The current Massachusetts Speaker of the House and Senate President…these are not serious people…these are not people who practice what they preach when they state they are “doing the work of the people”, and they are not people who have your, or the state’s best interests at heart. While there have been so many examples of this over what should have been long ended political tenures…the quotes in this recent article from The CommonWealth Beacon are some of the most damming.

When asked if he would seek to repeal or amend Question 1 (Audit the Legislature), House Speaker Ron Mariano said, “Being no fan of making laws by ballot initiative, after seeing how screwed up the marijuana thing got, I haven’t made up my mind yet. We’ll see. We’ll see how big the margin is.”

“How big the margin is” keep that quote in mind that when the results come in, because the recently enacted “millionaires’ tax” was a 2022 ballot initiative that narrowly passed the public election with a margin 52 to 48%…and guess what, that was QUICLKY enacted by the legislature. They don’t seem to mind what the “margin” is when it comes to taxation…

In a separate conversation with the Senate President – Karen Spilka (another elected official who should have been retired years ago), one of the most hypocritical statements I have seen in a long time was made. Spilka, like her House counterpart, also didn’t rule out addressing voter-approved laws after the election and stated, “We’ll see what course it takes but right now we are focused on getting our bills done, the work of the people done.”

The “work of the people”…well guess what Karen…a ballot initiative is the definition of the word of the people on the work they want enacted.
Like the fact that Mariano and Spilka hold such an important positions in our state government, these positions from our “leaders” is embarrassing… State ballot initiatives are crucial because they empower citizens to directly influence legislation and policy (often stalled by legislative dysfunction) on issues that matter to them. By allowing voters to propose and vote on specific measures, these initiatives enhance democratic participation and ensure that a broader range of voices is heard in the political process.

The state ballot initiative process is one of the most important tools the voters of our state have against inaction by our lawmakers. I support it fully and feel it should be expanded. Do not let them get away with changing or altering the voice of the people.

LINK to Full CommonWealth Beacon Article: https://commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/mariano-spilka-dont-rule-out-revisiting-ballot-questions-after-election/

While it’s been out of the local news recently (either on purpose or due to the national election), I feel it’s important to remind the taxpayers of the state that Massachusetts is still hosting (as of October 7th) +/- 7,325 families in our emergency shelter system (of which it has been reported that 3,639 of those families entered as migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers). Keep in mind, this does not include the others who are currently housed in the numerous overflow shelters or on the waiting list of which that is another +/-250 families.

And the cost of this program; well in fiscal year of 2024 that total was $857M, and so far in FY 2025 (which began in July 2024), that total is already $130M and is projected to finish FY25 at just over $1B (yes a B). Keep in mind, these numbers above do NOT account for other costs related to this program. These costs include but are not limited to emergency aid payments to school districts, municipal room occupancy tax reimbursements, and other payments to shelter providers.

We have remained at this continued record level due to the continued influx of migrants arriving in our state to take advantage of this generous program (which let us not forget was never established for this issue but was originally established to assist residents of our state).

And while the Governor and our elected officials hoped that the news of their 30 day stay limit would calm the masses (which it did to some who were not informed on its details)…this 30 day limit was actually just on the overflow locations and NOT on the longer term emergency shelter system which houses the 7,500 families.

The current rules on the allowed duration of stay in the emergency shelter system is 9 months. However, the rules also allow for 2 – 90 day extensions which can be exercised upon meeting one of the MANY easy to qualify for extension criteria listed in the law …oh, and then lets not forget that the law also then allows for a hardship waiver beyond those two extensions.

This is NOT sustainable, we cannot continue to spend over $1B a year on this program without 1) actual reforms to who is eligible / realistic stay timelines, 2) reforms and new oversight as to how these funds are being spent, and 3) during that legislative work, significant reimbursement from the federal level to compensate us for these costs.

We, the residents of Massachusetts are generous and welcoming people, but even that generosity has limits when we as a state (and especially municipalities) are facing our own significant financial issues. We cannot allow the taxpayers of this state to pick up the mess handed to us by the inaction of our federal government and poor border security.

Our Governor (who is clearly jockeying for a post at the federal level) and elected officials are choosing, right now as you read this, to bury their heads in the sand on this and their silence is deafening. They hope that the news cycle moves on, and this becomes the “new norm”. We cannot allow that to happen.

