of the American Dream. I look forward to working with Dean and his staff as we enter the New Year.” - Acting Senate President Chandler
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Tran wins state Senate seat
Fitchburg -- It has been a while since the region has been represented by a Republican in the state Senate. That will change in January.
Voters chose Dean Tran, of Fitchburg, for the vacant Worcester-Middlesex Senate seat. Tran won the race to replace Jennifer Flanagan, who resigned in September to accept a position with the state Cannabis Control Commission. Results are still preliminary.
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Dean Tran's inspiring story goes to Beacon Hil
Fitchburg -- "Dean Tran's personal story of arriving in America with his family as refugees from the Vietnam War and climbing the ladder of success via education, business and politics is a remarkable one. On Tuesday, he added another stepping stone to his inspiring story in being elected to the Massachusetts State Senate from the Worcester and Middlesex District."
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Fitchburg senator-elect Dean Tran’s path started in Vietnam
Fitchburg -- "..I’m ecstatic that my constituency has grown and I can provide services to not just the people in Fitchburg, but now to 10 other communities.”
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Tran's win has Republicans optimistic
Fitchburg -- "He will also become the first Vietnamese-American elected to the Legislature..."
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Tran claims state Senate seat
Fitchburg -- "I don't feel that it matters because I'm a Republican," he said. "I'm very excited that the voters have trusted me with the state Senate position and to represent them on a state level."
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Tran: 'I always believe' in 'common ground
Fitchburg -- "I am the state senatorial candidate who will represent your voice on Beacon Hill."
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For the Worcester & Middlesex State Senate Seat – The T&G’s endorsement
Telegram -- "adding a smart, analytical, hardworking state senator who happens to be a Republican is a smart choice."
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Democrats' attack on Tran is a disgrace
Fitchburg -- Shame on the Massachusetts Democratic Party for playing loose with the facts and trying to create a controversy where none existed in attacking Republican candidate for State Senate Dean Tran.
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Tran's past, present make him ideal for job
Fitchburg -- "We should be honored to have such a person as our representative in the state Senate. Dean Tran is not just qualified -- he is the ideal man for the job."
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![]() Candidate: It's time to bring commuter rail back to Gardner Gardner -- "We have to be extremely careful of the adverse effects and unintended consequences on economic growth and driving small businesses out of the state, which will increase the unemployment rate," he said. "This will have a detrimental effect on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce effort on economic development for areas such as Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner." - Dean Read more |
![]() Does endorser Hay put constituents first? Fitchburg -- If you wish to vote for someone who really has a record of putting the constituents first, then you have a clear choice: Dean Tran -- who has a long record in Fitchburg of doing just that. Read more |

Letter: 'Shake things" up at Statehouse by voting in Republican Tran
FITCHBURG -- "There is one candidate running for the vacant state Senate seat who unabashedly and clearly articulates the needed change at the Statehouse in Boston. That candidate is Dean Tran."
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Tran joins, Marino exits race for state Senate race
Leominster -- Fitchburg City Councilor Dean Tran made his run for the GOP nomination official in a Sept. 5
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Republican Lou Marino quits Senate race, backs Fitchburg City Councilor Dean Tran

FITCHBURG -- "Dean is a man of integrity [a]nd has the ability and skills to do the job with a high level of service to the citizens of the city of Fitchburg," Marino said, adding Tran would "continue this level of service as your next state senator."
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Fitchburg Councilor Dean Tran announces state Senate run

FITCHBURG -- "I'm running because the communities in the district face unique challenges and I look forward to working with each and every community to address those issues," he said.
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Standing tall against hate

