From the Tufts Daily, October 4, 1996
Telecommunications staffer takes government into his own hands
by TONY KAHN--Daily Staff Writer
It may surprise some of you to learned that Tufts has a candidate running
for the office of state representative. His name is Ron Bargoot, and he is a
Libertarian candidate. Bargoot has been working in the telecommunications
department at Tufts as a customer service assistant since January.
He was born and raised in Somerville, the second generation to do so since
his grandparents moved here over 80 years ago. He feels that this would give
the city an advantage, because he takes the community's issues to heart.
"The main reason I'm running is that people are asking me to," Bargoot said.
His increasing frustration with the views and voting patterns of the current
representative, Patricia Jehlen, caused him to take a chance and run for a
public office. This is his first try at a political office, but he has been
the communications coordinator for his party for the past four and a half
years.
As a Libertarian, Bargoot believes in minimal government, and his party has
been described as "socially liberal and fiscally conservative." He supports
capital punishment for certain violent crimes, is pro-choice, and believes
pot should be legalized.
"Violent criminals belong in jail. People who get caught with a joint in
their pocket don't. It's that simple," he said.
If elected, Bargoot plans to act as a link between the public and the state
legislation. The function of this position is analogous to that of a
congressman, only at a state level. He would represent his district to the
state, and would vote on legislation.
He also would be in a position to introduce legislation that can lead to
laws, such as a repeal on the state's ban on tattoo parlors, which he
supports.
The Libertarian platform is completely based on the Bill of Rights. Bargoot
says he supports individual rights, not judgements on the validity of
morals. He does not support social welfare or health care, and feels that
the federal and state governments should not be doing anything that isn't
directly specified in the Constitution. Bargoot does not believe people
should need a permit or license to start a business.
"Free minds and free markets" is one of his philosophies.
Perhaps Bargoot's main selling point, is that he truly enjoys all aspects of
the position.
"I enjoy getting up in front of people and trying to express my view on the
way things should be. There's nothing I like better than a good debate," he said.