Arthur E. Chase

Arthur E. Chase
Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the Worcester District
In office
1991–1995
Preceded by Thomas P. White
Succeeded by Robert A. Bernstein
Personal details
Born (1930-02-04)February 4, 1930
Worcester, Massachusetts
Died January 5, 2015(2015-01-05) (aged 84)
Worcester, Massachusetts[1]
Resting place B'nei Brith cemetery, Worcester, Massachusetts[1]
Nationality United States
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Wynne L. Chase and later Elaine Kaufman Chase[1]
Residence Naples, Florida[1]
Alma mater Worcester Junior College
Occupation Businessman
Politician

Arthur E. Chase (February 4, 1930 – January 5, 2015) was an American businessman and politician who represented the Worcester District in the Massachusetts Senate from 1991–1995.[2] He co-founded the Central Massachusetts Legislative Caucus.[1][3] In 1991 he designed the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI and in 1992 sponsored legislation to create it.[4][5][6][7][8][9] He was the Republican nominee for Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1994, but lost in the general election to William F. Galvin.[10]

Early life

Chase was born on February 4, 1930 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Commerce High School and founded Chase Paper Co. in 1947 and in 1951.Worcester Junior College, Worcester, Massachusetts[1] Chase served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.[2][11]

Business career

In 1947, Chase and his family founded Chase Paper Company, a stationery company.[12] In 1977, Chase was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Small Business Person of the Year. That same year he received a certificate from the Harvard Business School Smaller Company Management Program[11] The company was chosen to print the official invitations for the 1981 inauguration of Ronald Reagan.[13] In 1984, Chase sold his interest in Chase Paper Company.[14]

In 1989, Chase founded a second stationery company, Checkerboard Ltd. Checkerboard specializes in personalized invitations and stationery.[15] It was one of the first stationery companies to offer the products created with recycled paper.[14] In 1992, Chase convinced his youngest son, Micah Chase, to join the company. He succeeded his father as Checkerboard's CEO in 1994.[15][16] In 2011, Checkerboard received the Central Massachusetts Family Business Award from the Graduate School of Management at Clark University.[17]

Worcester city government

Chase's career in public service began as a member the advisory board of Quinsigamond Community College.[11] From 1978 to 1981 he was a member of the Worcester School Committee.[13] During his tenure on the School Committee, Chase supported bilingual education and successfully pushed for public transportation in Latino neighborhoods where the children had been forced to take dangerous short cuts to get to school.[18] He is also credited with leading the move to consolidate the Vocational and Public School systems in the City of Worcester.[19]

From 1983 to 1989, Chase served as an at-large member of the Worcester City Council.[20] Councilor Chase was a fiscal conservative who led the fights for a water purification and filtration system, streamlining of the city's data processing system, proper handling of hazardous waste, affirmative action, broader representation on city boards and commissions, and cleaning up and improving the inner-city neighborhoods.[21][22]

Massachusetts State Senate

Chase represented Boylston, Clinton, Shrewsbury, West Boylston and Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 of Worcester in the Massachusetts Senate from 1991 to 1995. During this time he served on the Counties (1991-1994), Ways and Means (1991-1994), Health Care (1991-1992), Steering and Policy (1991-1992), Education (1993-1994), Arts and Humanities (1993-1994), Local Affairs (1993-1994), and Public Service Committees (1993-1994).[11]

During his tenure in the Senate, Chase co-founded the Central Massachusetts Legislative Caucus.[3] He designed the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI then the sponsored legislation to create it,[4][5][6][7][8][9] and was a leader in the effort to abolish county governments,[23][24][25][26][27] reform unemployment insurance laws, and correct flaws in the program that allowed students to attend school in neighboring districts.,[3][28] supported the creation of a commuter rail service between Worcester and Boston[29] Chase was also pro-choice, which put him at odds with some members of his party.[29]

In 1991, Senator Chase fought against the way the School Choice bill was being financed, which he felt was a "reverse Robin Hood" that took money away from poorer communities to finance richer ones. Amendments were later made over the course of the next three years that changed the way that school choice would be funded.[30][31][32][33][34]

