Questionnaire for Bedford’s State Rep and State Senate Candidates

Prepared by The Bedford League of Women Voters

The Bedford League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization with a strong record of providing voters with information to inform their decisions.  In preparation for the State Primary, we invited the candidates to respond to four questions with word limitations.   The following are the responses we received, offered to assist you in how you will exercise your right and responsibility to vote on September 6.

Candidates for State Representative in the 21^st Middlesex District

An election to fill the position currently held by Charley Murphy who is retiring.

The 21^st Middlesex District includes Bedford, Burlington and Precinct 3 in Wilmington.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

On the Democratic Primary ballot

Editor’s Note ~ Write-in Candidates in the Democratic Primary: Charley Murphy, the current Representative for the 21^st Middlesex has announced his resignation effective at the end of the current session.  His name will appear on the ballot because his plans were announced after the ballots were printed.  Therefore, those voting in the Democratic primary have the option of a write-in or to vote for Charley Murphy.  If Mr. Murphy receives the majority, a decision on the Democratic nominee to appear on the November ballot will be made by a caucus consisting of proportional delegates elected by each Town Committee from its membership.

Dave Fionda

What prepares you to be an effective State Representative for the 21^st Middlesex District?  (300 words)

 My name is Dave Fionda and I am a write-in Democratic candidate to be your full-time State Representative.

I am a first generation Italian-American who started a family business with my Dad and worked three jobs to put myself through college.

Like my friend Ralph Hammond, I was a Rotary District Governor, coordinating the humanitarian and community service efforts of Rotary clubs in 47 communities in Eastern Mass.

My very successful efforts working with business and community leaders in these 47 communities are great preparation for the challenges in dealing with the different constituencies as your State Representative.

I also believe that my training as a CPA and proven common sense, business approach will be an asset on Beacon Hill; where there are currently only 2 CPA’s working on a $32 billion dollar budget.

I served two terms as a Burlington Town Meeting Member, chairing the Land Use and Information Services Advisory Committees.   I’ve raised a daughter as a single parent, rebuilt homes in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, fought to protect the environment, coached basketball, softball, and football,  participated in the Walk for Hunger and cycled in the Pan Mass Challenge nine times to raise money for cancer research.

When Charley Murphy announced he was not seeking re-election, I saw an opportunity to take my lifelong commitment to helping others to another level.

I am running because I passionately believe that it is time for Beacon Hill to Put People First.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

As a long-time cyclist, I am a strong supporter of public transportation.  After college, I backpacked my way through Europe, marveling at their system of buses, subways and trains that serve so many areas cheaply and efficiently.

In 2000, the state transferred $3.3 billion of Big Dig debt to the MBTA, and then dedicated 20% of sales tax revenues to fund this debt.  Since then sales tax receipts have decreased. Now the MBTA’s debt is more than five times its initial value.

Does it make sense that a public transportation agency should carry a huge share of the Big Dig’s debt, which was built for private transportation?    No.

We need to identify solutions so the MBTA can deliver services more efficiently, and find ways to increase ridership. We should not increase fares or cut services. As a last resort, an increase in the gasoline tax, dedicated to the MBTA, should be considered.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

I believe that this law was a very important first step in moving Massachusetts to a system which provides affordable health care to all of our residents.  This law has significantly reduced the amount of free care provided to individuals without insurance that was previously absorbed by those of us who had health insurance.

I support the recently passed health care reform legislation, which looks to cap health care spending from growing faster than the state economy through 2017. It is expected to save over $200 billion in costs over the next 15 years by encouraging providers to use less expensive procedures and better coordinate patients’ care to keep them healthier.

As a member of the legislature, I will work to build on our success in reforming our health care system so that universal health care can continue to be provided without bankrupting our state.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

I spent five years on the School Council of my daughter’s elementary and middle schools. I also taught accounting at Babson College and executive education and professional development courses all through the United States and Canada.

