Who I am...Why I'm Running

Thanks (6.00 / 1)

Sal, have known your father for a long time and he is a good man and speaks highly of you and how hard you work for the people of the district.

Only one question and it is a deal breaker, will you commit to resign your Everett Council seat if your win the Senate seat?

Again, thanks for running.

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by: ConsEph @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 18:40:54 PM CST

I agree with ConsEph. (6.00 / 1)

We currently have Tim Toomey serving on the Cambridge City Council as well as in the State Legislature. IMO he can't give his all to both jobs.  

"None of us has gotten where we are solely by pulling ourselves up from our own bootstraps. We got here because somebody bent down and helped us." ~Thurgood Marshall

"Facts are stupid things."-Ronald Reagan

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by: Kathy @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 19:06:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thank you for your questions. (6.00 / 5)

Yes, I absolutely will resign my seat on the Everett City Council should I win this State Senate seat.

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by: SalDiDomenico @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 19:56:40 PM CST

First (0.67 / 6)

 A grammatical correction: Your sons ARE attending public school wherever.
My question: How many times did you drive your boss, the aforementioned state senator home?

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by: billxi @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 20:53:43 PM CST

Assuming you're refering to this sentence: (5.83 / 6)

"Each of them is attending public schools here in Everett."  The correct verb is in fact "is".  "Each" is considered a singular pronoun (Think of it as "each one".) and is the subject to which the verb refers.  The plural "them" is the object of the preposition and thus not the basis for numerical agreement with the verb.

We now return to your regularly scheduled insinuations and attempt of guilt by association - carry on:(

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by: Christopher @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 21:07:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Think of it this way, billxi (6.00 / 2)

Christopher nailed it.

Think of it this way, billxi.

"Each of them is attending public schools here in Everett."  

First, strip out the prepositional phrase...

"Each is attending public schools here in Everett."

Then, add the word "one."

"Each one is attending public schools here in Everett."  

Kate Donaghue, volunteer.

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by: Kate @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 09:38:46 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I Stand Corrected (0.00 / 0)

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by: billxi @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 14:31:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

advice (6.00 / 1)

If you're going to be the grammar police, you better make sure you're right.

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by: Scout @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 22:54:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Stay classy there, Bill. (0.00 / 0)

"None of us has gotten where we are solely by pulling ourselves up from our own bootstraps. We got here because somebody bent down and helped us." ~Thurgood Marshall

"Facts are stupid things."-Ronald Reagan

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by: Kathy @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 00:07:17 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Stay Classy, San Diego (6.00 / 1)

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by: stomv @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 06:39:58 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I expect to see Mr. Burgundy after every one of these gems by billxi. (6.00 / 2)

Proverbs 10:14

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by: AlexSWill @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 08:29:02 AM CST

[ Parent ]

A fine idea. (0.00 / 0)

You know how to use the internets too, yes?

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by: stomv @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 10:42:08 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Feel free to ignore my questions (5.25 / 4)

as they're tough ones, and they don't just involve you.

1.  Do you believe that Ex-Senator Galluccio is an alcoholic?
2.  If yes to (1), have you ever bought or served or otherwise obtained Ex-Senator Galluccio an alcoholic drink since the moment you believed Ex-Senator Galluccio to be an alcoholic?
3.  If yes to (1), did you ever "cover" for Ex-Senator Galluccio before, during, or after consuming alcohol had negative ramifications for his work, his family, his friends, or his community?

As I write in the subject, feel free to skip.  These are fresh wounds, and they involve not only Ex-Senator Galluccio and you but his family, other staffers, etc.  Relationships involving an imbalance of power and alcohol abuse are quite tricky...

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by: stomv @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 21:10:20 PM CST

these are good questions (0.00 / 0)

And they need to be addressed.  The tragic and spectacular implosion of the Senator Gallucio is the elephant in the room.  If Mr. DiDomenico does get through the primary without solidly dealing with it, it will become the defining issue of the general and there's a good chance that we'll have an elephant in what should be a Democratic seat.