So keep this in mind as you go to cast your vote in this upcoming election. Did the individual who has presided over this mess, who has made no effort to keep his constituents in the loop on what HE is doing to help fix this crisis, and who has never advocated publicly for additional support for his district in relation to the costs it has incurred…has that person EARNED your vote?

Or are you willing to give your support to an individual who won’t stay silent in the face of challenges and is ready to shine the spotlight (using the platform I will have as a State Rep) on the difficult questions surrounding our emergency shelter system and its impact on taxpayers. I will not back down from the political hot potatoes that others shy away from. Instead, I’ll publicly demand accountability from my colleagues and push our federal delegation to actually bring some funds home to Mass.

Your vote for me is a chance to support someone who will actually make noise, and thereby force some action…as politicians can’t hide when you keep their missteps in the public eye.

LINK TO BI-WEEKLY STATE REPORT:

In my travels and conversations with the longtime residents of our district (many who have known for a long time or even grew up with my opponent), many of them say to me something to the tune of:

Well, we already have moderate State Rep, so why do we need an independent/moderate if we already have that in our existing representation?

Fair question…and I get that when my opponent was elected over 17 years ago…that might have been the case (before politics devolved into the extremes we now have seen over the past 10 years).

I also get that your average voter is not looking into the actual votes that their State Rep is making…never mind how difficult that would actually be when you have a Rep who does not public post any of his votes or positions.

So, when I get this comment, here is my response.

Since 2015 my opponent has voted with and in step with his party’s leadership 100% of the time…except in 2020 when it was 96.5% of the time:

2015: 100%

2016: 100%

2017: 100%

2018: 100%

2019: 100%

2020: 96.5%

2021: 100%

2022: 100%

2023: 100%

2024: 100%

(1,677 out of 1,668 total votes)

I don’t know about you…but in my opinion it’s not very moderate, independent, or bi-partisan to vote the way your party tells you to vote almost 100% of the time.

Keep in mind…that this was not the case for all Reps who have a (D) after their name…many of them broke from their party’s grip and crossed the aisle to try and find compromise (see chart below).

We need representation for Dedham/Westwood/Walpole P8 that will work to find more common ground and compromise on legislation. Remember…+/-64% of our district do not solely subscribe to Left or Right political ethos.

DATA: Beacon Hill Roll Call

Did you know:

A handful of critical bills filed at the beginning of the 2023-2024 legislative session are currently in jeopardy of expiring. This critical legislation (sitting in limbo) was filed to prevent child sexual abuse in our schools, youth organizations and communities.

While one of these bills was successfully passed (An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation)…the rest (6 House Bills) are currently held up or stalled in various committees. These bills, which were filed in February 2023 would:

• Require education about child sexual abuse prevention for all schools and youth organizations, and require them to adopt prevention policies;

• Strengthen the screening of applicants for positions in schools to identify any past sexual misconduct;

• Prohibit the aiding and abetting of a school employee engaged in sexual misconduct with a student to secure a position in another school;

• Close the “age of consent loophole” that has been providing legal protection for individuals engaged in sexual relations with youth 16-18 years of age;

• Increase penalties for educator-specific sexual misconduct and for persons in positions of authority over a child who commit child sexual abuse.

These bills and what they accomplish are absolutely no brainers, but I fully admit that since I am just a regular citizen, and not yet our state rep I don’t have a line of sight to why these are still held up…

However, it is probably safe to say that the fact that Massachusetts consistent ranks as the lease effective legislature and passes one of the lowest percentages of bills introduced…that could be contributing to the fact this priority legislation has not yet passed to protect the children of our state and bolster the prosecution of the offenders.

No matter the potential issues with the bills (which I truly cannot fathom what that would be), in my opinion there is NO excuse as to why these bills could not have been made a priority over the last 2 years and passed prior to the end of the formal session that just occurred in June 2024.

How is this not more of a priority for our elected officials?

Please check out https://enoughabuse.org/get-vocal/ma-laws/ to learn more about this must pass legislation. They have more info on the importance of these bills and ways you as a regular Mass resident can help move our painfully slow legislature forward.

Neighbors,

As I campaign across our district, I get to hear the litany of concerns so many of you have: one of them is the feeling that our state is not on the right track financially, and a sense that our current leadership is not paying attention. Well yet another data point and latest economic data highlight the embarrassing gridlock on Beacon Hill and confirm what we’ve all been feeling – it’s time for a change.

Let’s look at the facts:

1. Rising Unemployment in a “Strong” Economy

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our state’s unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in August 2024, up from 3.5% in July and a significant increase from 3.3% in August 2023. While our incumbent leaders tout a “strong economy,” the data shows more and more of our neighbors are struggling to find work.