The teachers I have spoken with are increasingly frustrated by the ever changing state-mandated frameworks that force them to make significant revisions in their lesson plans and preparation each year.

They want the opportunity to influence the curriculum to provide the highest quality education to our kids. Too often these mandates don’t leave room to let our teachers do what they do best.

We need to provide local school districts, and most importantly the teachers who work with our students every day, more latitude in designing the curriculum.  This will help them provide our students with the critical skills that they will need to be successful in the world.

Ken Gordon

What prepares you to be an effective State Representative for the 21st^st Middlesex District?  (300 words)

 In my 21 years in the district, I have done more than talk about the issues that affect our community:  I have taken the time to make a difference. I am the vice-chairman of the Bedford Zoning Board of Appeals, which is involved in the important issues of land use and sign restrictions.  I am chairman of the Bedford Cultural Council, which awards grants to local artists and those involved in science, education and humanities.  I coached youth soccer and baseball for four years. I currently manage a team of fourth-grade boys in a program called Destination Imagination. I participated on the committee of the All-Night Graduation Party long before my now 9-year old son was born. I have contributed to our community as a town volunteer and continue to do so.

My career reflects these same values.  I chose to leave the security of large Boston firm practice for a solo career in 2000.  I did it because I wanted to represent the interests of people who had no voice and needed help.  Since that time, I have represented people who were discriminated against in the work place on the basis of race, religion, age, sexual orientation or other class membership. When my clients’ employers finally show them the respect they deserve, or face a penalty for not doing so, I have the satisfaction that I did a job worth doing.

Serving as a State Representative will allow me serve the district with the same passion as those who came to me for help in the past.  While I have become well prepared to serve in the legislature, I did so not to create a resume, but because it was the right thing to do.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

The efficient operation of the MBTA is essential to our community.  We must reduce the amount of cars on the road to solve traffic and pollution problems.  Workers who commute to and from Boston, students, and those in the service, hotel and restaurant industries depend on the T. I would not impose another fare increase, as was just done.  Instead, I have two proposals: First, I would eliminate the exemption from sales tax on candy and soda.  Eliminating the exemption would raise $61.5 million a year.

Second, I would increase the gas tax by four cents a gallon. Massachusetts has the second lowest gas tax in New England, eight cents lower than Maine.  We can absorb a tax that will cost the average motorist just 24 dollars a year (12,000 miles at 20 mpg). Together these proposals would put the MBTA on a sound financial footing.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

Our state leads the country in reforming the health care system. Some 98 percent of Massachusetts residents are covered by a health care plan. I am very much in favor of Gov. Patrick’s cost containment plan to convert from a system where insurance companies pay hospitals and doctors per procedure, to one where they are paid a flat amount for all the needs of the person for whom they care.  The healthier they keep us, the more profitable it is for the health care facility.  This is a marvelous change in the way we approach health care.

Providers are motivated to provide early detection screenings, wellness checks, fitness and nutrition advice that will turn health care into a partnership between the patient and physician.  This system must account for the special needs of those with disabilities and others in need of extra care, but it is a positive step.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

Massachusetts has not engaged in a significant overhaul in its provision of educational services since the Education Reform Bill of 1993. That law is 20 years old. It relied on information gathered over a 10 year period before it was implemented.  So the current partnership between the state and local governments concerning the funding of education is based on a law that takes into account 30 year old data.  We must overhaul that law to account for events that have taken place since then. We must put in place through that law a mechanism to ensure Bedford is properly compensated for accepting Hanscom students into the system.  In addition, I would like to explore loosening some of the standardized requirements so that students have the flexibility to study curriculum that is not solely tailored to passing the MCAS, such as a greater emphasis in arts, writing and civics.

Virginia Mooney

The candidate did not respond to the League’s questions.

On the Republican Primary ballot

Walter Zenkin

Editor’s Note:  Mr. Zenkin is a write-in candidate in the Republican Primary.  He will need 150 write-in votes to qualify to appear on the November ballot as the Republican candidate.

The candidate did not respond to the League’s questions.