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by: Scout @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 23:43:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Photo ID (1.50 / 4)

Is this guy even old enough to shave?  Looks like a lightweight trying to avoid the dreaded private sector...

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by: Topper @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 09:36:46 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Sal's statement untrue and incomplete... (4.50 / 2)

It is not unusual for politicians to overstate their own qualifications and understate their opponents, but one statement Sal made stood out to me as bordering on falsehood.

Sal states that he is "the only candidate in this race with the experience to get to work immediately on day one."  That is surely not true. In fact, he has one opponent who is more qualified and experienced. City Councilor Marjorie Decker's experience includes not only her 10 year tenure on the Cambridge Council and extensive work with community groups and organizations, but also her work right at the State House where she was AA to Rep. Alice Wolf. She sure knows how to research, draft and file a bill and how to get it passed. In addition, she worked in the Congressional office of US Rep. Shroeder and is familiar with the federal system and how it works with the state and local entities.

Also, stormv's questions regarding Sal's role are tough, but pertinent. Galluccio's sad saga needed accomplices to pull off. A serious problem was covered up and/or ignored for a long time. That is what has led to this special election. Those questions require a response.  

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by: HLPeary @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 06:02:23 AM CST

I Will Await Ms. Decker's Post (6.00 / 2)

You point out that there is a number of good candidates in this primary (in effect the general).  Sal has posted why he believes he is the best candidate for the position.  You have countered that Marjorie is a better candidate which she may possibly be, but she has yet to post here to state her case and face questions such as those posed by stormv and others, including me, to Sal.

I look forward to seeing her post as well as those of the other candidates and would ask Ms. Decker the same question I asked Sal, "Will you commit to resigning your Council seat if you are elected Senator?".

Thanks

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by: ConsEph @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 06:30:18 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Doubt it (3.00 / 3)

She thinks the City Council job is pretty easy cause she only shows up 40% of the time and when she does she passes pedantic resolutions. Lets please prevent this person from getting a second undeserved taxpayer backed pay checked.

Denise Simmons is also a woman like Decker, and a gay African American to boot. But unlike Decker or Reeves, she hasn't used being black, gay or being a woman as an excuse to do nothing or grandstand on pointless issues. She showed great leadership during the Gates controversy and has been the key councilor spear heading through the Police Review Advisory Board to make sure incidents like that don't happen again. She has been a tireless advocate of the school system during her tenure on both the School Committee and the City Council and has fought to ensure that the schools get both the funds and the good leadership they need to educate all of our kids. She is one of the few councilors, along with Craig Kelley, that has been proactive in addressing gang violence and trying to reduce it in our cities. Decker and Reeves by contrast have pretended Cambridge doesn't have a gang problem for fear of offending their constituencies. Simmons, at risk of alienating her black base, has forced the council to address the issue. She has been one of the few councilors committed to doing anything about affordable housing or keeping working people in Cambridge. One of the few to do anything about seniors in nursing homes and what the city can do to make sure they are safe and healthy and not abused. She'd make a great Senator because of her commitment to local issues and getting things done for real people in Cambridge, as opposed to Decker who will make any Senate race a referendum on wars and arresting Bush-ideas which might have merit but certainly have no place on a city councilor or state senators agenda.  

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by: jconway @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 09:57:20 AM CST

[ Parent ]

do you have ANY backing for this stuff? (4.50 / 4)

And I mean ANY?  Otherwise, it's just yet another in a long series of petty attacks with a strong racist, misogynist, and homophobic subtext.

For me the issue is: is he personally attacking other BMGers. I don't think he is, here. He's just using the word "fag" in a way that is insulting to a whole group of people under the rubric of "discussing it." -- Bob Neer  

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by: huh @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 10:25:34 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Whats racist or homophobic? (0.00 / 0)

Simmons is an African American and a lesbian but she is not using those facts as the sole justification for her candidacy.

Check rwinters.com for the record of absenteeism and unnecessary resolutions. I just listed four things Simmons did for Cambridge name one thing Decker did.

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by: jconway @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 15:33:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I think your post covered it (0.00 / 0)

To start, who mentioned Denise's race or sexuality?  You - to justify your preposterous claim that Marjorie is running on being a woman.  

