I believe in the merits of a free market economy. We must find ways to lower taxes in Massachusetts while maintaining programs, such as community centers and libraries, that make our community unique and provide much needed services. It is lower taxes that will allow our businesses to grow and create needed jobs for our citizens. In these difficult economic times, our state is faced with numerous challenges, but we must not rely on larger, more expansive government to cure our ailing economy. Large government gives rise to wasteful and inefficient spending, and will not provide a long-term fix for our troubled economy. Private enterprise is the solution. Private businesses organically grow our economy in a natural and sustainable manner, and it is these enterprises that will invest in the future of our communities. As a state representative, I will be an advocate for providing proactive legislative change that will heal our economy and put Massachusetts residents back to work.
Health Care
All residents should have access to quality and affordable health insurance. Our government officials need to focus on working with insurance providers and our health-care organizations to reduce the costs of services thereby lowering prices for consumers. I do not support mandatory health insurance, and feel that working to cut costs is a more sustainable and effective method to lower insurance premiums than broad mandates by our government.
Environment
It is the responsibility of each individual to take great care to preserve natural resources. I support cost-effective policies that will make Massachusetts a leader in innovative green technologies. Massachusetts must be equipped to help lead our nation’s efforts to develop alternative energy sources that will reduce costs, decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and produce “green” jobs here.
Education is the gateway to success for both our youth and adults looking to broaden and develop their skills. Massachusetts has some of the highest national testing standards, but our urban public school systems are falling behind. I support a strong public education system that emphasizes developing better students of all aptitudes and ages.
Veterans
The men and women who served our country were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. I will be a strong supporter of veterans and the families of those killed in action.
Crime
Our politicians must work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies to decrease the number of crimes in our communities. Many crimes in South Boston and Dorchester are drug related, and I support strict enforcement and drug prevention measures that will take drugs off our streets, rehabilitate those who struggle with addiction, and punish persons who profit from illegal activity.
Abortion
I support measures to reduce the number of abortions in the Commonwealth. I remain sensitive to the needs and personal beliefs of all citizens, and appreciate the complexity of this issue. Instead of allowing argument to divide us, I propose we join together to eliminate abortions in our society. I am pro-life and will lead by encouraging women to “choose-life”. I support strong parental consent and notification measures and firmly oppose partial birth abortion.
Immigration
I support legal immigration. Immigrants who follow the immigration laws bolster and invigorate our communities. Our state benefits are for those who follow the immigration laws, and I will fight to end benefits for those who are in our state illegally.
The Right To Bear Arms
I support the Second Amendment. I believe in and support safe and responsible gun ownership.