 

Candidates for State Senator in the 3^rd Middlesex District

An election to fill the position currently held by Susan Fargo who is retiring.

The 3^rd Middlesex Senatorial District includes Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Waltham, Weston and Lexington precincts 3, 8 and 9.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

On the Democratic Primary ballot

Mike Barrett

What prepares you to be an effective State Senator for the 3^rd Middlesex District?  (300 words)

I grew up the second oldest of ten kids, which made me think hard about how to get my fair share of Sealtest ice cream and taught me about problem-solving.  I attended public schools, started working at age 13 to help with family finances, and won a scholarship to Harvard College, paying expenses by cleaning the rooms of the other students during vacations.  I was an Editor of the Harvard Crimson and graduated magna cum laude.

I believe government can do very useful things, ranging from environmental protection to human services to support of local education.  I’m also committed to showing respect for the value of a dollar.

Elected to the Mass. House of Representatives from my hometown of Reading, I stayed true to my roots. After Prop. 2 ½ passed, I led a rank and file uprising on the floor of the House of Representatives to spare school, police and fire services by boosting state aid to cities and towns.  Our rebellion succeeded and I earned Legislator of the Year honors from the Mass. Municipal Association, the voice of local government on Beacon Hill.

When old-style politicians put cronies into county government jobs at taxpayer expense, I drafted a bill removing county budgeting power from the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Counties and moving it into the hands of Mayors and Selectmen.  My colleagues and I – Bedford’s own Carol Amick was an exceptional reform leader – prevailed.  Local officials promptly cut spending, patronage positions and all.

When I left the Senate 18 years ago to run for Governor – and lost – I didn’t become a lobbyist.  I went into the private sector, becoming an expert on health care, computers and the Internet, growth areas of the state economy.  I know about job creation because I’ve actually helped create jobs.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

Transferring MBTA debt to another state agency is a game that doesn’t interest me much.  Nor does the notion that T debt is “Big Dig-related.”  MBTA bonds did finance new subway stations, relocated and rebuilt when many highways went underground.  This T spending was “Big Dig-related,” yes, but it was also mass transit-related.

Unpopular though it may be, I believe we need to bite the bullet and establish a recurring revenue stream for our buses, subways and commuter trains.  I favor a modest increase in the state’s gas tax, from 21 to 25 cents a gallon.  If you drive 12,000 miles a year and get 25 miles to the gallon, this will set you back a grand total of $19.20 a year. Yet, in the aggregate, the extra revenue generated would meet the T’s operating deficit, the very deficit driving our annual crises over fare increases and reduced service.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate?

No question, the increase in insurance coverage has been wonderful, if still short of 100%.  But I’m increasingly worried about the disconnect, built into the reform strategy from the start, between extending coverage (popular, as benefit increases tend to be) and paying for coverage (not so popular, since it involves either charges of some kind or decreases in other spending).  For the past 17 years I’ve been involved with healthcare.  I fear the new health care cost containment law will not meet the financial challenges involved in sustaining healthcare for all.  To save reform, we have our work cut out for us, and I think I can help.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

2013 will mark the 20^th anniversary of the passage of the state’s famous (or infamous) 1993 education reform act.  In 1992-1993, at the behest of the then-Chairs of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, I chaired a special “academic standards and curricular frameworks” committee which developed key sections of the statute.  2013 will be a good time to take stock, inventory successes and misfires, and push for possible changes in the law, and I will work with constituents to do so.

Related to this, I want state aid to local school districts to take into account unique challenges faced by certain communities, Bedford among them.  I look forward to working to make this happen.

Alex Buck

What prepares you to be an effective State Senator for the 3^rd Middlesex District?  (300 words)

I don’t come from a traditional political background. I am an engineer who has worked in the life sciences industry and owned a small business.  I have experience and insight in the role the government can play to promote smart economic development and innovation – one of the most important issues confronting our State and our District.