FITCHBURG -- "Like many people in this city I have faced racism, discrimination and prejudice," Tran said. "I believe there is no place for hate in our city, state, and country."
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Several local politicians interested in running for Leominster's Senate seat. |
Three join MWCC Board of Trustees |
![]() LEOMINSTER -- "I strongly believe that Beacon Hill needs someone like myself to represent the voice and feelings of the people," said at-large Fitchburg City Councilor Dean Tran. Read more |
![]() GARDNER -- Three community leaders joined the Mount Wachusett Board of Trustees last week after being appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker. Read more |
Councilor Tran on approving of new planning director |
Councilor Tran expresses disappointment in 2018 budget |
![]() FITCHBURG -- Tran questioned this process, saying it seems like, after seven months, the city "jump(ed)" on the only resume in front of them. Read more |
![]() FITCHBURG -- At-large Councilor Dean Tran proposed the most cuts, 16, totaling about $75,000 in decreased spending and $48,803 in revenue reductions. He withdrew about half the cuts after a series of his proposed changes was voted down by the council. Read more |
Councilor Tran helps relieve backup at Fitchburg rotary |
Main Street signs to be updated |
![]() FITCHBURG -- Recently, a new traffic signal was installed at the Henry Dextraze Rotary -- the intersection of Daniel, Kimball and River streets in West Fitchburg. Motorists stop when the signal turns red, which causes wicked gridlock on the rotary. Read more |
![]() FITCHBURG -- The signage instructing drivers on how to merge onto the one-lane Main Street will soon be changed. Read More |
Councilor seeing red over "no turn on red' signs in city |
Temporary admission ban raises concerns for local Muslim |
![]() FITCHBURG -- "No Right Turn" signs at several of the city's intersections are congesting traffic, irritating drivers and need to go, according to Fitchburg Councilor-at-large Dean Tran. Read More |
![]() FITCHBURG -- City Councilor-At-Large Dean Tran, who entered the U.S. as a refugee over 35 years ago, sees the temporary admission ban on refugees and residents of seven Muslim majority countries signed last week as a possibly way to reassess the country's vetting system and separate the "criminals from the good people." Read more |
3rd Worcester District State Representative Special Election Results
Tran represents 3rd Worcester District's diversity |
Person over party -- vote for Tran |
![]() Recently, a debate was held in Fitchburg for the special election on March 1 between two candidates who are campaigning for state representative in the 3rd Worcester District, which includes the city of Fitchburg and Lunenburg's Precinct B. Read more |
![]() Reading the Letters to the Editor on Wednesday, I chuckled out loud. "Six City Councilors endorse Hay." Anyone with any knowledge of Massachusetts politics knows we are among the bluest of the blue, where Democrats hold most of the seats in our House of Representatives as well as the state Senate. Read more |
Tran's immigrant experience drive success |
Tran will provide dynamic leadership |
![]() FITCHBURG -- His experience in local government combined with his skills and acumen in the business world will help him bring jobs, business and opportunity to the two communities he will represent. Read more |
![]() FITCHBURG -- The opportunity and time for dynamic leadership in Fitchburg and Precinct B of Lunenburg are here and now! The chance for that leadership and change as we go forward in the 21st Century lies with Dean Tran. Read more |
Fitchburg's Tran stages successful write-in campaign as Republican, will face council colleague Hay![]()
FITCHBURG -- After a successful write-in campaign, City Councilor Dean Tran is the Republican candidate for state representative of the 3rd Worcester District, and will go head-to-head against fellow City Councilor Stephan Hay on March 1. Read More |
Dean Tran for state representative![]()
I first meet Dean Tran through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce when he first ran for Fitchburg City Council. One of the most impressive attributes of Dean was his grasp of the issues and his commitment to the city of Fitchburg. During his time on the council he has shown that he is fiscally responsible and focused on making Fitchburg a better place to live. Read more |
Fitchburg Councilors Stephan Hay, Dean Tran to face off for state rep. seat |
Dean Tran, 10-year Fitchburg councilor, makes economic development job one |
![]() FITCHBURG - Two city councilors will face each other in the March 1 special election to replace Stephen DiNatale as state representative in the 3rd Worcester District. In a special preliminary election Tuesday, City Councilor Stephan Hay won the Democratic nomination, with more than 60 percent of the vote. City Councilor Dean A. Tran will be his opponent, having received more than 150 write-in votes to qualify for the primary ballot. Read More |
![]() FITCHBURG -- Dean Tran may be the only Republican in the local race for state representative, but he doesn't want voters to vote for him -- or against him -- based on his political party. Read More |
I recommend Tran for state representative |
I'll be writing Dean Tran's name in |
![]() As an independent voter, it is a great honor to endorse Councilor Dean A. Tran as a "write-in candidate" for the 3rd Worcester District state representative seat for Fitchburg and Lunenburg's Precinct B. Read More |
![]() When it was first reported that Dean Tran had to run a write-in primary election for the state representative seat vacated by Stephen DiNatale, I was frustrated to think that he was facing insurmountable odds. Then reality and some common sense set in, and I realized that this was a perfectly timed opportunity for his many loyal and voting supporters to show their appreciation for his 10 years of exceptional service as city councilor at large to Fitchburg. Read More |
Tran has my vote for state representative |
Only in America - - and we should all be grateful |
![]() Fitchburg is America. We are a people of great racial, ethnic and cultural diversity. We are a melting pot. Though the heritage of our community varies widely, we are all Americans. We all make Fitchburg work. Read More |
![]() Why am I thankful and always grateful for everything I have? It's a story I don't often share but a story that has made me who I am today. Read More |
Tran: I will overcome obstacles in rep race |
Tran faces write-in run for House bid |
![]() Recently, I indicated my interest and intention to seek the office of state representative for the 3rd Worcester District soon to be vacated by Mayor-elect Stephen DiNatale in January. Read More |
![]() FITCHBURG -- Dean Tran will have an unexpected uphill battle to get his name on the March 1 special election ballot for the state representative seat soon to be vacated by Stephen DiNatale. Read More |
Special election set for March to replace Rep. DiNatale, Fitchburg's mayor-elect |
Fitchburg Councilors Hay, Tran planning to run for DiNatale's House seat |
![]() FITCHBURG - A special election will be held March 1 to fill the House seat to be vacated by state Rep. Stephen DiNatale, D-Fitchburg, who was recently elected mayor of Fitchburg. Read More |
![]() FITCHBURG - Two long-serving city councilors said Wednesday they are making plans to run in the special election to fill the state representative seat Stephen DiNatale will resign as he assumes the mayor's office in January. Read More |