Veteran Affairs

As your State Senator, John will work with the Veterans Administration and the Executive Office of Veterans Affairs to ensure proper funding for veterans’ programs. Having served as the Quincy City Council’s liaison to the Quincy Veterans Council, John knows firsthand how important it is to provide counseling programs, outreach centers, tax relief, and educational and training opportunities for veterans of all ages. He’ll establish close working relationships with local veteran services officers and veterans groups throughout the Senate district, just as he has done in Quincy.

Pension Reform

Having served as the director of one of the largest pension systems in the State, John knows what parts of the pension system work, and what parts need reform. He supported recent pension reform efforts, but believes there is more to be accomplished. He’ll bring a fresh perspective to the State House on pension issues, ending special legislation pension perks and pension grabs for the favored few. John will work to put the pension systems on solid footings to protect those who have earned and rely on those pensions, and to protect state and local taxpayers.

State Budget

John’s record on finances is one based on common sense – you don’t spend more than you can afford. Relative to the proposed FY 2011 State budget, John is concerned that approximately $489 million in revenue to support budget spending are one time revenues, with $175 million proposed from the Stabilization Fund, $100 million from shifting debt payments, nearly $160 million coming from one time payments from the federal government relating to past payments due under the federal Medicare program, $19 million from the sale of State- owned land, and $35 million in funds transferred from off-budget trust funds. He is also concerned that the State is relying on nearly $1.394 billion in federal recovery funds to balance the FY 2011 budget. At this time, there is no guarantee that the State will get those funds. John believes that using one time revenues to support recurring costs creates a structural deficit that only prolongs the budget problem. John won’t go along to get along on budget issues. As your State Senator, he will review the budget line by line, calling for the justification of every tax dollar spent. He’ll make the tough decisions necessary to responsibly balance the budget in the short-term, and to provide for structurally sound budgets in the future.

Environment

John supports alternative energy solutions for Massachusetts, provided they offer real potential for positive impacts on the environment, and cost savings for homeowners and businesses. Alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal are critical to improving our environment and decreasing our dependence on foreign oil. Locally, the preservation of open space and the cleanup of local bays, rivers, lakes and streams is critical to the long-term environmental health of our communities. Development within our communities should be sensitive to the scale and impact upon our local environments. As your State Senator, John will work with local governments and groups on issues of environmental concern.

Supporting Cities and Towns

As a City Councilor, John knows firsthand that it is at the local level where essential services are provided. People look to their local police and fire departments to deliver public safety, to local schools to educate their children, to public works departments to plow and maintain roads, and to libraries, parks, senior centers and public works departments to ensure the quality of life in our communities. For too long the state budget has cut local aid to cities and town, balancing the state budget on the backs of local property taxpayers. Our communities of Abington, Braintree, Holbrook, Rockland and Quincy have been forced to raise taxes and drastically cut services. As your Senator, John will fight for predictable local aid, and will force the state to be accountable to our local property taxpayers.

Seniors

As our population ages, it is critical that we as a society offer to our seniors quality, affordable and safe housing, and ensure quality affordable health care. We have an obligation to provide a continuum of housing and care for our seniors, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing care options, as well as affordable services for seniors who choose to stay in their homes. As your State Senator, John will work tirelessly for those who worked for us throughout their lives.