Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to both candidates for state senator in the Worcester and Hampden District, which covers the towns of Brimfield, Holland, Monson, Wales, and several others to the east. Incumbent Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) is facing a challenge from Anthony Allard (D-Monson). The two candidates were given identical questions and asked to respond within a 100-word limit. As of Reminder Publishing’s production deadline, Allard had not responded. Fattman’s responses have been edited only for spelling and punctuation, and to meet the word limit.
- Are Massachusetts residents taxed too much or not enough? What changes will you advocate to ensure fairness?
Allard: Anthony Allard did not respond.
Fattman: … The real concern regarding fairness is that taxes paid by residents are being spent on programs that don’t directly benefit residents like the right to shelter law which benefits people who aren’t residents and therefore don’t pay taxes. We need to focus on … addressing housing concerns, employment opportunities, and overall making Massachusetts more small business friendly. I have consistently voted for lower taxes, never for higher taxes, because people deserve to keep their money. … The state had the opportunity to lower the gas tax (which did not happen) and I was at the forefront of the charge. … (answer over 100 words) - What specific law will you work to repeal, amend or introduce during the next two-year term?
Allard: Anthony Allard did not respond.
Fattman: There are two laws worthy of being proposed and changed for our residents that I am concentrating on — crumbling foundations and the right to shelter. Shortly after redistricting I was made aware by Michelle Loglisci about the problem of pyrrhotite in concrete. … We have filed legislation that will create a fund for homeowners to receive financial assistance should they face this situation. … I am committed to filing the legislation until we can provide this fund for homeowners. … Regarding repeal, the right to shelter law needs serious consideration by the Legislature because of the $2.4 billion price tag. … (answer over 100 words) - What legislation would you advocate in your first year that will add jobs or improve the economy in our section of Western Massachusetts?
Allard: Anthony Allard did not respond.
Fattman: The key to adding jobs is adding incentives for businesses to stay in and hire people from Massachusetts. Western Massachusetts has so much to offer through agritourism, tourism and small businesses. We need to provide ways for local businesses to see more of their profit going to their employees than to state regulations. … One way we do this is revitalizing grant programs for small businesses to make improvements without taking on enormous amounts of debt. … Crumbling foundations has the ability to play directly into the economy as residents consider the increase in home value since the early 2000s. … (answer over 100 words) - What role do state and local governments have to play in immigration policy or enforcement? Would you push for a change in state law on this topic, and if so, what would you change?
Allard: Anthony Allard did not respond.
Fattman: State government is playing far too big of a role. … By allowing for the right-to-shelter law to be taken out of its original context and intention, the current administration has forced local governments to step into the immigration forum without financial support. … I have been advocating for the right-to-shelter law to be amended to include a resident requirement as well as prioritization of Massachusetts residents who are veterans, single parents, displaced by a natural disaster, and more. … Reforming this law, whether by repeal or revision, is the difference between preserving the commonwealth’s economy and destroying it. … (answer over 100 words) - What specific belief, attribute or experience makes you a better choice for senator than your opponent in this race?
Allard: Anthony Allard did not respond.
Fattman: My role as state senator is to listen to and represent the people of the Worcester-Hampden District by remembering that our government is for, by, and of the people. I’ve kept this as a guiding focus. … Raising my own family in this state means that I understand the challenges of putting food on the table and the hard work it takes to make money and provide, just like the people I represent. My experiences in office and in my personal life have proven to be huge assets … representing the people and creating policies that will improve their lives. … (answer over 100 words) The Worcester and Hampden Senate race will appear on state election ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 5. In-person early voting is available until Nov. 1.
