Swampscott woman eyes fall showdown with Ehrlich

SWAMPSCOTT – A newcomer from Swampscott hopes to take on incumbent Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) for the 8th Essex District state representative seat.Republican Katherine Kozitza, 45, said she expects to secure a spot on the ballot come November for the seat that represents Swampscott, Marblehead and Ward 3, Precinct 4 and Ward 4, Precinct 4 in Lynn.Kozitza, who moved to Swampscott six years ago, said she used to be a Democrat then switched to Independent before enrolling as a Republican six years ago.She has never been married, grew up in Santa Barbara, Calif. and received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She received her MD from the University of Massachusetts Worcester. Kozitza, who has a private psychiatric practice in downtown Lynn, said she has no intention of becoming a career politician.”I will continue to practice medicine, which is my career,” she said. “I may cut back on a few patients but I love my practice and will continue to practice medicine.”Kozitza said she decided to run for state representative because as a physician who opened her own practice recently, she has been bogged down by government regulations.”Every day, I struggle to satisfy government regulations,” she said. “The government regulations compromise my ability to practice medicine and as a small business owner I struggle with taxes.”Kozitza said if elected she would work to reduce taxes and cut the state payroll.”If elected I will honor the people’s vote in 2000 by lowering the state income tax to 5 percent.” she said. “And eliminate the 2 percent (Gov. Deval) Patrick-Ehrlich sales tax hike. Patrick promised to cut property taxes but they’ve risen in Swampscott.”Ehrlich, who lives in Marblehead with her husband and their two children, said she is running for re-election because she enjoys serving her constituents in all three communities.”I have well established roots in all three communities,” she said. “The past two years have been a personal joy. I grew up here, have always been very involved in my community, but representing this district is a distinct honor. I gave up my accounting practice of 20 years to take this job and for me this is a full time job. I love every minute of it. I’m proud of my record and my accomplishments in just a short period of time as a state legislator.”Ehrlich pointed out she is CPA and was one of the legislators who helped find a way to avoid doubling tolls along the Mass Pike.”I’m proud of my record in the two years that I’ve been in the legislature which shows political independence and hard work,” she said. “I’m especially proud of my success in working to battle back the proposed doubling of tolls on the North Shore and my work forming coalitions in the legislature on other local issues involving school funding and public safety.”