DALTON, Mass. — In this last term, state Rep. Paul Mark was appointed the vice chairman of both the House and Joint Rules Committees.

 

That position doesn't get a lot of hype or publicity. But whoever has that role is appointed to no other committee because the work is so vitally important. It determines how bills move through the legislative process.

 

"It is a behind-the-scenes committee," Mark said.

 

In the next term, Mark is hoping to build on that leadership position and is eyeing other influential roles on Beacon Hill. The Peru Democrat is running unopposed for another term as the Second Berkshire representative, a position that spans from Pittsfield up through much of Franklin County. 

 

"We're into a third term now. In a third term, I've gotten established in the House. I understand the job very well. I am able to get things accomplished and bring things back to the district," Mark said. "And looking forward to another term next January, I'm hoping to end up in an even better leadership position than I am right now."

 

Mark launched his campaign for re-election the way he had the last time, with a birthday party and fundraiser at Dewey's on Depot Street. For more than two hours colleagues and supporters stopped in to wish the representative a happy birthday, catch up on the issues, and support his re-election bid.

 

"This is our annual birthday fundraiser celebration. Every year as I get a little bit older, I like to pull the team together and catch up on what's going on in the last year. People are still interested. People are still supportive. People are still excited about me running which feels good," Mark said. 

 

"It's always a nice night. It's low key. I don't make speeches. I don't make a lot of pressure. I just talk to people and listen to what's going on."

 

Mark cited more funding in the budget for an opioid task force in Franklin County, which he helped get funding for just a few years ago, and the filing of an amendment to establish a long-term forestry plan — a bill that complements a sustainable food-plan bill he previously submitted — as some of the recent highlights of his work. 

 

"I'm excited about the forestry plan because I think it is going to help keep forestry and farmlands sustainable in Massachusetts. Out here in Western Massachusetts, farmers are often overlooked by the rest of the state," Mark said. 

 

Beyond that, he had previously chaired a study committee focused on student debt and that has grown in momentum and support since the report was released. The issue of student debt is a high priority for Mark and he hopes to make a bid to chair, or at least have a stronger role, in the Higher Education Committee. The current chairman is not running for re-election.

 

"That's a committee I'd love to end up chairing or be move involved with. There is a lot of good places out there: telecommunications, labor and workforce development. There are a lot of areas I am interested in that are really important to this district and now that I have a strong foundation in the house behind me, I'd like to really start making an impact in policy that could be felt all across the state," he said.

 

Mark is also looking to make a push on the last mile of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute's efforts to install high-speed internet in every corner of the commonwealth.

 

"The towns that I represent, the town I live in, are sick of waiting. We need movement and we need it quick," Mark said.

 

Mark was first elected in 2010, winning the Democratic nomination over Noreen Suriner and Thomas Szczepaniak and then besting Republican Michael Case and independent Stefan Racz in the general election. The seat was open after Denis Guyer opted not to run for re-election after three terms. At the time, Mark lived in Hancock and the district covered a large stretch on the northern portion of the state.

 

The 2010 Census led to redistricting and the Second Berkshire district saw the biggest change among the Berkshire House of Representatives seats with a move eastward. In anticipation, Mark moved to Peru and, in 2012, was elected to the newly crafted district in an unopposed race. He also ran unopposed in 2014. 

 

This year he had considered running for the state Senate seat being vacated by Benjamin Downing but ultimately decided to stay in the House of Representatives.

 

"It feels really good that people six years into this are still excited about me doing this job. They still want me to keep running and they still come out," Mark said. 

 

"Every time I have a fundraiser it still amazes me when somebody gives me a check, even if it $50, that someone works hard, take money and they give it to me because they want to see me get elected. That never gets taken for granted and it just amazes me. It reinforces that people like the work I am doing and it keeps me excited."