As I traverse the trails on
this campaign, I am often asked some version of ‘how do you differ from your
opponent’? As I have not been able to
engage in a forum with him, it is difficult to discern his views on the
issues. I am left with interpreting his
stance based on his voting record and what I read in the paper. When voters ask me how we differ, I use one
or more of the following examples.
Transparency, Availability and Accountability
This, in my mind, is one of
the most important points of difference.
I am a strong proponent of open dialogue and transparency. I have practiced it in my life and I have
commenced my campaign with the same practice.
I believe, and the Massachusetts Constitution bears out[1],
that the primary responsibility of the legislator it so represent and be
accountable to the people. As a
legislator it is incumbent upon the legislator to make him or herself available
to the people. I have been hosting
community conversations and coffee hours throughout my campaign. I don’t know how to represent ‘us’ without
talking with as many of us as I can. I
have also been posting on my website and blogging as I go so anyone that is
interested can know how I operate. That
is part of who I am. If you elect me it
is important for you to get to know me and know what you can expect from
me. This is it.
Stanley, at least to my knowledge, has not held any
office hours or community sessions throughout his campaign or throughout his
term as a legislator. I have read his “Stanley
Report” and seen his television show but they have not given me insight into
Mr. Stanley, they simply have informed me about what is happening in the
community. In addition he will not agree
to a candidates forum to allow us to come before the voting public and allow
you to see us and hear what we have to say on the issues.
Municipal Health Care Reform
Health care costs are out of
control in Massachusetts, accounting for approximately 44% of the state
budget. We need to think long and hard
to find ways to reign that beast in. One
way is to allow all the cities and towns in Massachusetts to join forces and
capitalize on the larger buying power.
The projected savings of this are close to 100 million dollars per year.[2]
Stanley voted against this. The legislation, however, passed through both
the house and the senate in 2011.
Casinos:
I do not support
casinos. Many of the cities nationwide
that have hosted casinos are speaking out against them. They add jobs on a temporary basis but they
then become a drain on the economy, cause small businesses to close, increase
the burden on emergency services and health care services, put additional
burdens on families and prey on the poor.
Mr. Stanley voted in support of casinos.
Undocumented immigrants:
I believe our best interests
are served if as many people as possible have a drivers’ license. The proposed legislation has a 2 tiered
licensing structure that differentiates people that are licensed but
undocumented. Having a license enables
people to legally register a car and obtain insurance, which protects everyone
on the road.[3]
I also believe that at a
minimum, undocumented students that came to the US as minors should be
able to attend public schools at in-state tuition rates. We educate them in k – 12 along with the rest
of our children and to discriminate against them when they graduate high school
seems wrong. The whole question of
illegal immigration is an important question that needs to be addressed on the
federal level but until it is, I cannot support penalizing the children who are
innocent victims.
Mr. Stanley voted against allowing undocumented people
to get drivers licenses.
Mr. Stanley
voted against allowing students that came here as minors to attend our public
colleges at in-state rates (ie, against the Dream Act).
Commitment to the Job
And finally, Tom Stanley does
not want to be a State Representative. “He [Stanley] unofficially announced his candidacy
via his Twitter account on April 5, after another tweeter asked
him on March 20, "are you gonna run for mayor?" Stanley replied,
"Thanks for asking. Yes, When the time comes (2015), I will be a candidate
for mayor of Waltham."[4]
Do we want someone that
is committed to the job of State representative or do we want someone that is
already looking for another job?
[1] https://malegislature.gov/laws/constitution
[2] http://www.voterscount.org/municipal-health-care-reform-plan-design.html
[3] http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/foes_and_friends_of_bill_that.html
[4] http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/waltham/2013/04/state_rep_tom_stanley_intends.html
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