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DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Nineteenth Suffolk. - Consisting of precincts 1 and 2 of ward 1, all precincts of ward 2, precincts 2 and 3 of ward 3, and precinct 3 of ward 5, of the city of Revere, and the town of Winthrop, both in the county of Suffolk.
The country and the state are in a financial crisis. The old ways of "go along, get along" politics -- i.e. let's just slap a big tax on the Commonwealth and worry about all that reform unpleasantness at some future date -- are not going to play this year. Or, if they do, are going to inflict a terrible cost on whoever votes for them in the next election, I predict. This is exactly the kind of situation that, historically, can produce significant political realignments.
It's one thing to fret about pension abuse when you have a job. It's an entirely different thing when you're afraid you might not be able to feed your kids this time next year.
Good governing and smart politics by His Excellency. BMG: Reality-based commentary.
Sales tax on alcohol, candy, and soda sounds perfect. It's almost ridiculous they aren't taxed already. I wish he would avoid talk of a gas tax increase, but I might be able to deal with a 6 or 7 cent increase if I absolutely have to. But I would rather not. Yes...No....Yes....No, I just can't come to a clear determination whether I can accept a gas tax increase of any kind. I like the idea that it will improve infrastructure and that is what I would hope for and support, but I'm not convinced it will be used effectively or wisely. So I guess that takes us right back to the reform argument. It also affects working class people and people in the western part of the state more because we are the ones who don't have public transportation, and have to drive to get anywhere. I'll just keep waffling on that one.
I'm still not sure about the local options tax either.
I want to hear the Governor throw out the progressive tax idea. It will take forever for that to be accomplished, we need the balloons floating around periodically now.