As part of the 17-member special commission to study the problem of state-operated hospitals, Chase was instrumental moving mental health patients from old and ill-equipped state hospitals into community-based services that were both more effective and less expensive than institutional care. In addition to improving the conditions for the mental health patients, this was estimated to have saved the Commonwealth of Massachusetts more than $35 million in annual operating costs and another $40 million in capital costs that would otherwise need to be spent to bring antiquated facilities up to the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization and the Health Care Finance Administration.[35][36]

In 1993, Chase opposed the legislative override of the Governor's veto of the Pacheco anti-privatization bill because he felt that the law "serves only to protect the monopoly of a government bureaucracy..."[37]

When the budget from the Senate Ways and Means Committee appeared to "punish" State Senator Chase's district for openly challenging the power of the President of the Senate, Billy Bulger, Chase managed to mobilize other key legislators and organization to undo most of the damage.

In order to undo the move of the $1.5 million annual operating costs of Clinton's sewage treatment plant from the Massachusetts Water Authority to the local residents despite the agreement from 1897 to provide Clinton with free sewage in return for allowing 40% of the town to be submerged to create the Wachusett Reservoir, Senator Chase worked with Senator Robert A. Antonioni D-Leominster to get that change removed from the budget. The district of Senator Antonioni, who was from the Senate President's political party, included Lancaster which was tied into the Clinton sewage system and would have had to share the financial burden.[38]

In order to return a $22 million subsidy for the University of Massachusetts Medical School that is located in Worcester, Chase turned to the Central Massachusetts Legislative Caucus which he had co-founded, and received the support of the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in order to reinstate the subsidy into the final budget that came out of the Senate-House conference committee.[39][40]

After Senator Chase was unable to get the funding for the Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science that was cut budget returned, managed to undo the damage by convincing Worcester Polytechnic Institute which hosted the academy, to loan the funds until they could be added as an attachment to a future bill.[41]

Campaign for Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

In 1994, Chase ran for Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He was the first Republican candidate to enter the race. His candidacy was poorly received by some members of his party, who circulated buttons that said "Anybody But Chase" and "Another Republican for Augie Grace" (a Democratic candidate for Secretary of the Commonwealth). House Minority Leader Peter Forman later entered the race and defeated Chase at the state party convention 66% to 34%. However, because Chase received more than 15% of the vote, he earned a spot on the primary ballot.[29] Chase defeated Forman in the primary by 753 votes, but lost to William F. Galvin in the general election 55% to 41%.[10]

Later campaigns

After leaving the Senate, Chase continued to campaign to end county government[42][43] and is credited with getting rid of the excesses of County Government.[44]

In 1995, Chase was named Massachusetts chairman of Arlen Specter's presidential campaign.[45]

In 1996, Chase ran for Treasurer of Worcester County, Massachusetts. He lost to incumbent Michael J. Donoughue 57% to 43%.[13][46]

Republican party

Arthur E. Chase was a businessman whose political positions sometimes put him at odds with his Republican colleagues. He was considered a very pragmatic politician who was not afraid to take unpopular positions and who was highly respected by Democrats and Republicans alike.[47]

As a state senator from the minority party, he worked with Democratic legislators to create the Central Massachusetts Legislative Caucus, which was organized around issues related to Central Massachusetts.[48]

In 1988, Arthur Chase was a delegate to Republican National Convention from Massachusetts.[49]

Civic leadership

Arthur Chase set an example as a leader willing to make changes at the expense of popularity. In 1992, he supported the use of less expensive flag men at construction site instead of paid policemen at construction site,[50] thereby risking the votes policemen in his district. At meetings to prevent the siting of a group home for mentally handicapped adolescents in a neighborhood in his district, Chase openly opposed efforts to ban group homes within 1000 feet of a school on the grounds that it would effectively keep such homes out of the city of Worcester altogether.[51][52] Chase regularly served as an emergency foster parent for abused, neglected and runaway adolescents through Y.O.U. Inc.[53]

