The MBTA
The MBTA is in crisis. This year, we saw both a fare increase and a reduction in service as a result of the agency’s fiscal problems. By common agreement, either the T’s debt obligations will have to be reduced – perhaps by having the state or another agency assume some of them – or its funding will have to increase. Please describe your favored approach to putting this vital transportation agency back on stable footing. If you favor more funding, please specify where it would come from, and what taxes or fees you would support for that purpose.
Democrat
Democrat
We need to not only find a way to fix the T and its overwhelming burden, but we need to also find a way to increase public transportation outside of the Boston area.
For too long, residents of Metrowest and beyond continue to fund public transit that they cannot take advantage of. One of the hallmarks of a civilized society is a public transportation system that works for ALL of its residents in an effective and cost-efficient manner.
Though these kinds of transit systems will always require public support, we must find efficiencies and cut costs where possible and find the appropriate way to pay down the debt through a combination of state agencies if necessary.
Republican
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Healthcare
Massachusetts’s new healthcare cost containment law limits the growth of healthcare spending to the growth in the state’s economy and shifts from fee-for-service care to global payment models. Do you believe these measures will protect healthcare choices while preventing rapid increases in costs?
Democrat
Democrat
In this challenging economy, where Massachusetts is paving the way in affordable healthcare for all, we must try every measure possible and leave no option on the table to cut costs.
We must, however, put sunset clauses on new measures to ensure that if they are not accomplishing the goals we want them to accompish, we can replace them with new measures that will work better.
Republican
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Education
Many parents are looking for educational options for their children. It’s very hard to get expanded day programs in districts like Boston because the teachers’ union believes its members should be paid for the extra time they work. Charter schools offer longer days and longer school years at the same per-pupil cost, and there are more than 35,000 children on waiting lists statewide. Do you support raising the cap on charter schools? If yes, under what conditions?
Democrat
Democrat
I support changing the way charter schools are approved and funded.
We must find a way to educate our children in charter schools if that is a better option for them, while at the same time not penalizing students and educators in traditional public schools.
Until the existing issues with charter schools are addressed, I do not support lifting the cap.
Again, this is an issue that impacts cities such as Boston in an extremely different way than it impacts suburbs and rural areas, and the interests of all parties must be addressed when discussing these issues.
Republican
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Project Labor Agreements
The Patrick administration has imposed so-called Project Labor Agreements on three large construction projects that require that anyone working on them must be members of a labor union and firms must abide by union work rules. Non-union shops say those requirements effectively exclude them from bidding. Several studies show that projects done under PLAs or with only a small number of bidders cost more than projects that have more bidders. Unions, however, say the PLAs insure higher-quality work and offer a guarantee against strikes or other labor strife. Do you favor or oppose PLAs? Why?
Democrat
Democrat
I do not believe the executive branch of any government should be able to make unilateral decisions imposing such restrictions on employers.
However, I do see the need to address this issue on a legislative level and would look forward to participating in that debate when all of the information is available to all parties.
Republican
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Employee Pensions
Do you think further changes to the state employee pension system are necessary?
Democrat
Democrat
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Republican
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Legislative leadership
Cite any votes (if an incumbent) or positions (if a challenger or newcomer) you have taken that disagree with the stance taken by your party’s legislative leadership.
Democrat
Democrat
As a member of the Legislature, I voted against my first budget, against several tax increases, and against an education bill that was narrowly passed.
Republican
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