I am a community activist with a track record of making a difference.  For instance, as Vice Chair of the Chelmsford School Building Committee, I helped guide critical renovations to our high school and middle schools. We kept the project on time and on budget qualifying us for over 50% reimbursement from the state.   I believe that with effective management and extensive community involvement, government can make a positive difference in the lives of all our residents.

I am the product of a public school education through to my degree in Mechanical Engineering from UMass-Lowell. I have two young children and a wife who is a schoolteacher.  I understand the difference quality education can make in one’s life and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to maintain our best in the nation public school system.

Because I haven’t followed the usual path to elected office, I am best suited to stand up to political insiders and special interest groups to fight for our communities. Further, I bring a fresh perspective that can be invaluable to the legislature with our state’s innovation economy.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

I believe that we should take three steps to reduce the financial burden of debt on the MBTA.

First, we should move the obligations incurred for the Big Dig back to the state.  This doesn’t reduce the obligation but it puts its repayment in the proper place.

Second, we should be smart about how we approach parking. We should consider a fee on downtown parking to reduce car traffic and related pollution. The revenue generated from this would go directly to the MBTA.  At the same time, we should expand all remote parking like Alewife which is used by many commuters from our District.  Again revenue would go directly to the MBTA.

Finally, I have called for a small hike in the gas tax to be used exclusively for public transportation, including the MBTA.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

I am proud to live in Massachusetts where we were first in the nation to embrace both universal coverage and now innovative cost containment.  I believe we have proven that the programs envisioned in the Affordable Care Act can work without bankrupting us.   To strengthen the program I believe we should:

• Support paying for medical outcomes rather than for procedures that reduces the cost of care while increasing its efficacy.
• Accelerate the adoption of electronic health records.
• Provide greater transparency to consumers on relative cost and quality of doctors, hospitals and specific treatments.

I also believe we should continue to explore implementing a public option to compete with private insurance.  Such an option lowers costs because it eliminates unnecessary marketing and administrative expenses.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

Education was transformative in my parents’ lives and it was in my life. I received an excellent public education through to my undergraduate degree.   That’s why I believe we must provide a quality education to all children.  I will focus on:

• increased state funding for early childhood education including pre-K and full-day kindergarten;
• adequate education funding for cities and town including reforming Chapter 70;
• public-private partnerships that include our community college system to bring vital technical and vocational training to our workforce;
• supporting a renewed commitment to the maths and sciences while ensuring we have well-rounded children by supporting the arts; and
• supporting the efforts to provide an education for the “whole child.”

I have two young boys who will both go to public school and I am committed to ensuring that every child has the education I want and expect for my boys.

Mara Dolan

What prepares you to be an effective State Senator for the 3^rd Middlesex District?  (300 words)

I’ll get the job done.  I’m running to be your next state senator because we need someone who will be ready on day one to work with colleagues in the senate to not only propose the right legislation, but to get it passed.  As an attorney and social worker, I’ve worked with people on opposite sides, and brought them together over common ground.  It’s time to rebuild the foundation for long-term prosperity with jobs, truly affordable health care, transportation reform, green energy, clean manufacturing, and, at last, great schools kids love where their natural curiosity and desire to succeed are encouraged.

I will lead to make Massachusetts the best state in the country to do business, and make sure we support businesses, especially small businesses, with progressive business practices that help working families.  I am one of only five state senate candidates to have earned the endorsement of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO because they know I’ll be a leader in the Massachusetts State Senate to help the working families who are the backbone of our economy.