You then go on to make even weirder claims about Ken Reeves' motivations.  See because he's BLACK he won't risk offending black people.

And of course, all gangs are BLACK, which is why Simmons risk alienating blacks by taking on gangs!

Come back when you have a shred of evidence of Decker running solely on being a woman or Reeves running solely on being gay.  

For me the issue is: is he personally attacking other BMGers. I don't think he is, here. He's just using the word "fag" in a way that is insulting to a whole group of people under the rubric of "discussing it." -- Bob Neer  

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by: huh @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 16:57:06 PM CST

[ Parent ]

oh, and for the record (0.00 / 0)

Unlike you, I am a Cambridge resident.  I've voted for Ken, Denise, and Marjorie and like all three of them.

Please do not try to make this about Marjorie vs. Denise.  You're making nasty attacks on Marjorie and Ken and need to back them up.

For me the issue is: is he personally attacking other BMGers. I don't think he is, here. He's just using the word "fag" in a way that is insulting to a whole group of people under the rubric of "discussing it." -- Bob Neer  

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by: huh @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 17:12:59 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Decker is against double-dipping... (6.00 / 1)

I took the time to call and find out an accurate answer before posting fantasy statements...novel concept, hope it catches on...

City Councilor Marjorie Decker is opposed to double-dipping and should she be elected to fill the State Senate seat, she will resign her Council position. 'nuf said on that one...and I agree with her position.

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by: HLPeary @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 11:32:31 AM CST

[ Parent ]

ConsEph: please don't parse Sal's words (5.00 / 1)

ConsEph: Sal stated directly in his post that he was the "I am the ONLY candidate in this race with the experience to get to work immediately on day one."  Because that is not true, I pointed out why he was in error.

 

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by: HLPeary @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 11:00:48 AM CST

[ Parent ]

HL Apologize. (0.00 / 0)

I was not intending to parse Sal's (or anyone else's) words.  Can see how it reads that way so I will apologize for being lax in what I wrote.  

Thanks for pointing it out and thanks for your encouraging others to post on this special election, which is, for all intents and purposes the general election too.

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by: ConsEph @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 16:06:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Decker's candidacy at BMG announced in a Jan 26th Bob Neer posting (0.00 / 0)

From a posting by BMG Bob Neer Jan 26 quoting a release Announcing Decker candidacy...
..."Marjorie Decker formally announced her candidacy for State Senate before a horde of supporters - men, women, seniors and children.
"Our Senate District belongs to the families and the citizens of Allston, Brighton, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Saugus and Somerville", stated Decker.  "Though we may live in different communities, we share the same stories, the same hopes, the same frustrations and the same worries - particularly worries about jobs, taxes, our economy, and our future."

Decker grew up in a working-class family in public housing in the City of Cambridge. She graduated from Cambridge Rindge & Latin High after which she worked her way through UMass-Amherst - graduating with honors.  

"I didn't come from a political family or have influential backers, but what I did take from my childhood was the value of hard work - and throughout my life, everything I have achieved is the result of that same hard work," continued Decker.   In 1998, Marjorie was elected to serve on the Cambridge City Council.  During her time on the council, she built a reputation for having remained true to her roots while displaying the hard work and willingness to listen so critical to being an advocate for all."

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by: HLPeary @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 11:05:40 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I Read Bob's Post (0.00 / 0)

HL, I read Bob's post which referenced Marjorie's announcement and had her press release included.  What I refer to above is having her make her own post on BMG.  I don't think that is too much to ask of a candidate.  There is a number of questions raised below and probably a few more would be raised upon her posting.  I find it useful, personally, to have candidates post on BMG and respond to comments.

I have already raised one question about double dipping which you answered, but I have not seen either Majorie's or Denise's response, both of which would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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by: ConsEph @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 11:55:08 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I agree, all candidates should post here (0.00 / 0)

ConsEph: i agree. Decker and anyone else looking for progressive support should make their own case here at BMG. I am sure she will soon.