Community theater

Starting with a lead role as the Mikado in 1947, Arthur was an active member of the Worcester County Light Opera Club (WCLOC) Theater Company.He served as WCLOC President for the 1954-1955 season.[54] In the 21st season he played Mayor Shinn in Music Man.[55]

Naples Florida

Arthur moved to Naples, Florida with his wife Elaine in 2004, and soon after, was on the board of directors for the Heron in Pelican Bay. While in Naples and on the board of directors, Chase worked to preserve the Clam Pass and its mangrove forest. He also supported Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Naples Council on World Affairs, the Naples Botanical Gardens, the Neighborhood Health Clinic, Planned Parenthood of Collier County, the local Holocaust Museum and the Mangrove Action Group.[56]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lisa Eckelbecker (6 January 2015). "'A very pragmatic guy' Arthur Chase, former state senator, dies at 84". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. p. 1 and A10.
  2. 1 2 1993–1994 Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  3. 1 2 3 Hammel, Lee (October 30, 1992). "Chase proud of his record". Telegram & Gazette.
  4. 1 2 Susan L.J. Dickinson (May 11, 1992). "Although Some Cynics Call Them Elitist, Math And Science Magnet Schools Flourish". The Scientist magazine. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  5. 1 2 Karen Diegmueller (February 19, 1992). "Academy of Math, Science Proposed in Massachusetts". Education Week. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Massachusetts to Open a Public Science School". New York Times. February 19, 1992. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  7. 1 2 Jack Minch (7 November 2011). "Academy of Math classes plus dedicated students equals success". Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  8. 1 2 Michael Barney (13 January 2015). "Chase's educational legacy As I See It". Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
  9. 1 2 "Mass Academy of Math and Science to Name Its Brickyard in Honor of Former Sen. Arthur Chase". http://www.wpi.edu. Worcester Polytechnic Institute. June 2, 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2015. External link in |website= (help)
  10. 1 2 Massachusetts Election Statistics 1994.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Mary B. Bicknell, Abigail Cramer (1995–2012). "Arthur E. Chase Papers, 1990-1995" (PDF). State Library of Massachusetts - Special Collections Department. Ms. Coll. 71 Arthur E. Chase Papers, 1990-1995: Guide: 2. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  12. ↑ "Meet the Family at Checkerboard!". Brides. Checkerboard, Ltd. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  13. 1 2 3 Nangle, Richard (October 15, 1996). "Donoghue, Chase vie for role in county's demise". Telegram & Gazette.
  14. 1 2 Elkins, Ken (January 21, 1991). "Checkerboard chases paper". Telegram & Gazette.
  15. 1 2 Towne, Jon (October 2, 2011). "Micah S. Chase". Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  16. ↑ Roberge, Amanda (March 25, 2012). "Checkerboard: A Business Made Of Paper". Worcester Business Journal. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  17. ↑ "When Entrepreneurship Is All In the Family" (PDF). Connect. Clark University (Fall 2011): 7. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  18. ↑ editors; Hardy-Fanta, Carol; Gerson, Jeffrey (2001). "An Insider's History of Latino Politics: Worcester". Latino politics in Massachusetts : struggles, strategies, and prospects. New York: Routledge. pp. 180–182. ISBN 0-8153-3142-8.
  19. ↑ Nancy Noburt, representing the City Manager's Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "Arthur Chase's last Worcester city council meeting". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  20. ↑ Taylor, Gayle (October 30, 1989). "Chase honored in farewell celebration". Telegram & Gazette.
  21. ↑ Nancy Noburt, representing the City Manager's Advisory Council on the Status of Women; Jane Despails, President of the Queen Russel and Austin Street Neighborhood Concern Group. "Arthur Chase's last Worcester city council meeting". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  22. ↑ John Carnegie (8 January 2015). "Recalling Arthur Chase as a friend, professional ally". Worcester Magazine. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  23. ↑ "Let It Go \ Push To Abolish County Government Is Timely". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. July 25, 1994.
  24. ↑ "Chase's Abolition Bill Gains Backers". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. March 23, 1991.
