State Rep 2008 Questionnaire Responses: Paul Donato

  1. Why should progressive Democrats consider you to be the best choice for state representative in this race? What have you championed and/or accomplished as an elected official that supports your claim?

    I feel that I have been a hard working and effective state representative throughout my four terms. My staff and I attend to constituent services on a daily basis as I have an active state house and district office. I also feel that I have earned the respect of my colleagues as evidenced by my being named Chairman of the House Committee on Steering, Scheduling and Policy in just my third term in the state house. Every bill passes through this committee. I also frequently chair the sessions and have earned a reputation for fairness in that role.

    Philosophically, I have a solid record on education, environment, worker’s rights and other issues that affect our most vulnerable citizens. I have been honored by the Children’s League for my work in the area of CHINS reform. Additionally, I have been named legislature of the year by Portal To Hope for my support of domestic violence programs. The Friends of the Middlesex Fells have recognized me for my work in fighting development in the Middlesex Fells. As a private citizen I serve on a number of Boards including Project Triangle which provides services for mentally challenged adults and Tri City Task Force which works on housing and other basic service issues for needy residents.

    Finally, and perhaps most importantly, throughout my political career I have been able to work with all factions as I feel that as people we have more that unites us than divides us. There are people who support me now who worked against me years ago and I’m sure vice versa. I respect their decisions and, hopefully, the respect mine. As a life long Democrat and chairman of the Medford Democratic City Committee I feel we must find room for many under our tent!

  2. What would be your top legislative priorities in your next term of office? What have you already done to demonstrate your commitment on these issues?

    Energy and Environment. I have co-sponsored Safe Alternative Bill, Global Warming Bill, E-Waste Take Back Bill. Continue to fight against development of the Middlesex Fells. Continue to support educational and labor issues.

  3. During the previous Republican administration, there were dramatic cuts in state funding for safety net services, higher education, and local aid. Thus far, there has only been limited success in restoring funding to address unmet need.

    a) What program(s) or service(s) would be your highest priorities for funding restoration?

    Local Aid, Ch.70 Funding

    b) How would you propose to pay for restored funding for these and other priorities? If you propose spending cuts in other areas, be specific about the programs or services or staff positions that would be cut; if you propose to increase revenues, be specific about the sources of that revenue.

    Support local options to increase meals tax, increase hotel tax.

  4. All over the country there are proposals to make it both harder and easier for people to cast their vote. What election reform proposals do you support or disagree with?

    I support same day registration and I also support the elimination of the Electoral College and favor national vote for president.

  5. The Green Line is slated to come to both Somerville and Medford. In Medford there have been many discussions about the challenges of bringing the Green Line in and some opposition. How do you feel about the extension to Medford and how would you support your position as a legislator?

    Although not in my district, I have been working with the Medford/Somerville delegation to insure that proper funding and the interests of the resident’s are protected.

  6. Do you support bringing casino gambling and/or racetrack slot machines to Massachusetts? If so, how and why should it be done and what trade-offs would be involved? If not, why not?

    At this time I do not favor casino gambling because I am not convinced that the revenues generated will outweigh the social consequences. I do favor slot machines at racetracks because racetracks are already gambling venues and the revenues generated from the slot machines will help preserve jobs at the struggling tracks.