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by: HLPeary @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 16:02:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Buonomo (0.00 / 0)

He was certainly an influential background and gave her a lot of cash before he went to jail.

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by: jconway @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 15:34:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The statement you are complaining about... (6.00 / 1)

...is way too subjective to try to assign a truth value to.  Candidates make the claim all the time that they are the best qualified, or even only truly qualified, but ultimately that is for the voters to judge.  If your opinion differs you're certainly entitled to that, but you can't call it out as false.

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by: Christopher @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 08:44:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Sal didn't say best, he said ONLY... (0.00 / 0)

n/t

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by: HLPeary @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 11:07:24 AM CST

[ Parent ]

That's still a judgement call though. (0.00 / 0)

Maybe he thinks he is.  Personally I supported HRC for President in 2008 largely because I thought she was the only candidate "ready on day one" as she herself put it.  You cannot assign a truth value to something that is clearly an opinion, even if that opinion is asserted forcefully as if the person thinks it's fact.

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by: Christopher @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 14:05:29 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Decker a hack (3.00 / 3)

According to rwinters.com she has the highest absentee record of any councilor and over 90% of her orders have been of the symbolic nature pertaining to such local concerns as opposing the Patriot Act and the Iraq War which the City Council clearly has jurisdiction and weight over. Decker has made a great career out of doing little and somehow taking a lot of credit for ideas others proposed. She has also made a great career grandstanding on national issues to get left wing activists in Cambridge to vote for her while knowing next to nothing, in spite of her ten years, about how the council works and what its functions are. I would shudder to think about how ineffective she would be as a state senator.  

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by: jconway @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 09:27:45 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Don't 3 me refute me (0.00 / 0)

I challenge you to prove otherwise.

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by: jconway @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 15:36:16 PM CST

[ Parent ]

says the man handing out zeros (6.00 / 2)

For me the issue is: is he personally attacking other BMGers. I don't think he is, here. He's just using the word "fag" in a way that is insulting to a whole group of people under the rubric of "discussing it." -- Bob Neer  

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by: huh @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 15:52:01 PM CST

[ Parent ]

For Sal (0.00 / 0)

Hey Sal,

Welcome to this community and I am glad to hear from you. My family has bought flowers from time to time from that shop and I think you are all very nice people. I also like the fact that you have roots in the districts largest communities Everett and Cambridge. I hope you root for the Falcons instead of the Tide but that's another discussion.

As for issues, what would you say were your biggest accomplishments under Senator Galluccio? What priorities will you try to advance? Also where do you differ from him policy wise and perhaps process wise as well? What is your stance on his current efforts to avoid jail time and would you support his re-entry into politics after he got out? What would you do for the other communities in the district, particularly Somerville, Revere, Chelsea, and the parts of Boston in the district? What was your record as city councilor and what initiatives did you spearhead successfully?

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by: jconway @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 10:01:32 AM CST

Thank you for the questions.... (6.00 / 1)

jconway - I think we can answer all of your questions pretty simply by saying www.salforsenate.com just launched yesterday.  In our issues section we talk in detail about my priorities for EACH community in the District.  The bio area provides some background on me, my family, and where I come from.  I hope you can take a look and let the campaign know what you think!

P.S. Sal is at the State House today working.  This is Chris Keohan, Sal's Campaign Manager.  We will be posting more answers as soon as we can!

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by: SalDiDomenico @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 10:37:17 AM CST

Thanks! (0.00 / 0)

Glad to see the websites off to a good start. Also while I did heap a lot of praise on Simmons I am not a voter in this district but would be undecided if I was.  

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by: jconway @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 15:35:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Reply to the comment you're answering (0.00 / 0)

It would be very helpful if, when answering a specific comment, you replied to that comment, not to the post.  That would keep threads together, and help people see your comments in context.  Instead, I'm lazily skipping a lot of your comments because I don't know what they're in response to.

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by: Cos @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 19:17:16 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Countless choices-Specifically what? (0.00 / 0)

Sal writes -

"There are countless choices that must be made in the coming months, each tougher than the last."

Can you be more specific?

