Issues

The Mass. Taxpayers Foundation recently recommended that local officials be given the power to design their own health plans without having to negotiate with the unions, and that state retirees use Medicare for their primary health care coverage. Do you support these proposals?

"Allowing local officials to design their own health plans will save municipalities across the state tens of millions of dollars."

The foundation also proposed changes in state and municipal pensions, such as increasing the retirement age and capping annual pensions at $100,000. Do you agree?

"Public pensions and retirement ages should be in line with similar plans found in the private sector. There should be a cap on pensions."

Do you believe in keeping the requirement that a student must pass the MCAS or an MCAS-like test in order to graduate from high school?

"The MCAS test was introduced to verify that students have been educated to certain academic standards.

My daughter passed the MCAS test in her sophomore year in high school. These were the minimum requirements for graduation. She continued to learn very important material for the next two years.

Some students do not respond well to tests, and they should be offered other means to verify that they have passed the minimum standards."

Should the state Legislature be exempt from the state's public records law?

"No."

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.

"Not applicable."

Will you make public any questionnaires you fill out in pursuit of the endorsement of unions or other groups?

"Yes."

Should the Legislature be subject to a full audit?

"Yes."

Is the Legislature holding enough full formal sessions?

"No."

Should there be term limits for the jobs of House Speaker and Senate President?

"Yes."