An Independent Leader

Millions of dollars are spent each year by special interest on Beacon Hill to influence the actions of legislators. As your state representative, I pledge my independence from special interest money including any and all donations from lobbyist and political action committees. I want to be the citizens representative to the Legislature not the special interests.

Local Aid – Making Your Money Work For You

Job one for your State Representative is to fight for every dollar our communities deserve. Local funding should be restored and increased to maximum levels to relieve your tax burdens. I understand the most effective ways to secure local aid and will work tirelessly to do so, ensuring that your tax dollars directly benefit our communities.

Education – The Great Equalizer

A more educated workforce will enhance our economy and increase our quality of life. I will work hard to secure greater funding for education, including expanded preschool, universal pre-kindergarten and full day kindergarten. Institutions of higher education need to be as competitive as possible because our children need the skills that will enable them to compete in a global economy. I pledge an unwavering commitment to education funding to ensure that these initiatives are met.

Job Creation For The Future

Massachusetts is a national leader in the life sciences, medical research and nanotechnology. I support policies that encourage our university graduates to stay in Massachusetts and help expand those industries. Expanded industries will create new jobs, increase state and local revenues, and lower property taxes. To promote small business creation, I support small business grants and expedited permitting to make Massachusetts more attractive to do business.

Seniors – Our Greatest Generation

I recognize the need to protect seniors on fixed incomes from taxes they cannot afford, and will work to expand credits for seniors so they can enjoy the quality of life they deserve. I will fight to protect the Prescription Advantage program and work for expanded bulk purchasing of drugs to drive down medication costs, because seniors should not have to choose between medication and food. Expanded home health care options are a must, as many seniors want to stay in their homes even though they may be ill or have difficulty getting around. Home health care is the preferred option for most, and we owe our seniors that choice. Those who prey on seniors should be severely punished, and I will fight to increase criminal penalties as a deterrent for senior abuse.

Promoting Green Policies

Our future depends on the development of renewable fuel alternatives and conversion to clean energy technology. I will promote research and development initiatives that utilize the resources of our institutions of higher learning and cutting edge industries, and will encourage “smart growth” development and the use of public transportation, as well as the expansion of all existing energy-saving programs and incentives. Preserving our precious open space is a priority. I will fight hard to perpetuate the protection of open space for our district.