"I am running for the state Senate because we have to change the way state government does business to create jobs.
Until we cut taxes and spending, prospective employers will not invest in hiring people because they do not know what their costs will be in one, two, or three years.
State government's refusal to cut state spending, the sales tax, and other tax increases, the failure to deal with the pension crisis, and soaring health care costs have all destroyed confidence.
State government must convince people that it is serious about getting its fiscal house in order. That is why I have taken the no-new-taxes pledge and why I am so proud to have the endorsement of the Citizens for Limited Taxation's 2 1/2 PAC."
— Submitted by the candidate
Health costs
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?
"Yes, I support each of these proposals.
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates passing the first proposal will save cities and towns about $100 million the first year and $2 billion annually by 2020. The second proposal, according to the same organization, would save up to $75 million annually.
The Legislature's failure to act has hurt cities and towns and the people of Massachusetts."
State pensions
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?
"Yes. The failure to deal with the growing pension crisis is one of the Legislature's great failures and it gets worse every day. This contributes to the loss of confidence and undercuts efforts to create jobs."
MCAS
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?
"Yes. I think the results the students, parents, and teachers have achieved under the MCAS system are amazing and prove that Massachusetts can compete and win. I believe that the current administration on Beacon Hill made a serious mistake undercutting the MCAS system."
Public records
Should the state Legislature be exempt from the state's public records law?
"No. If the Legislature imposes mandates on cities and towns, it should not exclude itself from them. The people have a right to the information.
Moreover, the repeated ethical lapses involving members of the Legislature and its leaders have destroyed the public's confidence in the institution. Applying the same rules to the Legislature would begin the process of rebuilding the public's trust."
Party 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.
"I am against the death penalty."
Endorsements
Will you make public any questionnaires you fill out in pursuit of the endorsement of unions or other groups?
"Yes."
Legislative audit
Should the Legislature be subject to a full audit?
"Yes, and the results must be made public. The Legislature must earn the people's trust and an independent audit would further that process."
Formal sessions
Is the Legislature holding enough full formal sessions?
"No. The repeated rush at the end of each legislative session and the chaos surrounding the debate on expanded gambling last session demonstrate that the Legislature needs more formal sessions."
Term limits
Should there be term limits for the jobs of House Speaker and Senate President?
"No. If we have a strong two-party system and elect legislators with the courage of their convictions, we won't need term limits and, until we do, term limits won't help."
e.thePeople
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