2. The Inexcusable Gridlock on Economic Development

Perhaps even more infuriating is the ongoing dispute over the economic development bond bill. A recent report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation reveals that nearly a quarter of our state’s planned capital spending for economic development is tied up in this legislative deadlock.

What makes this situation truly unacceptable is the political landscape in our state:

• Democrats hold a supermajority in both the House and Senate

• We have a Democratic governor

• The economic development bill passed the House 155-2 and the Senate 40-0

With this level of consensus and control, there is absolutely no excuse for this critical legislation to be stalled. It’s a clear sign of dysfunction and misplaced priorities among our current leaders.

The consequences of this inaction are severe.

Without this bill:

• Investments in leading edge technology (AI as an example) will not occur

• The new MassImpact program, designed to support transformational economic development projects, cannot move forward

• Existing programs may run out of resources this year

Our incumbent leaders are quick to make promises. Sen. Barry Finegold, co-chair of the Legislature’s Economic Development Committee, stated at a recent MASSterList forum, “So with our economic development bill, which we will get done, which I do expect in the next few weeks that we will get done, I think there’ll be a robust commitment and investment in clean tech, biotech and food science.”

But we’ve heard these promises before. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation rightly points out that this delay “sends the wrong message to communities and employers in the state who are looking to work with the public sector to expand economic opportunity and respond to changing conditions.”

It’s time for real leadership in Massachusetts. We need leaders who can:

1. Break through partisan gridlock and deliver results, individuals beholden to a specific party cannot accomplish this

2. Prioritize the needs of working families over political games and political infighting

3. Create an environment that attracts businesses and creates jobs

4. Invest in our future through education and infrastructure

As your candidate, I pledge to bring fresh energy and a commitment to results to Beacon Hill. We can’t afford more empty promises and legislative deadlock. Our families, our businesses, and our future depend on taking action now.

Join me in demanding better for Massachusetts. Together, we can be the start to what will be the slow but much need change in direction of our broken legislature and economy. Change that will work for everyone, not just career legislators looking to make a career out of elected office.

What are your thoughts? How has the rising unemployment rate or the delay in economic development initiatives affected you or your business? Share your experiences, and let’s work together for real change.

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 20, 2024

• Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report, September 23, 2024

• MASSterList forum, as reported by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service, September 23, 2024

• State House News Service

Did you know that Massachusetts boasts the highest percentage of registered independent voters in the nation! As of August, nearly 64% of registered voters are unenrolled—outnumbering registered Democrats! Yet, our state legislature remains largely unchanged, with only one independent currently serving.

This election cycle, we’re seeing the biggest number of independent candidates on the ballot in history, 32 vs only 17 in 2020. This surge is a clear sign that people are fed up and feeling left behind by the two legacy parties. Voters are ready for real alternatives, and they’re demanding representation that reflects their values and priorities.

With only one in six districts having contested seats, it’s clear that many voices have been silenced. But we can change that! Let’s harness our collective power and make this the year independents break through the status quo. Lets be remembered as the voters, the voters of 2024 who set the course of Massachusetts politics on a new path.

Together, we can create a legislature that truly represents all of us. Join me in this movement for change!

Neighbors,

As I campaign across our district, I get to hear the litany of concerns so many of you have: one of them is the feeling that our state is not on the right track financially, and a sense that our current leadership is not paying attention. Well yet another data point and latest economic data highlight the embarrassing gridlock on Beacon Hill and confirm what we’ve all been feeling – it’s time for a change.

Let’s look at the facts:

1. Rising Unemployment in a “Strong” Economy

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our state’s unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in August 2024, up from 3.5% in July and a significant increase from 3.3% in August 2023. While our incumbent leaders tout a “strong economy,” the data shows more and more of our neighbors are struggling to find work.

2. The Inexcusable Gridlock on Economic Development

Perhaps even more infuriating is the ongoing dispute over the economic development bond bill. A recent report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation reveals that nearly a quarter of our state’s planned capital spending for economic development is tied up in this legislative deadlock.

What makes this situation truly unacceptable is the political landscape in our state:

• Democrats hold a supermajority in both the House and Senate

• We have a Democratic governor

• The economic development bill passed the House 155-2 and the Senate 40-0

With this level of consensus and control, there is absolutely no excuse for this critical legislation to be stalled. It’s a clear sign of dysfunction and misplaced priorities among our current leaders.

