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

[Features]

Joseph W. Spillane
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?
 A legislator needs to be an independent voice for its constituents. While it is important to work with the leadership on some issues, a legislator needs to be able to form coalitions with other like-minded legislators in order to be an independent voice.
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 do not support term limits. Every election cycle serves as an 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 would support the Clean Elections Law when it does, in fact, go into effect and candidates would be eligible for matching funds. At this point in time, it is a moot issue.
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 spirit of the referendum. It put pressure on our legislators to pass a substantive [Patients'] Bill of Rights. However, I truly believe that the give and take of the legislative process is always the more preferable way of creating law, especially with respect to something as complex as health-care legislation. We should strive to build additional protections for the patient.
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 make prescription drug coverage a priority. We live in the greatest economic boom of our times. Now is the time to provide the kind of services we always hoped we could provide.
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?
 We can build a vibrant Worcester Airport and preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods. An access road at this juncture is premature. We must focus on building a jug handle or taxi-way, additional hangar space, and parking space. We need to get competitive fares along with additional connections not only throughout the Eastern seaboard, but also to the Midwest, particularly Chicago. We also need to improve our existing streets and roadways and improve traffic flow around the airport.
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 do not support school vouchers. I believe in a free and fair public education. We should not drain money away from our public-education dollars.
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?
 Legislators need to think outside the box. There are different revenue sources available to fund these needs. For example, Worcester received $200,000 from the state to fund a feasibility study to restore the Blackstone Canal, located in the heart of Worcester. When that money was not included in the regular section of the budget, our city leaders were able to get the funding through another avenue, the governor's highway bond bill (Chapter 90 funds).
9. MCAS educational testing is on everyone's mind these days. Is the current system fair and worthwhile?
 The MCAS test needs to be revised so that it is a more fair and accurate indicator of student achievement. It should not be a graduation requirement. Rather, the MCAS should be used as a diagnostic tool.
10. Are you in favor of, or do you oppose capital punishment. Why?
 I oppose capital punishment. There are people of good conscience on both sides of this difficult issue, but I believe it is an issue of conscience.
11. On the issue of abortion, are you pro-abortion, or anti-abortion, and why?
 I oppose abortion on demand, except for cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother. There are people of good conscience on both sides of this difficult issue, but this is an issue of conscience.
12. List your top three priorities upon taking office, in order of importance.
Revising the MCAS exam and providing more programs for gifted and talented students.

Prescription drug coverage.

Watershed protection and preservation of open space.
13. What's your idea of a fun night out in the district?
 Going out to dinner with family and friends.
14. Why should people vote for you?
 Not only have I been a leader in the community who has the skill to bring people together, but also I have served in public office as a prosecutor and have a proven record of problem-solving.


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