[Sidebar] The Worcester Phoenix
September 15 - 22, 2000

[Features]

Bob Spellane
State Rep, 13th District

Questions Answers
1. Many people believe the state legislature remains in the grip of the lobbyist-funded leadership, and that the local delegation is forced to march in lockstep with the leadership's whim. As a legislator, how will you combat this perception?
 The House leadership received nearly 45 percent of their donations in the past three years from lobbyists. Meanwhile, during the same period, they spent an average of 202 hours annually in session. I will always fight your "special interests."
2. The use of term limits appeals to some as a way to block individuals from choosing politics as a career, and to reduce stagnation in the legislature. Do you support or oppose term limits, and why?
 I am opposed to term limits. Terms can be limited every two years at the ballot box.
3. By providing public matching funds for candidates, a Clean Elections Law is meant to reduce soft-money contributions and diminish corporate influence in the political process. Do you support or oppose a Clean Elections Law, and why?
 I support clean elections. It is not a perfect system, but the citizens of the commonwealth approved it, and I will abide by the law in 2002. It's a shame the legislature is delaying its implementation.
4. Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a Patients' Bill of Rights in response to a ballot initiative. Do you support the terms of the initiative, and is the legislation enough to address patients' needs?
 I worked on and support the initiative. We have a stronger patient Bill of Rights, but we still need to fight for high-quality affordable health-care for all. It's disheartening that 630,000 people in Massachusetts still have no health insurance.
5. One of the biggest concerns of senior voters is prescription-drug coverage. What role, in your opinion, should state government play in providing these drugs?
 The state should pursue bulk-rate purchasing of drugs and provide them at lower cost to our seniors. Also, we should research the use of an annual deductible for prescription-drug coverage based on income.
6. Recent figures released by Massport indicate higher passenger counts at Worcester Airport. In light of this, you would expect the already heated debate over the proposed access road to the airport will only intensify. What is your position on the access road?
 I support an access road, if this trend continues. The road should improve our regional transportation system and relieve congestion in the Tatnuck and Newton Square neighborhoods. It's a public-safety issue. We can't have vehicles speeding through our neighborhoods to make a flight.
7. School vouchers would allow parents to use public-education funds to pay for a private education for their children. Do you support or oppose school vouchers, and why?
 I am opposed to school vouchers. Public tax dollars should not be used to support private education.
8. Often, much-needed programs can't find funding from city government. As a state legislator, what specific revenue sources will you seek to exploit for the needs of the district?
 I will start by opposing the Cellucci-Swift [personal income] tax cut. If this reckless measure passes, local aid will decrease and we will be faced with override questions again.
9. MCAS educational testing is on everyone's mind these days. Is the current system fair and worthwhile?
 Unfair. Special-needs and vocational students should be excluded from the graduation requirement. Formulating standards has proven to be very time consuming. We should push back the graduation requirement for all students. I would support testing in the areas of English and math only.
10. Are you in favor of, or do you oppose capital punishment. Why?
 I am opposed to capital punishment. One, it is not a deterrent. Two, I don't believe in a government that believes in an "eye for an eye" philosophy. Truth in sentencing is the answer.
11. On the issue of abortion, are you pro-abortion, or anti-abortion, and why?
 Pro-choice.
12. List your top three priorities upon taking office, in order of importance.
Health care/elder care improvements.

Public education, economic development rooted in an improved regional transportation system.

The best fire and police departments in the commonwealth.
13. What's your idea of a fun night out in the district?
 Door-to-door campaigning, followed by a walk with my wife, Susan, and my kids, Bobby, Annie, and Michael, to Gary Rosen's for ice cream.
14. Why should people vote for you?
 Actions speak louder than words. Health-care, education and economic development are all issues that I have cared about and worked to improve in our community long before I decided to seek public office. Because of this, I'm your best choice.


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