Tim Flaherty, 2010 State Senate Questionnaire Responses

1. What are your top three agenda priorities and how will you take action on these priorities?

I believe that the #1 issue facing the Commonwealth is job creation and job retention. I have a 5 Point Jobs Plan that will help to make Massachusetts the leader in green jobs and high precision manufacturing of green technology. In addition to jobs, I believe that education should be a top priority. We cannot afford to have any more cuts to our school budgets. Finally, as a former Assistant District Attorney, I take public safety very seriously. We need to help support our law enforcement community and work tirelessly to address the scourge of opiate addiction that takes so many young lives across this district.

2. Do you support instituting a progressive income tax in Massachusetts?

Yes

3. PDS has taken a position against expanding predatory gambling in Massachusetts as a way to increase state revenue and local aid. What is your position on gambling casinos and slot machines?

As I answered earlier, creating jobs is my #1 priority, and because of this, I do support the establishment of resort casinos. These resorts would create hundreds of jobs. The economic development around casino sites will help to revive and bring money into communities in desperate need of help in this economy. The best way to guard against any problems that could arise around these resort casinos is by earmarking a certain percentage of revenue generated by the casinos for programs to help compulsive gamblers and to address any other concerns of the local communities.

4. How have you as and office-holder or private citizen worked to support progressive causes and issues at the state and local level?

I have always been a strong supporter of women's reproductive rights and was on the prosecution team that tried John Salvi. Though I haven't held an elective office yet, my family imparted in me a very strong belief in the value and importance of public service. As an ADA and private attorney, I have worked with dozens of individuals whose lives were hanging in the balance. I am proud to say that I helped each and every one of these people to the best of my ability. I look forward to taking my dedication to helping others to the Statehouse, where I can help others on an even bigger scale.

5. The parts of Somerville in your district include areas undergoing shifts in development that will affect the entire city of Somerville. What are your ideas for balancing affordable housing, business development, and creating/preserving open space in these parts of your district?

I support developing vibrant, diverse, and prosperous communities across this district. The key to this is balancing the need for green space, businesses, and housing. I think we should pursue as many walking malls and pedestrian and bike paths as possible. These areas can serve the dual purpose of providing much needed open space while attracting small businesses and artist communities. It is also important to make sure that there is adequate affordable housing so families are not forced out of these communities.

6. What budget items would you look to protect or increase? Please include specifics of what cuts or revenue increases you would support to pay for these budget items.

I believe we should protect and increase funding for our education system. The achievement gap needs to be closed, and the only way to do this is to make sure that schools and programs for children are fully funded for under-served minority and low-income families. I also am very passionate about public safety and believe that our police and other law enforcement budgets should be maintained and increased. We would be able to fund these programs by revisiting and renegotiating the PILOT formulas paid by the local hospitals and universities. These institutions are valuable resources, but are not paying their fair share of taxes to their host communities.

7. What is your stance on Election Day Voter Registration?

I fully support it. We need to encourage voter participation. Our democracy depends on an engaged and informed public.

8. Please tell us your stance and how you would vote on the following potential ballot initiatives:

  • Reduce the sales tax to 3%.

    I oppose it, but would revisit the issue in conjunction with the implementation of a progressive income tax.

  • Eliminate the sales tax on alcoholic beverages.

    I oppose it.

  • Eliminate Chapter 40B.

    I take the need for affordable housing very seriously and many people feel that Chapter 40B does not do enough to satisfy those housing needs. The legislature should take a look at Chapter 40B and any other housing laws and make sure they are serving the needs of the public. I am hesitant to repeal the law altogether until we are sure that we have exhausted every other avenue to address the perceived shortcomings in Chapter 40B.

9. Do you support the green line extension being completed on time with a terminus at Route 16?

Yes. I am a very strong supporter of public transportation and encouraging people to use it instead of cars.