Kate Jackson holds up a copy of Monday's Sun Chronicle, highlighting a story about the state's budget woes, during her campaign kickoff Monday night at the Blackinton Inn in Attleboro. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)

ATTLEBORO - Democrat Kate Jackson said Monday she wants to be elected to the state Legislature to fight for more local aid to help cities and towns with budget problems.

Holding up Monday's Sun Chronicle with the headline "Budget in the Dumps," Jackson said she wants to join a class of freshmen legislators dedicated to changing the way the Statehouse functions.

"I'm anxious to get to Beacon Hill and change legislation," she said.

Noting the difficult budget problems facing the state, she joked: "What the heck am I getting into."

The state is struggling with a projected budget deficit and intends to hold financial aid to cities and towns to level funding. Municipal officials contend level funding will cause them to cut services because of rising costs.

Jackson's comments came at a campaign kick off event at Blackinton Inn attended by about 60 people, including City Councilors Walter Thibodeau and Peter Blais.  A former city councilor herself, Jackson is joining a field of candidates that include two other city councilors, Bill Bowles, a Democrat, and George Ross, a Republican. The winner will succeed Rep. John Lepper, who is retiring.

Jackson ran unsuccessfully against Lepper two years ago, but is giving it another try.

She was introduced at the event by Walter Cryan, a retired Rhode Island TV news anchor and Attleboro resident.

Long time newscaster Walter Cryan chats with Kate Jackson before she made her announcement. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)

Kate Jackson gets a good luck kiss from her grandson, Tucker Francis 5, of Swansea just before announcing her candidacy at the Blackington Inn Monday. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)

Cryan said he does not agree with a lot of the changes taking place in Attleboro, saying decisions were made without the common sense approach that Jackson typifies.

"Our Kate has common sense and both feet on the ground," he said after leading the gathering in a chant of "Kate in '08."

"She has experience from being on the city council and she will bring that to Beacon Hill," he said.

Jackson said Cryan is an old friend.

She said her top issues in the campaign would be state aid to cities and towns, working for funding for a new high school and helping to complete the city's new industrial park. 
Long time newscaster Walter Cryan chats with Kate Jackson before she made her announcement. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)

Kate Jackson gets a good luck kiss from her grandson, Tucker Francis 5, of Swansea just before announcing her candidacy at the Blackington Inn Monday. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)