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
I am a champion for well-run public transportation that serves fairly our residents across the Commonwealth.
The MBTA needs major reform and must improve efficiency, ROI, and to insure it is a world-class public transit system to underpin economic prosperity and a sustainable environment.
Additionally, statewide public transit needs to be advanced and invested in to insure excellent and fair access for all communities for economic prosperity and a sustainable environment.
Republican
Republican
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Independent
Independent
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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
Yes, this is an important reform and major advancement.
More is needed in addressing disparities between rural and urban care, excessive executive compensation, reinstituting the gift ban, and moving to a single-payer health care system.
Republican
Republican
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Independent
Independent
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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
No, I want our investment to go into the public schools.
Innovation and performance must be supported and expected from all our public schools in all neighborhoods.
Republican
Republican
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Independent
Independent
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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
I favor open markets, good jobs, competitive bidding, a diverse workforce, and good unions and good management.
Limiting these is not wise, and I will research and learn more about the state of this policy and the impact of this.
Republican
Republican
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Independent
Independent
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Employee Pensions
Do you think further changes to the state employee pension system are necessary?
Democrat
Yes, we have to meet our commitments to our retirees, and we need to put in place a fiscal plan that will fund our current and future commitments.
Republican
Republican
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Independent
Independent
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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
I voted on the following, which were not in line with the leadership
of the House’s vote:
- In favor of collective bargaining rights for municipal health care
- Opposed to expanding casino gambling
- Opposed to repealing the gift ban tax
- Did not have a chance to address the bottle bill, which I am in favor of
- Did not have a chance to vote on the repeal positions for Citizen’s United
- Did not have a chance to vote in favor of equal pay, paid sick days, no sales tax holiday, 17-year-old right-to-vote in municipal elections, no coupons for RX, progressive income tax, tax reform
- Spoke out on improving the performance, manners, and efficiency of our House
- Brought prayer and calendar sessions back
Republican
Republican
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Independent
Independent
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