The consequences of this inaction are severe.

Without this bill:

• Investments in leading edge technology (AI as an example) will not occur

• The new MassImpact program, designed to support transformational economic development projects, cannot move forward

• Existing programs may run out of resources this year

Our incumbent leaders are quick to make promises. Sen. Barry Finegold, co-chair of the Legislature’s Economic Development Committee, stated at a recent MASSterList forum, “So with our economic development bill, which we will get done, which I do expect in the next few weeks that we will get done, I think there’ll be a robust commitment and investment in clean tech, biotech and food science.”

But we’ve heard these promises before. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation rightly points out that this delay “sends the wrong message to communities and employers in the state who are looking to work with the public sector to expand economic opportunity and respond to changing conditions.”

It’s time for real leadership in Massachusetts. We need leaders who can:

1. Break through partisan gridlock and deliver results, individuals beholden to a specific party cannot accomplish this

2. Prioritize the needs of working families over political games and political infighting

3. Create an environment that attracts businesses and creates jobs

4. Invest in our future through education and infrastructure

As your candidate, I pledge to bring fresh energy and a commitment to results to Beacon Hill. We can’t afford more empty promises and legislative deadlock. Our families, our businesses, and our future depend on taking action now.

Join me in demanding better for Massachusetts. Together, we can be the start to what will be the slow but much need change in direction of our broken legislature and economy. Change that will work for everyone, not just career legislators looking to make a career out of elected office.

What are your thoughts? How has the rising unemployment rate or the delay in economic development initiatives affected you or your business? Share your experiences, and let’s work together for real change.

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 20, 2024

• Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report, September 23, 2024

• MASSterList forum, as reported by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service, September 23, 2024

• State House News Service

Policymakers need to focus more on a balanced approach to renewable energy and infrastructure challenges than unrealistic and potentially damaging “net-zero” goals / talking points.

This post provides a summary and opinion on a recent article from the Commonwealth Beacon (see below), which delves into the complexities of transitioning to a renewable energy grid in New England. As we push towards a greener future, the need to adopt renewable energy sources and electrify our systems is pressing. However, the article highlights that while these goals are vital, an accelerated and unrealistic push to eliminate carbon-based power could lead to significant costs and service disruptions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing a practical and sustainable path forward.

Traditionally, New England’s power grid has been designed to handle peak electricity demand during the summer months. This well know pattern has allowed grid operators, such as ISO New England, to plan and manage energy supply effectively. However, a recent study, discussed in the article, reveals a significant shift: by the 2030s, peak electricity demand is expected to move to the winter months due to increased reliance on electric heating (i.e. the plethora of new heat pumps being pushed and installed to replace gas and oil heating). This shift presents new challenges for grid management, as winter weather is less predictable than summer, leading to potentially significant demand fluctuations.

To meet the region’s emissions goals, ISO New England estimates that renewable energy capacity must expand to 97 gigawatts by 2050—a staggering 18 times the current combined capacity of wind, solar, and batteries. While expanding these technologies is crucial, they come with inherent limitations. Wind and solar power are intermittent; winters may be less sunny but windier, while summers offer more sunshine but less wind. This variability complicates the reliance on these sources year-round.

The technological barriers to large-scale energy storage further exacerbate this issue. Current storage solutions are costly and insufficient to manage the fluctuations in supply and demand. Without effective storage solutions, the grid’s ability to handle these variations remains in question and this will lead to significant risks associated with an accelerated push to eliminate carbon-based power.

First, such a rapid transition could lead to substantial costs for end-users. Developing the necessary infrastructure—such as extensive storage systems and new transmission lines—is expensive. These costs are likely to be passed on to consumers, potentially making electricity more expensive and leading to widespread discontent.

Moreover, an unrealistic timeline for eliminating carbon-based power can result in service disruptions. As the grid struggles to adapt to new renewable sources and manage their intermittency, consumers might experience unreliable power supply or even blackouts. These disruptions can erode public trust and contribute to negative sentiments towards electrification efforts.

When consumers face higher costs and unreliable service due to an overambitious energy transition, public support for electrification and renewable energy can wane. Instead of embracing green technologies, people may resist changes that seem to complicate their lives. This pushback can slow the adoption of renewable technologies and undermine efforts to reduce emissions.

To mitigate these risks, a more balanced and pragmatic approach is essential. It’s crucial to acknowledge that while renewable energy is the future, the transition must be managed in a way that is economically and practically feasible. Investments in infrastructure, including energy storage and grid upgrades, should align with realistic timelines and cost considerations.

