John L. Worden III, Arlington Town Meeting moderator for 19 years, has announced his candidacy for the state representative seat for the 23rd Middlesex District, held since 1990 by James Marzilli, who was elected the state Senate on Dec. 11.  “I want to be a strong voice for the people of Arlington and West Medford at the State House, and use the skills I have learned – both as a practicing lawyer and a participant in the public forum – to help formulate just and reasonable laws for Massachusetts.

"As a member of the local legislature for 38 years, and its presiding officer for half of that time, I feel that I have the edge on legislative experience over any other candidate," Worden said in announcing his candidacy.

Until earlier this year, Worden served as moderator of the Town of Arlington, a position to which he did not seek re-election. In that capacity he made numerous appointments and also helped establish committees in many fields, all working to maintain Arlington as a good place in which to live.

In order to get on the ballot for the election, 150 signatures of Independent and Republican voters are required on his nomination sheets. His papers are available for signing at his home at 27 Jason St. all day Saturday, Dec. 22, when egg nog and cider will be available. 

Nomination sheets must be filed with the Town Clerk the day after Christmas. For those who could not make it on Saturday, the nomination sheets are available to sign at all times until the morning after Christmas on the front porch of the Wordens' home, at 27 Jason St.

If more convenient, nomination papers will also be available at 106 Spring St. 

We realize that this is a really busy time of year for most people, but the tight schedule was established not by us, but by the state.

Worden has a long record of service to the Town and to civic and public causes:

Worden, an attorney, has been in private practice since 1963.  Since 1975, he has been a member of Simonds, Winslow, Willis & Abbott in Boston, specializing in wills, trusts, probate, and real estate.

He is a member of several professional legal associations.

He is a graduate of Harvard Law School and St. Bonaventure University. Married to Dr. Patricia B. Worden (a former member of Arlington’s School Committee and Housing Authority), he has five children and seven grandchildren.