I’ll be 50 in September, my daughter is grown, and I have the energy, enthusiasm, and freedom to commit myself full-time to my dream job of Massachusetts State Senator.  I’ve supported myself since I was 18 years old, and have had to work very hard for everything I have.  I finished college, went through law school, passed the bar exam, and started a law practice as a single mother.  Yes, I’m the only woman running for the Democratic nomination and yes, it matters.  Out of 40 Massachusetts state senators, only 7 are women.  No one will work harder.  I’ll do the most for the 3rd Middlesex District, so I ask for your vote on Thursday, September 6th.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

We need to expand public transportation, not cut it.  It will make our cities and towns more livable, increase property values, protect our environment, and help our economy.  After spending $24 Billion on the Big Dig (including interest costs), Boston commuters have an average of 47 hours per year in delays, and waste $2.4 Billion in fuel.  It’s time to spend smartly, and raise the revenue we need to expand public transportation.  An online sales tax, a gas tax that provides protections for low-income families, congestion pricing, and toll roads could all help raise the necessary revenue.  Congestion pricing has raised $500 Million for London in two years.  We must refinance the interest rate swap contracts the MBTA entered into 10 years ago that are costing the MBTA $26 Million per year, and tell banks who benefited from the federal bailout that it’s time to return the favor.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

We need single-payer health care, and we need it now.  We could have saved $5 Billion in 2013 alone by eliminating unnecessary administrative costs and negotiating for lower prescription drug prices.  Sen. Jamie Eldridge is Massachusetts’ leading advocate for single-payer health care, and he’s endorsed me because he knows I’ll be the most effective person to work within the Massachusetts State Senate for single-payer health care legislation.

Single-payer health care will remove the burden of providing health care coverage from businesses, make them more competitive, and will increase employee productivity and satisfaction by helping working families by making sure they have the care they need to avoid long absences from work due to illness.

Cities and towns will benefit from single-payer health care too, as employers of thousands of public employees.  They’ll save on time and money by no longer having to renegotiate repeatedly with private insurance companies.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

We need schools kids love, where their natural curiosity and desire to succeed are encouraged.  Great public school teachers need to teach to inspire students, with support for gifted and special needs students.  The American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts and the Boston Teachers Union have endorsed me because they know I’ll be the strongest advocate to revise the formula to determine local aid, and make sure we have great public schools and teachers, with evaluations that actually work.

We must close the achievement gap.  Low-income children are three times more likely to underperform.  Standardized testing has been put to the test, and it is failing.  It narrows the curriculum and can demoralize children with special learning needs, increasing the drop-out rate as children are forced into a restrictive learning environment.  At the same time, we must provide increased support for gifted students, who need to be challenged, and encouraged.

Joe Kearns-Goodwin

What prepares you to be an effective State Senator for the 3^rd Middlesex District?  (300 words)

I have a set of experiences, values and a passion that will allow me to be a fighter for this District. I grew up and attended public school in Concord – the same school where my brother now teaches.  We grew up learning about sacrifice and working for the common good. In the days following 9/11, having just graduated from Harvard college, I enlisted in the U.S. Army.  It wasn’t a sense of retaliation or anger that led me to this choice. It was gratitude for the opportunities that I was afforded– a great education, vibrant natural surroundings, and a nurturing community.

Hanscom Air Force Base provides more than $5.5 billion to our local economy and it is danger of closure. As a former U.S. Army Captain and strategic advisor to NATO forces in Afghanistan, I am the only candidate in the race who has experience working with the Department of Defense and will fight to keep these jobs in our backyard.  I am proud to have the endorsement of U.S. Senator John Kerry, who will be my ally in this fight, and Rep. Charley Murphy, who has stated that I am the only candidate with the experience to protect Hanscom AFB from the chopping block.

The Third Middlesex District is home to hundreds of our state’s most precious natural resources. As the only native son in the race, I understand that these treasures may not be around for the next generation if we don’t make systemic changes in the way we consume fossil fuels. Upon returning from Iraq, I worked with General Electric Co.’s steam and wind turbine divisions to build renewable, clean energy technology. I am the only candidate who has experience working with clean energy technologies and will fight to promote broader use of them as State Senator.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

The MBTA’s operating deficit can only be resolved with fundamental changes in our entire transit system including; road, bridge, highway and public regional transportation. The MBTA is only one of 16 regional transit authorities- the goal of each is to provide cost-effective and safe transportation. Solutions must be equitable for all commuters and payers. Bedford and surrounding communities need a regional approach to public transit because too often Boston’s interests trump ours.

