Aaron Vega sworn-in to represent Holyoke in House of Representatives

WWLP TV

Updated: Jan 2, 2013 8:07 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — Sixteen new lawmakers were sworn into the House of Representatives on Wednesday, including Holyoke Representative Aaron Vega.

Vega, a Democrat, is the only newcomer to the Legislature from Western Massachusetts. He told 22News that his focus this session will be on job creation and finding ways to make growing businesses easier for young entrepreneurs.

Rep. Vega echoed House Speaker Robert DeLeo’s call for transportation and infrastructure development, and says he and plans to make sure Holyoke has a voice in those talks.

“The state is often our ally, but sometimes, though, they don’t know our story in Holyoke and sometimes they’re an obstacle. So, when I look at revitalizing downtown and re-use of old buildings, I think we need to tell the story of and tell what we need here in Boston, how they’re going to be able to help us in Western Mass,” Vega said.

Representative Vega has served two terms as a Holyoke City Councilor at-large. He won a three-way election in November over Republican City Councilor Linda Vacon and Independent Jerry Hobert.

Vacon was born in South Holyoke and owns a yoga studio in the city with his wife, Debra.

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