Education

Education is the foundation of a young person’s life. In order for Massachusetts to develop socially and economically, education for young people is absolutely essential. Teachers are the backbone of the educational system, and we must establish a balance between the education and certification process imposed on young teachers and the salaries currently available for teachers. MCAS testing and standardized testing procedures now being used should reflect the frameworks established by the department of education. In addition to MCAS we need to add multiple assessments in order to honor the fact that students learn and present information in a variety of ways. Full state funding for mandated programs is long overdue and is absolutely necessary for us to move Massachusetts forward.

Veterans

I am well aware of the poor aid and services that our veterans are receiving. Services to our returning veterans should be a top priority. The fact that returning National Guardsman and Reservists are not provided with health care is appalling. I have had a family member fight in every war since the civil war, my father served in the Marine Corps and I have several family members with disabilities ranging from 50% to 100%. I will always hold veterans and their family concerns and well being at the top of my list of priorities.

Social Services

I don’t think any candidate or serving legislator has a more personal interest in foster care and adoption than I do. My brother and I as well as my mother are all blessed to have been adopted and raised by good families. With this knowledge and experience, I will fight for social services with more passion and depth than any other legislator.

Public Safety

As a State Representative I will support legislation that creates additional police officers and fire fighters for our communities. First responders and EMT’s are also critical to the safety of our citizens and funding for these crucial positions should be a top priority. An educated, well paid public safety work force is necessary in order to attract and retain quality candidates in these essential areas.

Environment 

There are very few issues that are more important to our way of life than protecting our environment. We are at crossroads on this issue where every action the state legislature takes will have an impact on our quality of life and the future of our planet. I will be a fighter for clean water, reducing toxic waste, and lowering carbon emissions. I am a great believer in alternative energy sources and we should continue to explore and implement ways of reducing our dependence on foreign oil. I am also a supporter of expanding the bottle bill to include non-carbonated drinks, sports drinks, water, etc. This would provide additional revenue and decrease the amount of litter on our streets and support recycling initiatives. 

Rolling back the income tax

I am opposed at this time to rolling back the income tax to 5% because the revenues are essential to continue necessary services to the people of the Commonwealth.

Casino Gambling

The present economic conditions in our state have caused the debate over whether or not to approve casino gambling in Massachusetts. I have very grave concerns over this initiative and I believe that this proposal is really nothing more than a “band aid” to our severe economic problems facing our state. I believe that there are additional ways to raise revenue that will not have such a detrimental impact on our society. In order to raise necessary revenue I will support and champion the full implementation of the Municipal Partnership Act.

Ways to raise revenues

The most difficult fiscal task facing our State Representatives is to raise revenues for vital services without hurting the economically vulnerable members of our society. I will be a champion on the state level at collaborating with other legislators to do just that. I believe that it is essential to close corporate tax loopholes and fully implement the additional areas of the Municipal Partnership Act which have not been enacted.