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by: samp @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 10:38:30 AM CST

Thank you for your questions Stomv (6.00 / 6)

First, let me be clear that I personally do not drink....at all, never have.  It is a personal choice I made long ago.  It is clear that Senator Galluccio has had his problems with alcohol, and he has taken steps to address this issue. However, what can't be glossed over is the incredible work we did at the State House on behalf of our constituents.  We made constituent services a top priority during his tenure in office, and it had a direct and positive impact on countless lives within the District and across the Commonwealth.  I am proud of my role having served as his Chief of Staff, and it is because of my experiences (which includes time in both government and in the private sector) that I believe I am uniquely qualified to replace him.

To answer your questions - I have NEVER purchased and or given Senator Galluccio any form of alcohol.  I have NEVER witnessed or even saw a hint of Senator Galluccio intoxicated.  And, I absolutely have NEVER been a part of any sort of "cover-up".  I've served Anthony Galluccio as his Chief of Staff and friend.  As a friend, I hope he makes it through this tough time, just like anyone else would.  I stick with my friends through good times and bad.  Right now he needs my support to get whatever help he seeks.

As I seek your support in this campaign, I ask for you to look at my political and professional background, as I hope to bring my unique experience to the State Senate to continue to fight for the needs of this district.

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by: SalDiDomenico @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 12:16:07 PM CST

Thank you for the answers. (6.00 / 2)

And frankly, keep practicing.  You'll be asked many times, in many ways, with many different "tones" and you'll need to be convincing and cool each time.

Best of luck to you, and to the Gooch and his family.

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by: stomv @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 12:18:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I Appreciate Your Answer (3.00 / 1)

i just hope photographic evidence doesn't surface to prove you wrong. That would ruin your candidacy before it started. Best wishes.

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by: billxi @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 18:15:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Countless Choices.... (0.00 / 0)

Good question.  First and foremost is the budget.  We are coming up on budget time and communities across the Commonwealth are facing the squeeze now more than ever.  Difficult choices will be made across the board from cuts to total elimination of some programs.  I will fight incredibly hard for our fair share of funding for education programs, but also believe we will need to find new sources of revenue in order to keep core services up and running.  I am also an ardent supporter of working with small businesses to bring jobs back to Massachusetts.  We can not get out of this economic mess unless we put more people back to work, paying taxes, and spending their hard earned money on goods for their families.

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by: SalDiDomenico @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 12:20:30 PM CST

Off to a Good Start (0.00 / 0)

It is great to see a candidate not only posting their positions but also taking and responding to positions.  You have made a nice start Sal.

I also applaud you for the focus on small business.  As you know well, it is a tiring and thankless job to start and run a small business, that your father is still in business after all these years speaks well of the work he does and work ethic he has passed on to you.

There are many things that you can do to help small businesses.  One would be to apply sales taxes equally to internet companies and those doing business on the ground in the state.  To use an example you will know well, your father has to charge a 6.25% sales tax on everything he sells, ProFlowers does not.  That puts your father and other small businesses at a significant disadvantage.

I have not seen a single job started by ProFlowers in MA, but I have seen many by smal businesses like our fathers.  I have not seen ProFlowers make contributions to charity and the fabric of the community as your family has done for many years.  

All the small business people ask is a level playing field and support for what they provide not only in products and services but the intangibles in jobs for the high school kids, contributions to fund raisers for charity and frequently running charities themselves.

Keep up the good work and do not forget from where you come.

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by: ConsEph @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 17:53:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

gee (0.00 / 0)

i'm not your constituent.  but i appreciate the fact that you answered all the questions.  and we could certainly use some more small business owners on beacon hill.

all best for your run.  

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by: GoldsteinGoneWild @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 13:17:36 PM CST

Great Dialogue (0.00 / 0)

Whether Sal, or any of us, is the "only candidate with the experience to get to work on day one," deserves to be debated.  All seven candidates have strong credentials, but there are significant differences among us in the kind of life experiences we bring to the race.  Hopefully some organization will step up and host a public debate.  BMG?
-Dan Hill

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by: Daniel C. Hill @ Wed Feb 10, 2010 at 20:02:04 PM CST