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
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Republican
Republican
The MBTA is an example of Massachusetts state government out of control.
The system is riddled with waste, patronage appointments, bloated salaries, and excessive pensions that residents throughout the Commonwealth need to subsidize.
The residents of the Second Worcester District are being penalized through cuts in local aid, education, and public services in order to support a failed transportation service.
The state should be making a concerted effort to start to eliminate the top-down waste at the MBTA. A widespread review of pensions, payroll costs, and budgeting processes will showcase the constant areas of waste and inefficiency.
This should not be a partisan issue, but one that is embraced by the entire Commonwealth as a way to reduce spending and debt at the MBTA while also providing a first-class transportation service.
Healthcare costs
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
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Republican
Republican
I believe that it is too early to know if this law will control costs and protect healthcare choices.
According to most of the information available in regard to this measure, it seems to be based on a somewhat small sample of data. Also, professionals within the healthcare industry have stated that even with the global payment model system, there are several challenges that lie ahead for healthcare within this model.
It seems that our legislators will need to be aware of these challenges and remain flexible on adapting the law as needed to make this truly successful.
Charter schools
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
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Republican
Republican
Education is a cornerstone necessity for any citizen of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Educated populations time and again show significant decreases in poverty and criminal activity.
Unfortunately, in recent years, the focus on education has been played out in conference rooms dealing with salaries, unfunded mandates, and pensions. The only way to strengthen the educational standards in this state is to create competition in the marketplace.
By increasing the cap on charter schools, you effectively create a competitive educational environment and an overall return of focus on educating the students rather than compensating the system.
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
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Republican
Republican
The problem with the governor entering into such agreements is that it takes away from a competitive bid process.
Any time a Project Labor Agreement is ratified, the cost of projects will increase as there is a lack of bids on the project. Additionally, it creates an additional layer of government intervention on projects which is costly and unnecessary.
We don't have to look much further than the Big Dig to realize that these agreements do not serve the best interests of the Commonwealth.
State pensions
Do you think further changes to the state employee pension system are necessary?
Democrat
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Republican
Republican
The incumbent senator in the Second Worcester District, my opponent, is a clear example of a flawed pension system. As someone who is under 50, he collects a $28,840 per year pension despite being retired and while still collecting a salary from the Commonwealth.
Despite many attempts to clean up waste and abuse in the pension system, the loopholes remain; it clearly is in need of a major overhaul.
When you think of the amount of money state employees pay into the system in lieu of Social Security and then collect far more than their contribution, you can only conclude that the services of education and public safety are compromised for our citizens.
This year creates an incredible opportunity to reshape the system and bring more funding back to the taxpayers.
Independence
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
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Republican
Republican
As a senator in the Second Worcester District, I will consistently uphold the positions that will best provide for my constituents. I have always maintained an independent voice as a selectman, and I will continue to do so as a senator.
Party politics can sometimes get in the way of what is best for the Commonwealth. We need to break party lines and make tough decisions that will make Massachusetts one of the top states in which to do business.