Why I am running

I am running for the state Senate, because I have had enough. I want an opportunity to help change the way state government does business.

I have had enough of the legislature refusing to deal with the critical budget problems facing our communities. The incumbents serving in the legislature refuse to cut taxes or spending. They refuse to confront the public pension crisis. They would rather raise our taxes than cut their bonuses or per diems. The incumbents refuse to help cities and towns deal with the health care crisis crushing our towns. Their failure hurts jobs and investments, because it creates uncertainty. I support and, as a state Senator, will sponsor legislation to:
 Give local officials authority to design their health insurance plans outside of collective bargaining;
 Require all eligible local retirees to enroll in Medicare as their primary source of health insurance.

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates passing the first proposal will save 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.

I have had enough of the legislature’s chronic ethical lapses and the incumbents’ refusal to deal with the disgraceful behavior. Three house speakers have been indicted, two convicted. One state Senator was caught stuffing cash in her bra, another convicted and jailed for OUI and a third awaits trial for assaulting women in Lowell. The legislature responded by imposing more open meeting law mandates on towns, while ensuring that the requirements don’t apply to the legislature. This is the kind of hypocrisy that has destroyed confidence in state government.

If I am elected to the state Senate, I will work to end the new requirements on our local governments and make the open meeting law applicable to the legislature. I will support giving the state Auditor authority to audit the legislature and make the results of the audits public,

If you have had enough of the behavior on Beacon Hill, please vote for me on November 2. Thank you.