The ISSUES
Taxes
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​I oppose new taxes and support rolling back the state sales tax to 5%. I also have been working on efforts to repeal language within the gas tax that allows it to automatically increase with inflation every year. It is wrong to have an automatic tax that our legislators don't vote on. Early in 2013, the Democrat-dominated Legislature passed $500 million in new taxes; $1 on cigarettes, 3 cents per gallon on gas, and a targeted tax on computer services. Thanks to much hard work, the legislature came to its senses and quickly repealed the tech tax.
The Economy​
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Everyone remembers the economic downturn of the mid 2000's. That led to a lengthy recession that persists today. A recession that has negatively impacted individuals, businesses, and the government alike. I understand that one of the major roles of government is to create an environment in which private industry can thrive and grow. We have too much burdensome regulation and government oversight stifling economic activity as it is, we certainly don't need any more.
Jobs​
Unemployment in the Commonwealth continues to hover around 7%. This means that far too many people are not able to find work to provide for their families. While I can't hire everyone, I am committed to cut down some of the government overregulation that stifles economic growth and job creation. We need to do better to support our neighborhood small businesses, the best employers we have.
Local Aid​
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I believe that our cities and towns are most effective at spending tax dollars. The towns know what is most important to them and their citizens, and can most effectively direct money where it is needed. I will do everything in my power to protect and increase local aid funding.
Education​
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I am a product of Mass. public schools and am a strong believer that our teachers are the true unsung heroes of our communities. Our legislature must continue to support our schools, from preschools through our state colleges and universities. Providing a core education is a primary role of any government and I am committed to supporting the work of our school teachers and administrators. I support reviewing the CH 70 Funding formula. I support lifting the cap on charter schools. And I oppose the Common Core Curriculum and PARCC testing.
The Second Amendment​
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I'm a proud supporter of the second amendment and am a gun owner myself. In fact, when Speaker DeLeo proposed further gun control measures early in 2014 I went to Beacon Hill and testified against the measure. This is a right that is protected by the constitution, and I feel that most gun control measures do nothing to prevent crime; they simply penalize law abiding citizens. We need measures to prevent crime and curb violence, not take guns away.
Healthcare​
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Minimizing the number of people who are uninsured is a laudable goal, but Obama-care is a bad policy. When there is a broad mandate it has unintended consequences, and Obama care has failed. It drives costs up for everyone, especially small businesses, and forces insurance companies to change the plans offered and who is covered and is bringing us dangerously close to a socialized system of healthcare that is not healthy for the Country.
Our Growing Drug Problem ​
We have a growing drug problem and it really is very sad. We must reframe the conversation to treatment and rehabilitation rather than prosecution. Incarceration is not only expensive, but it too often fails the individual who does not get rehabilitative treatment. It is more efficient to use limited resources to try and truly help these individuals. Some of the avenues we have include drug courts, and more beds in treatment centers.