One of my opponents champions a new gas tax that he called painful enough to change behaviors. His plan isn’t equitable, doesn’t ease MBTA debt, and will hurt working families. Transportation is a family’s second highest household expense.

We must engage the public, riders, business, and transit leaders in order to build broad support for public transit. To restore strong growth we should actively persue more matching federal funding and use fair cost/benefit criteria in our transportation plans.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

Massachusetts’ health care law expanded access to more than 500,000 previously uninsured residents and served as the blueprint for the Affordable Care Act. However, our law is in jeopardy because of rising out of pocket costs and increased deductibles, which are unaffordable for working families. To ensure the promise of Massachusetts’ health reform is kept, we must reduce unnecessary costs within the system.

Shifting from a fee-for-service to a global payment system, which pays for a patient’s expected costs upfront, will create incentives for health care providers to watch out for our overall care and reduce waste. We also must do more to promote preventive health care. Nearly 75 cents of each health care dollar each year is spent on treating chronic diseases, while only 5 cents of every dollar goes to preventing these diseases. To create a cost-effective, quality healthcare system we must treat people before they are sick.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

I attended our public schools and they better prepared me for Harvard College than students from elite prep schools.  All of our students should have access to quality education no matter what zip code they live in and as State Senator I will fight to fully and fairly fund our local aid budgets.  I am an unwavering advocate for universal Pre-K because the achievement gap begins before school and early detection is a vital investment in our future. I will work to close the skills gap among students enrolled in our public higher education and certificate programs by marrying up industries with students so they receive the job training skills to succeed. We also need to look at new ways to reach students. My brother, a teacher at Concord-Carlisle High School, has launched at an inter-disciplinary school-within-a-school to teach outside the box. Programs like his should be given support to thrive.

Joe Mullen

What prepares you to be an effective State Senator for the 3^rd Middlesex District?  (300 words)

Experience. Once elected I will continue doing what I have been doing for the last 20+ years: create jobs, meet a payroll, and fight for a Single Payer  Healthcare System on behalf of small and large businesses; find ways to clean up rivers; fight  for more bike paths throughout the District; help needy  people who aren’t able to feed their families; create affordable housing; protect Hanscom Field; assist Minuteman National Park and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; and create public-private partnerships for the re-use of the Fernald School in Waltham, and any and all other proposed large scale developments in the 9 cities and towns of the District.

My qualifications:

1. More than 15 years of political municipal experience as a Selectman, and incumbent Library Trustee, in Weston.
2. More than 13 years of environmental protection experience as the CEO of the Sudbury/Assabet/Concord River Watershed Community Council (SUASCO), and as a Seasonal Ranger  Historian with the National Park Service in Concord.
3. More than 5 years of federal experience deregulating the Airline Industry as an appointee of the Carter Administration.
4. More than 20 years of experience as the co-founder of the Third Middlesex Democrats, and helping past and present office holders win their seats—–both in the State Legislature, and the Congress; and even the White House.
5. More than 20 years of experience in small business, first on my own, and then  with partners, in meeting a payroll, creating jobs, and helping others create jobs based on partnership compacts between the company I was involved with on the one hand, and Town and State Governments on the other.
6. Finally, more than 10 years of experience in volunteering to help run charitable organizations, most recently as a Member of the Board of Directors of Concord-Maynard Open Table.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

First I would transfer all NON MBTA debt, to the agencies from which it was transferred,  to be annually paid out of  these  other agencies’  annual budgets.

Second I would freeze all rider fares at their current levels (which levels were partially enough to cover the current Fiscal Year’s operations deficits of the T).

Third, in terms of next year’s MBTA I would look to an elimination of non-justified tax expenditures/loopholes as a way to cover any increasing operations debt, which would increase revenues without raising taxes.