  25. ↑ Chase, Arthur (April 5, 1991). "Report by Senator Arthur E. Chase, with legislation to abolish county government (1991)". Boston : Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Senate. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  26. ↑ Richard T. Moore (November 30, 2005). "NJ looks to Massachusetts to map end of county government". http://www.senatormoore.com. Retrieved 17 January 2015. External link in |website= (help)
  27. ↑ "Try, Try Again \ County Abolition Needs Public Support". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. December 13, 1992.
  28. ↑ "Massachusetts to Open a Public Science School". The New York Times. February 19, 1992. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  29. 1 2 3 Nangle, Richard (September 13, 1994). "Chase has anti-big government pitch". Telegram & Gazette.
  30. ↑ "School-choice law won't work without transportation help". Boston Herald. November 29, 1992.
  31. ↑ "Pol's school choice plan makes state pick up tab". Boston Herald. August 13, 1991.
  32. ↑ "Massachusetts Districts Turn Thumbs Down On State's Hastily". Education Week. September 11, 1991. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  33. ↑ Karen Diegmueller (May 13, 1992). "Mass. Education Panel Votes To Repeal Choice Law". Education Week. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  34. ↑ CL Glenn. "11 - Creating an irresponsible school choice program". The New Politics Of Race And Gender.
  35. ↑ "Panelists: Sweeping changes due". Boston Herald. October 16, 1992.
  36. ↑ Hogarty, Richard A. (2002). "3 (Transforming the Mental Health Care System)". Massachusetts politics and public policy : studies in power and leadership. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press. pp. 89–110. ISBN 978-1558493629.
  37. ↑ Chase, Senator Arthur (Dec 23–30, 1993). "Privatization override means coal for taxpayers". Boston Business Journal.
  38. ↑ "Officials Rally Forces Against MWRA Measure". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. July 17, 1992.
  39. ↑ "Democrats Insist Pair Not Partisan". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. January 31, 1993.
  40. ↑ "UMass Officials Not Happy About Proposed Cut". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. June 18, 1993.
  41. ↑ Edward T. McHugh (11 July 1993). "Bulger & Co. torpedo academy". Sunday Telegram.
  42. ↑ Worcester Telegram & Gazette Boston Bureau (24 Jan 1996). "Weld echoes Arthur Chase's refrain with call to end county government". Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
  43. ↑ McNiff, Brian S. (7 Feb 1995). "Panel questions savings from ending county reign". Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
  44. ↑ "For the good of Worcester". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  45. ↑ Connolly, Timothy J. (September 16, 1995). "Weld link to Wilson tipoff on Senate race". Telegram & Gazette.
  46. ↑ Massachusetts Election Statistics 1996.
  47. ↑ Paul Giorgio (7 January 2015). "Giorgio: Arthur Chase: My Friend and My Kind of Republican". GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  48. ↑ Lisa Eckelbecker (January 5, 2015). "Arthur Chase, businessman and former state senator, dies at 84". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  49. ↑ "Index to Politicians". http://politicalgraveyard.com. Retrieved 17 January 2015. External link in |website= (help)
  50. ↑ "Police Union Hears From Candidates". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. September 17, 1992.
  51. ↑ "In praise of a life well-lived". Worcester Telegram and Gazette. 7 September 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  52. ↑ Williamson, Dianne (2 May 1993). "Bandwagon no place for leader". Worcester Telegram and Gazette.
  53. ↑ Boisvert, Maurice J. (September 21, 2014). "Sen. Chase a true role model". Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  54. ↑ "wcloc Theater Company". http://wcloc.org/. Retrieved 14 January 2015. External link in |website= (help)
  55. ↑ Keys, John F. "Opera Club Produces 'Music Man'". Worcester Telegram. Some of the vivid characterizations are those of Charlie Cowell, the anvil salesman, by Nils Hagverg, Mayor Shinn by Arther E. Chase and his wife Eulalie by Maureen Zlody
  56. ↑ Tim Nance (County Commissioner) (27 January 2015). "Proclamation honoring the memory of Arthur Chase and recognizing his contributions to the community.". Collier County, Florida: Board of County Commissioners, Collier County. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
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