He was praised for bringing alcohol to Belmont, his mother remembered him receiving the "golden donkey" award in 1980 and a colleague said he not only "walks the walk but rides the bike."

But for State Rep. Will Brownsberger, he said the best thing he heard Monday night at the "soft" start of his campaign to fill the seat of state senator Steven Tolman who resigned last week was "people saying they were supporting me."

About 50 residents and donors, friends and family – including his very proud parents – came to Patou Thai restaurant in Belmont Center on Oct. 17 to have a drink and partake in egg rolls and veggies with a peanut sauce dip and provide financial and personal support for the coming race, which will only be two months long with the primary election scheduled for Dec. 13.

Longtime Belmont resident Connie Williams said she and her husband, Preston, have known Brownsberger since he started his career "and he has always been on the right side of the issues."

Paul Green will not have the opportunity to vote for Brownsberger this time as he is only 17 but after spending a summer internship with the Belmont state rep. Green said "he's a really straightforward and honest which I think will impress young voters."

Paul Solomon, who served with Brownsberger on the Board of Selectman, introduced the candidate as a legislator who remains in constant contact with his constitutancy in an effort to be accountable to voters and all residents in his district.

And his legislative colleague, state Rep. Lori Ehrlich of Marblehead and Lynn – who voiced the "ride the bike" comment (Brownsberger recently completed a ride across the nation and is known for biking to Beacon Hill) – said that Brownsberger is a lawmaker who not only seeks to get waste out of government but also is willing to say "'let's iron out a compromise' to pass important legislation."

"I want you to vote for me because I'm going to work for you," said the candidate, adding that "I'm someone who gets things done," including work such as state-wide pension reform which he was recognized with a national award this year by the Pioneer Institute.

Brownsberger hopes to garner the work of supporters to get the word out that not only is he running but why residents should vote for him.

"I will win because of the people here," he said later.