And fourth, if that still wasn’t enough to ensure that the MBTA  would be able to “function on a sound financial footing”,  I would favor raising additional revenues, for the T and other state programs (including the agency now responsible  for the NON-MBTA  debt mentioned in my first sentence!), by increasing the state income tax on individuals with higher level net taxable incomes.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

Two comments and two changes:

1. This 2006 healthcare reform is a superb first step toward the establishment of cost-effective and high quality healthcare as a citizen right in the Commonwealth, and not a privilege. Our elected officials who enacted these reforms deserve our praise and our thanks.
2. The results of this reform are that a very high percentage of Massachusetts citizens are now covered by private or public health insurance policies.
3. The state’s health agencies have to continue their efforts to cover those few individuals who, for various reasons, remain uncovered. If there are loopholes that mean certain individuals, or groups will not be covered, then the Legislature should correct those loopholes.
4. The second step is to continue progressing toward a NON-employer financed, SINGLE PAYER healthcare system for our state, that will serve as a model for other states, and the federal government, to follow.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

The State needs to define, and put into place, four K-12 and higher education changes:

1. While respecting affluent communities’ tax commitments to their public schools, establish a statewide formula designed to equalize funding to any and all other Massachusetts communities unable to afford similar commitments to their schools.
2. Provide 100% funding to local schools systems impacted by any and all state mandated educational requirements, especially including Special Needs programs and policies.
3. Encourage, but not require, the sharing of facilities, and athletic and scholastic programs, by communities with the highest quality of these same facilities and programs, with any and all nearby public schools with low public enrollments.
4. Provide greater annual State budgetary operations support of the Massachusetts community college and public university system, with the goal of keeping post-high school college degree programs available to ANY and ALL high school graduates desiring the same.

Candidates on the Republican Primary ballot

Greg Howes

What prepares you to be an effective State Senator for the 3^rd Middlesex District?  (300 words)

The job of a State Senator is to listen to the citizens, business owners, and town halls of our district, to understand their diverse needs, and to be an advocate.  With our economy struggling and our neighbors worried about jobs, I offer 20 years of experience growing a business in our community.  I understand the challenges of creating jobs, navigating government regulations and bureaucracies and paying ever -increasing health insurance costs.  My experience on the front lines of the small business world will provide me with the knowledge and drive to produce effective results for the communities of the 3^rd Middlesex District.

In an environment of strained town budgets, rising property taxes, and our senior citizen neighbors worried about staying in their homes, I offer 10 years of leadership experience, listening and helping our neighbors as a member of the Board of Selectmen, the Housing Authority, Board of Assessors and numerous community non-profit organizations. I have been an effective leader in all of these roles and intend to take my experience in bringing people together and finding solutions to Beacon Hill.

 

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

Our public transportation services are vital to our everyday personal and business lives, but the growing debt is becoming unbearable; the first thing we need to do is stop restructuring our debt. Passing the buck on year after year is not the answer.

The MBTA spends $400 million a year alone just in principle and interest payments. Fares barely cover our interest payments leaving little for the actual riders. There are $570 million in backlogged maintenance projects.

We have to tackle the main cost drivers of fuel costs, wage benefits (6,000 workers represented by 28 different unions), and The Ride. The current fare changes are putting an increased burden on those of us who use the system to travel into and out of the city. This is an issue I am eager to get involved in as our next Senator and find concrete solutions to this very difficult problem.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

The 2006 MA healthcare reform had very good intentions. It was aimed at ensuring coverage for all individuals, while eliminating the burden on the average taxpayer for those who chose not to partake in insurance. The flaw in its design lies in the small business sector and the cost curve.

Under the current law, once a company reaches 10 employees, that company needs to offer health insurance. This requirement is even more stringent than Obamacare, which begins this requirement at 50 employees. I would immediately advocate for vacating this rule and work with the business community and the legislature to find a more workable solution for the small business community.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

The current Chapter 70 formula, which provides the metrics for funding education, is both flawed and unconstitutional. Under our Massachusetts Constitution, John Adams specifically required equal education for all, yet the formula strongly favors urban communities and forces our smaller communities to pay the bill for the big cities. In fact, under the current formula, the amount a community can afford for schools is based on the income of its residents, yet the mechanism for the actual funding comes from property taxes.

