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

[Features]

Brian O'Connell
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?
 Each state representative has the option to vote as his or her conscience dictates. As a School Committee member, I have voted on each topic in the manner I considered appropriate. I will continue this independent approach as a legislator.
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?
 Individuals should serve in public office only as long as they bring to it a fresh perspective, balanced judgment, wisdom, creativity, and enthusiasm. Some distinguished individuals demonstrate these qualities after decades of service. No arbitrary term limit should be imposed.
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 implementation of the Clean Elections Law for 2002. Thereafter, the legislature should review the law to determine whether it provides sufficient choice of candidates and spirited discussion of issues to warrant the expensive taxpayer costs involved.
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?
 The legislation passed resembles [Patients'] Bill of Rights statutes in other states. It is less expansive in scope, with fewer legal remedies, than the referendum version. However, it is a sound first step, which can be evaluated operationally.
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?
 Prescription drug prices have doubled in recent years and are expected to double again by 2005. Massachusetts can provide cost-effective funding for prescription-drug purchases through supplements to insurance plans, expanded Medicaid coverage, bulk distribution, and direct-purchase subsidies.
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?
 Improved signage and coordinated traffic control permit easy access from Route 290 to the airport, over existing roadways, as outlined by ROAR. Intermodal linkages with Union Station will help here as well. Competitive air fares will determine future airport success.
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?
 Experience with vouchers in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Florida does not demonstrate a material educational benefit to children to warrant the substantial costs involved. Competition and choice among public schools now exists, and provides children varied opportunities and options.
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?
 District needs can be met, at minimal state taxpayer expense, through 1) application for state and federal grant-incentive funding, 2) private-sector incentives (tax credits and deductions, investment credits, industrial-development-authority bonding), 3) foundation grants, 4) targeted state incentives and investment.
9. MCAS educational testing is on everyone's mind these days. Is the current system fair and worthwhile?
 MCAS is an effective and valid diagnostic tool to monitor individual student progress in multiple disciplines and skills, over time. It should be a criterion for graduation, with a carefully delimited system of waivers and exceptions implemented to prevent unfairness.
10. Are you in favor of, or do you oppose capital punishment. Why?
 Recent advances in DNA analysis and in forensic science have established the innocence of individuals who have been sentenced to death for capital crimes. I favor sentences of life without parole for such crimes. We cannot risk taking innocent lives.
11. On the issue of abortion, are you pro-abortion, or anti-abortion, and why?
 Current judicial precedent limits legislative discretion here. I am pro-life, although I do support a right to abortion when necessary to save the life of a mother, with appropriate efforts made to save the life of the child also.
12. List your top three priorities upon taking office, in order of importance.
Development of a foundation-budget school/state-assistance formula, and an SBAB school-building assistance formula, which favor children of Worcester and Paxton.

Comprehensive health and prescription drug insurance coverage.

Enhancement of natural resources, public transportation, open space, and agriculture.
13. What's your idea of a fun night out in the district?
14. Why should people vote for you?


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