Town fiscal woes are lead topic as state rep candidates outline their positions at forum

By Neil Zolot / Correspondent
Sun Jan 06, 2008, 06:47 PM EST
Swampscott - Contenders to succeed Doug Petersen as state representative for the 8th Essex District spoke before an audience of 170 at a free “Meet the Candidates” breakfast sponsored by the Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood in Marblehead on Sunday, Jan. 6.

On the dais, making opening remarks in alphabetical order, were Democrat Cesar Archilla, the lone candidate from Swampscott, and Independent Mark Barry, Republicans John Blaisdell and Tanya DeGenova and Democrat Lori Ehrlich, all of Marblehead.

The tenor of the program was presentational and introductory, in the words of event chairman and emcee Howard Nunes, "not a debate.”

Archilla, 45, is originally from the Bronx. He is a lawyer in private practice who previously worked as an assistant district attorney and at the Federal Reserve Bank.

"As an ADA, I zealously advocated for the residents of this district and Essex County," he said in his opening remarks. "The next state representative has to be a fighter for this district, a conduit to Beacon Hill to make sure our influence is maximized. The relationships I've built in business and government will serve me well."

Barry, 54, is a Marblehead native. He is also an attorney and former plumber. He received a master’s degree in education at age 40 and a law degree at 50. He's also been involved with non-profit organizations like My Brother's Table.

"I've always had independent status in my voting status; I believe we need independent representation," he said. "I know change is difficult; I know I can facilitate change between different groups of people. I've changed on a regular basis."

Blaisdell, 56, is originally from Lynn and lived in Swampscott before moving to Marblehead. He is a retired police officer and Army veteran who currently owns a mortgage company.

"With a lifetime dedicated to public service, combined with my experience in the private sector, I feel ready to take on the new challenge of representing our district," reads a paragraph on his campaign literature. "I believe the position to be a very local job with important local issues."

DeGenova, 58, described herself as "the most exotic candidate here." She was born in Germany before moving to the United States at age 13. She is a former FBI agent currently working as a security consultant.

"I ask you to consider my candidacy as an extension of my public service and as an opportunity for our district to have aggressive representation that gets results," reads her campaign handout.

Ehrlich, 44, is originally from Lynn and graduated from Swampscott High School. She is a practicing certified public accountant and environmental activist, having co-founded HealthLink and the Wenham Lake Watershed Association.

"I've filed legislation that has created powerful power plant regulations," she said. "What drives me is not partisan politics but pure politics, you and me. People are concerned about the future; I will strengthen the district's voice on Beacon Hill."

Fiscal issues are key

Because of time constraints, the format did not allow for questions from the floor but Nunes and other organizers prepared interrelated questions beforehand, most of which dealt with financial issues. Answers were given in rotating alphabetical order with each candidate allowed to answer one question first.

All the candidates focused on bringing more state aid to district as the top priority they would pursue as a representative and bring to the attention of the governor and legislature's leadership.

"We need more state funding," Barry said. "The Chapter 70 (education funding) formula left us a little behind. The state needs to provide more funding for us. Special education should be paid for by the state. There's pressure on school boards because decisions have to be made on the basis of funding. People look at the North Shore and don't think we have problems — but they don't live here."

He thinks he can develop relationships with the legislative leadership to deal with these problems.

"We need change but I can't alienate myself as a freshman representative from the establishment," he said. "I'd need to insert myself into the establishment."

"There is disparity in the Chapter 70 formula," Blaisdell agreed. "It's unfair. How to get that message across will be a difficult task."

"We need to get the Chapter 70 gap closed," DeGenova also agreed. "Not in five years; communities like Swampscott need it now. We need to get more of our tax dollar back; we need more independence from the state to use our tax dollar."

Ehrlich said she would work not only to get more Chapter 70 money but also funding through Chapter 90, covering infrastructure improvements.

"Our area doesn't get what it needs," she feels. "Our municipalities are operating under skyrocketing costs."

Archilla said the two highest priorities are municipal and school budgets.

"We need to maximize state aid," he said. "I plan to use relationships I've built to do that." Yet he warned the Chapter 70 funding formula wasn't going to change and other solutions were needed, such as filing legislation to cover special education costs and changing the funding formula for charter schools.

Funding solutions mentioned by Barry and DeGenova included releasing money from the Rainy Day fund. Ehrlich said she would work on procuring money from the lottery.

Casino gambling is seen as a revenue source. Barry feels the logjam in the legislature over the issue needs to end and the Legislature must also work to bring other businesses into the state. He’s in favor of casinos but not in this area due to infrastructure issues.

Ehrlich said she isn't against casinos but has concerns about traffic, law enforcement and the effect casinos will have on existing businesses.

Archilla favors casinos as long as revenue is earmarked to cities and towns.

Blaisdell said he has "no opinion at this time.”

DeGenova said costs at the local and state level could be cut by mandating employee participation in the state Group Insurance Commission. Ehrlich and Archilla both said the idea was sprung on unions before they had a chance to properly assess the idea and that they (the unions) raised good points in their opposition to GIC.

Blaisdell said he is personally affected by GIC as a retired police officer and has no problem with it.

All the candidates said they were undecided as to whom they support for president, except Archilla. He said he supports Barack Obama, based on a need for change.

Blaisdell said he was undecided but would vote Republican in November, based on security issues.

Describing herself as a moderate Republican, DeGenova said she would probably vote Republican in November.

Ehrlich said she was an undecided Democrat very proud of the party's field.

Barry also said he was undecided but joked the question was unfair since no independents are running.



Closing remarks outlined

Closing remarks were given in reverse alphabetical order.

"I've identified problems, organized at the grass-roots level, worked with the Legislature and gotten results," Ehrlich said. "I'll listen to your concerns and act on your behalf."

"The quality of life depends on economic development," DeGenova said. "Massachusetts is being out-hustled by other states, regions and countries. Massachusetts is the only state in the union losing population. We must be smarter on Beacon Hill. I will fight to make the Legislature the body of the people and not special interests."

"I don't need notes or a script," Blaisdell commented on his presentation and answers, in part a reference to the prepared remarks of some of the other candidates. "I know these communities. I'll do whatever it takes to get the job done. If I'm not in the State House working on problems, I'll be here looking for problems to solve."

"I've never worked in public service," Barry admitted. "I don't know if that's a help or hindrance, but this is where I'm from, the area I care about."

"If you're not part of the process you're part of the problem," Archilla followed. "We can do better. The next representative has to be a fighting advocate. I can do that. I'll use my experience to make a difference for this community."

Organizers were pleased with the program.

"I thought the candidates were wonderful," Nunes said. "I'm hoping the rest of the community can pick up the ball and give the candidates another chance to dig deeper into the issues."

The breakfast was attended by many members of Marblehead and Swampscott committees as well as prospective voters. Petersen, who vacated the legislative seat to take a job as agriculture commissioner for Gov. Deval Patrick, was among those watching.

Although asked by his new employer to avoid making an endorsement, Petersen said he was very impressed by the candidates to succeed him.

"They're five very informed and qualified candidates," he said. "Whoever wins, the district will end up with a good representative."