We will not overnight change the funding formula for public education. So we need to focus on the main cost driver for education, which is special education. We need to work on a statewide funding formula for special education costs. One possibility may be a risk sharing pool for communities across the state.

Sandi Martinez

What prepares you to be an effective State Senator for the 3^rd Middlesex District?  (300 words)

I am an active community volunteer, small business owner, devoted wife, and proud mother of my 4 children.  Two of my children are active duty members of the Marines.  In 2008 I was elected to the Republican State Committeewoman for Massachusetts Third Middlesex Senatorial District.  I have also served on many boards and committees, including seven years as a Chelmsford Town Meeting Member, eleven years on Chelmsford Youth Soccer Board, and is a Blue Star Mother (BSM) , as well as the BSM Representative to the Bedford VA Hospital.  In addition, I serve on the board of the Association of Massachusetts Republican City and Town Chairmen(AMRC), Massachusetts Citizens for Life (MCFL) and My Father’s House.

At an early age to help support my family I founded my own IT Consulting Company, providing consulting and contract services for IBM Mainframe customers, installing, tuning and troubleshooting operating systems and program products.

I am endorsed by Citizens for Limited Taxation, former Republican Party Chairman Jim Rappaport, former Gubernatial candidate – Charlie Baker, former State Representative Marianne Brenton, former State Representative Robert Hargraves, Former State Senator Ned Kirby,  and Citizen’s for Limited Taxation Founder – Ed King, Robert Fairbairn, Director of the Public Affairs Coalition of Veterans, Police, Firefighters, & Military Families and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Captain Thomas Hudner of Concord.

As your next State Senator I will fight to improve our economy, grow jobs, restore integrity to the legislature, fight for fiscal reforms, lower our tax burden and provide quality constituent services.  I am the only candidate who has signed the No New Taxes pledge, developed a real plan on growing jobs, and endorsed the plan to create more transparency at the State House.

For more information please visit SandiMartinez.com or call our office at 978-256-5513.

What specific proposals do you recommend that would restructure the MBTA debt in order to help the MBTA function on sound financial footing without decreasing service to communities on the outskirts of its service area? (150 words)

Our state has a problem with the independent quasi-public authorities.  If the taxpayers have to bailout the MBTA, then it is time to restructure them by making the leadership co-terminus with the Governor.  There needs to be accountability.  For example, last summer it was no secret the MBTA was experiencing serious financial problems, but yet they passed pay raises for their employees at a time when the private sector hasn’t seen increases in years.  I am the only candidate who has called for reforms that would make the authorities more accountable to our elected officials, the taxpayers and the rate payers.  Moreover, we need to put the MBTA on strong financially footing before opening any more stations.

What is your evaluation of the implementation of the 2006 Massachusetts healthcare reform?  Are there changes you would advocate? (150 words)

Our health insurance rates have increased by 70%.  Our health insurance premiums are now the most expensive in the nation.  This not only hurts families but it is also a jobs killer for small businesses.  We need to reduce costs by putting a moratorium on health insurance coverage mandates and by allowing greater choices in health care policies.  Individuals should be allowed to purchase catastrophic and open health savings accounts which will give them greater control of their health care needs.  The state also needs to allow small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance.

What do you think the State needs to do to ensure that our schools provide quality education? (150 words)

As a mother, I know the importance of a quality education.  I want our next generation to be able to compete in the global marketplace.  I strongly support the MCAS.  We should not be dumbing down the tests by instituting the new lower federal standards.  As your next Senator, I will work to implement full day kindergarten, reduce class sizes and promote charter schools.  Moreover, I believe that our teachers and parents know better than bureaucrats on how to educate our children.  Education dollars should be spent in the classroom not on excessive administration.

The Massachusetts Republican and Democratic State Primaries

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Exercise your right and responsibility to vote!