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

[Features]

Jim Leary
State Rep, 14th 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?
 I will be a strong advocate for the people of the 14th Worcester District, even when that means standing firm against the leadership at the State House. I will inform the leadership respectfully, yet directly, that I will always put the interests of my constituents first.
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?
 Contested elections, rather than term limits, provide the solution to the problem of entrenched incumbents in the legislature. This race is a good example. Though I am a first-time candidate, I am running a strong and competitive campaign against the incumbent and another veteran politician.
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 the Clean Elections Law. It is designed to promote a vibrant democracy by enabling qualified new candidates to challenge big-money incumbents. The legislature should not ignore the clear mandate of the voters, who passed the law by a two-to-one margin.
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 support the referendum. The legislation is helpful, but we still need to address the problem of skyrocketing prescription-drug costs. Likewise, we need to expand affordable health insurance to the hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents who remain uninsured.
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?
 State government should play an active role. I support the idea of lowering prescription prices by joining other Northeast states in purchasing pharmaceuticals directly from the manufacturers. This drives prices down and the savings are passed on to patients.
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?
 A new access road will have a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The state should provide access to the airport by upgrading and improving already existing roadways with minimal impact upon the neighborhoods.
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?
 Oppose. Voucher programs, which supposedly exist to help poor students, actually drain scarce resources from the public schools, which serve 90 percent of the students in the US. These programs therefore decrease educational opportunities for the vast majority of students.
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 seek funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to provide resources for a variety of local services and activities such as small-business development, job training, affordable housing, crime prevention, and youth development programs.
9. MCAS educational testing is on everyone's mind these days. Is the current system fair and worthwhile?
 The MCAS should be used as a tool to track students' progress and to respond to their individual needs, rather than as a graduation requirement. To enable students to develop, we must provide resources for additional academic and tutoring programs.
10. Are you in favor of, or do you oppose capital punishment. Why?
 I oppose capital punishment. As a former prosecutor, I firmly believe that criminals must be punished for their crimes; but I also recognize that our system is imperfect and that innocent people sometimes are convicted of capital offenses.
11. On the issue of abortion, are you pro-abortion, or anti-abortion, and why?
 I don't classify myself as either totally pro-life or pro-choice. I support limits on abortions, such as parental-consent laws, waiting periods, and restrictions on late-term abortions. However, I would not support attempts to completely overturn Roe v. Wade.
12. List your top three priorities upon taking office, in order of importance.
Education.

Health-care.

Economic development.
13. What's your idea of a fun night out in the district?
 I love to go to O'Connor's with Carolyn and some friends. We usually have a nice dinner (the Montreal Steak is delicious) followed by some great conversation (and maybe even a Guinness or two).
14. Why should people vote for you?
 I will provide new leadership for the district -- leadership that unites rather than divides, and which focuses upon goals for the future rather than the politics of the past. I will work tirelessly and I'll be accessible to everyone.


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