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

[Features]

Joe Early Jr.
State Senate, 1st Worcester 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?
 By standing up to politics as usual and standing up to leadership when leadership is wrong. I will insist on roll-call votes and will work with other legislators to make the state legislature accountable to the people.
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 oppose term limits. It is up to the voters every two years to re-elect incumbents or elect new legislators. The people's right to vote is, in fact, the most effective term limit.
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 strongly support the Clean Elections Law. We must get big money out of state government and reduce the power of lobbyists over state legislators.
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?
 It doesn't go far enough. A true Patients' Bill of Rights should provide health-care coverage for the 600,000-plus citizens not currently covered. HMOs must be held accountable for their actions concerning our health-care coverage.
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?
 I strongly support the state joining with other states to purchase prescription drugs by bulk. This will provide everyone considerable savings on their prescription drugs.
6. 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?
 It's time for Massachusetts to invest in its public schools. The proposed use of school vouchers under current plans would take funds away from public schools. The state must keep its commitment to reforming our public schools a top priority.
7. MCAS educational testing is on everyone's mind these days. Is the current system fair and worthwhile?
 While the test can be improved, it does serve as a tool to measure our education-reform success. However, it should not be used as the single factor in deciding a student's final grade or graduation.
8. Town leaders in Holden have complained that Worcester charges too much for use of the city's sewage system. What role should the next District 1 senator play in this debate?
 As state senator, I will abide by the wish of the two parties. If they think I could be of assistance, I will gladly help out. However, it must be by their invitation since it is a local, city-and-town issue.
9. What role should the District 1 senator play in the debate over the future of Wachusett Regional High School?
 While the issue is a local issue to be decided by local voters, the real issue to remember is providing the children of the school district the best possible education, and I would be willing to always provide assistance for this.
10. With a crunch on affordable housing in Worcester, is there any benefit to building a modest amount of low-to-moderate-income housing in surrounding towns such as Holden or West Boylston?
 We must include affordable-housing requirements in all future housing-development projects. The state must begin to show leadership in addressing this issue. I believe Worcester's affordable-housing problems can be addressed without having residents relocate out of the city.
11. A strong presence at the State House is crucial to ensure the completion of Union Station, including a parking garage, the addition of more trains, and private development on surrounding parcels. What will you do to ensure the success of Union Station?
 I will work with fellow Worcester legislators and city officials to present a coordinated and aggressive campaign to secure state support and funding, as well as investment in the area by private business.
12. A healthy local economy needs a preponderance of taxable property. What specific things will you do to increase the level of such property in the district, particularly in Worcester, which contains a large number of abandoned buildings?
We must support initiatives like the brownfields legislation to prepare existing properties for future tenants. We must provide state funding and local tax incentives for property owners to encourage them to develop their properties, thus returning them to the tax rolls.
13. Are you pro-abortion or anti-abortion, and why?
 I am personally opposed to abortion, but I believe the US Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision was correct. I, however, do not support partial-birth abortions, except in the cases where the life of the mother is at risk.
14. What is your position on capital punishment, and why?
 Massachusetts must produce a death-penalty bill that can be administered equitably without prejudice to all people. We must look to the state of Illinois for guidance.
15. List your top three priorities upon taking office, in order of importance.
 Making sure the needs of the 1st Worcester District and Central Massachusetts are represented in Boston.

True health-care reform.
16. Why should people vote for you?
 I believe leadership and independence are essential. I will work to fulfill the promise of a better future for all of us. I will stand up against special interests and politics as usual. I will stand up for Central Massachusetts.


| home page | what's new | search | about the phoenix | feedback |
Copyright © 1999 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group. All rights reserved.