Arthur E. Chase

Arthur E. Chase was a prominent American businessman and politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts State Senate, representing the Worcester District from 1991 to 1995. A member of the Republican Party, Chase was known for his involvement in various legislative initiatives and community-focused projects. His career spanned both the public and private sectors, where he made significant contributions to education, mental health services, and local governance.

Early life and career

Arthur E. Chase was born on February 4, 1930, in Worcester, Massachusetts. His early education culminated in his graduation from Commerce High School in 1947, followed by further studies at Worcester Junior College, where he earned his degree in 1951. Following his academic pursuits, Chase served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, an experience that likely shaped his future endeavors in both business and public service.

Chase's professional journey began in 1947 when he co-founded the Chase Paper Company, a stationery business that would become a significant part of his career. Under his leadership, the company gained recognition, and in 1977, Chase was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Small Business Person of the Year. His commitment to business excellence was further demonstrated when he completed the Smaller Company Management Program at Harvard Business School in the same year. The Chase Paper Company achieved notable milestones, including printing the official invitations for the 1981 inauguration of President Ronald Reagan. In 1984, Chase sold his interest in the company, marking a transition in his professional focus.

In 1989, Chase established a second stationery venture, Checkerboard Ltd., which specialized in personalized invitations and stationery. This company was notable for being one of the early adopters of using recycled paper in its products. In 1992, he encouraged his youngest son, Micah Chase, to join the family business, and Micah eventually succeeded his father as CEO in 1994. Checkerboard Ltd. continued to thrive and received recognition, including the Central Massachusetts Family Business Award from Clark University in 2011.

Chase's commitment to public service began with his involvement in local education, serving on the advisory board of Quinsigamond Community College. He was elected to the Worcester School Committee from 1978 to 1981, where he advocated for bilingual education and improved public transportation for Latino neighborhoods. His efforts in this role included initiatives to consolidate the Vocational and Public School systems in Worcester, demonstrating his focus on educational reform and community welfare. Following his tenure on the School Committee, Chase served as an at-large member of the Worcester City Council from 1983 to 1989. During this period, he was recognized as a fiscal conservative and championed various initiatives, including the establishment of a water purification system, improvements to the city's data processing, and better management of hazardous waste.

Legislative service

Chase's legislative career began when he was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, where he represented a diverse constituency that included Boylston, Clinton, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, and several wards in Worcester. His tenure in the Senate lasted from 1991 to 1995, during which he served on multiple committees, including Counties, Ways and Means, Health Care, Steering and Policy, Education, Arts and Humanities, Local Affairs, and Public Service.

One of Chase's notable achievements in the Senate was his role in co-founding the Central Massachusetts Legislative Caucus, which aimed to address regional issues and promote collaboration among legislators from Central Massachusetts. He was instrumental in the design and legislative sponsorship of the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, an initiative that sought to enhance educational opportunities in the STEM fields.

Chase was also an advocate for significant reforms in various areas, including the abolition of county governments and the reform of unemployment insurance laws. He worked to address flaws in the school choice program, advocating for a funding structure that would not disadvantage poorer communities. His commitment to education extended to supporting the creation of a commuter rail service between Worcester and Boston, which aimed to improve transportation options for residents.

In addition to his educational initiatives, Chase was a member of a special commission that focused on improving mental health services in Massachusetts. He played a key role in transitioning mental health patients from outdated state-operated hospitals to community-based services, which were both more effective and cost-efficient. This initiative was projected to save the state millions of dollars in operating and capital costs while improving the quality of care for mental health patients.

Chase's legislative efforts were not without controversy. He opposed the override of the Governor's veto of the Pacheco anti-privatization bill, arguing that it protected government bureaucracy at the expense of efficiency. He also faced challenges when the Senate Ways and Means Committee's budget appeared to penalize his district for its opposition to the Senate President. In response, he mobilized support from fellow legislators to mitigate the impact of the budget on his constituents.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Chase's policy focus reflected a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and community welfare. He was known for his advocacy of education reform, mental health services, and local governance issues. His efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, particularly the commuter rail service, underscored his dedication to enhancing connectivity for residents in his district.

Chase's work on the Senate's Ways and Means Committee allowed him to influence budgetary decisions that directly affected his constituents. He successfully campaigned against the transfer of financial burdens related to the Clinton sewage treatment plant from the Massachusetts Water Authority to local residents, arguing for adherence to historical agreements that promised free sewage services in exchange for land use. This effort demonstrated his commitment to protecting the interests of his district.

In summary, Arthur E. Chase's career as a businessman and politician was marked by significant contributions to the Massachusetts State Senate and the communities he served. His focus on education, mental health, and local governance left a lasting impact on the Worcester District and the broader Massachusetts legislative landscape. Chase's legacy is characterized by his dedication to public service and his efforts to improve the lives of his constituents through thoughtful policy initiatives and community engagement.