Exploring alternative clean energy sources, such as small modular nuclear reactors or carbon-free synthetic natural gas, could provide additional stability to the grid without solely relying on intermittent renewables. Additionally, strategic market adjustments and policy changes may be needed to support a smooth transition while addressing economic and reliability concerns.

In conclusion; New England’s journey towards a renewable energy future is fraught with challenges. While the drive to eliminate carbon-based power is essential for addressing climate change, an accelerated and unrealistic push can lead to significant costs and service disruptions. By adopting a balanced approach that combines renewable energy expansion with necessary infrastructure improvements and realistic timelines, we can ensure a smoother transition. This approach will help maintain public support, manage costs effectively, and ultimately achieve a sustainable and reliable energy future.

Good luck to the candidates in the few contested primary races today…however, keep in mind today when you get to the voting booth, we still need to do a lot better. In this day and age, it is unacceptable to have as many uncontested races as we will today.

Contested political races are crucial for several reasons:

Democratic Engagement:
They reflect a vibrant democracy where multiple viewpoints are represented. Contested races encourage voter participation and engagement, ensuring that elections are not merely formalities but genuine contests of ideas and policies.

Accountability:
When elections are competitive, incumbents and challengers alike must address the concerns and needs of their constituents more seriously. This helps to ensure that elected officials remain accountable and responsive to the public.

Policy Debate:
Contested races provide a platform for debating different policy options. Voters can hear various perspectives on important issues and make informed choices about which candidate’s vision aligns with their own values and priorities.

Representation:
Competitive elections help ensure that the winning candidate truly represents the interests of a broad segment of the electorate. In less competitive races, there’s a risk that the elected official might not reflect the diverse opinions and needs of the community.

Prevention of Complacency:
When races are contested, it reduces the risk of political complacency. Both parties are motivated to work harder, innovate, and improve their strategies to win over voters, which can lead to better governance and more effective public service.

Legitimacy:
Contested races help reinforce the legitimacy of the electoral process. When the outcomes are the result of a genuine competition, it boosts public trust in the democratic system and its results.

In summary, contested races are vital for the health and functionality of democratic systems, fostering accountability, robust debate, and active civic engagement. See you on the November 5th ballot!

A recent Boston Globe investigation has revealed yet another troubling issue affecting our state: our state governments lack of transparency and oversight in managing contracts for homeless shelters. Per the article, in August 2023, the state signed a $16.3 million contract to rent 149 hotel rooms for homeless families, but shockingly, the names of the vendors paid with taxpayer money are being kept secret. This is just one example as keep in mind there are now just around 66 of these locations in the state. This secrecy not only disrespects the taxpayers but also jeopardizes the safety and well-being of the families who depend on these shelters.

The Healey administration has set a dangerous precedent by withholding key information about contractors and shutting down public access to shelter facilities. Despite tripling the state’s spending on migrant and homeless family services, shelters have been locked down, with reporters and photographers only allowed in on select occasions. Vendors running these shelters are forbidden from speaking directly to the media, and serious incidents—600 of which have occurred since January 2023—are kept under wraps. This level of secrecy is unacceptable and harmful, not just to the public but to the families living in these shelters.

Our state is effectively hiding critical information that affects our communities and the lives of those in need. Other cities, like Chicago and New York, have shown that it’s possible to manage similar crises with far more transparency. Chicago provides public access to shelter locations and contractor information within hours, and New York City publishes detailed spending reports and audit findings online. Massachusetts must do better.

Here’s how we can improve:

Full Transparency: The state should release unredacted contracts, allowing the public to see exactly where and how our money is being spent. Redactions should be minimal and only for truly sensitive information.

Independent Audits: We need regular, independent audits of the shelter system to ensure that funds are being used efficiently and that families are receiving proper care.

Public Reporting: The state should publish detailed, shelter-specific data, including inspection reports and incident summaries, to allow for independent assessments and community oversight.

Open Access: Shelters should not be locked down from public scrutiny. Media and watchdog groups should be allowed to visit and report on conditions, ensuring that these facilities are safe and well-managed.

Our state’s right-to-shelter law is a lifeline for many, but it must be administered with accountability and transparency. Our taxpayers and the families who rely on these services deserve nothing less. Let’s push for the transparency we need to protect our communities and ensure every dollar is spent wisely.

Read the full article here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/13/metro/massachusetts-shelter-system-spending-transparency/