Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to both candidates for state representative in the 4th Hampden District, which covers the town of Southampton and most of the city of Westfield. Incumbent state Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield) is facing a challenge from Bridget Matthews-Kane (D-Westfield), a Westfield city councilor. The two candidates were asked identical questions and asked to answer each within a 100-word limit. Their responses have been edited only for spelling and punctuation.
- Are Massachusetts residents taxed too much or not enough? What changes will you advocate to ensure fairness?
Pease: Yes, Massachusetts residents are taxed too much. Inflation has caused families and seniors to struggle to stay within their budget. I will advocate to lower the sales tax back to 5%. I will also prioritize state spending on our schools. At the local level, the school budget is a major contributor to increases in our property taxes. We also need to continue providing tax breaks for our seniors. Too many seniors are forced to sell the house they raised their family in, because property taxes, insurance, groceries, and fuel cost have increased so much over the last few years.
Matthews-Kane: For me, the question is, are all Massachusetts residents getting enough value for their taxes? Are our roads and bridges being repaired? Are our citizens safe? Do our schools provide an excellent education? In particular, I will fight to ensure that communities such as ours in Western Massachusetts will get a fair share of state tax dollars instead of going to the Boston area. - What specific law will you work to repeal, amend or introduce during the next two-year term?
Pease: Having served on the Interagency Task Force for PFAS, we made recommendations that would identify and ban forever cancer-causing chemicals from everyday products. We waste money sending out mail-in ballot requests. The city and town clerk’s office has asked that we pass a law to stop that from happening, and have constituents reach out to the clerk’s office for no-excuse absentee ballots. The option will remain, without the cost. I will also legislate to increase (Chapter 90) road funding, schools, clean water, tax breaks for our seniors, and reasonable prescription medication cost. These will be my top issues.
Matthews-Kane: Affordability is the issue I hear the most about at the doors, and specifically about home insurance, which has increased at a rate far above inflation. I’ve heard personally from many seniors who tell me the skyrocketing costs make it hard for them to stay in their homes. The New York Times reported that “much of the difference in insurance costs around the country reflects decisions made by state officials,” so I plan to change regulations to lower home insurance rates so they accurately reflect the true risk and rebuilding costs for Western Massachusetts, thus lowering insurance costs for our local community. - How will you be an advocate for Westfield and Southampton on Beacon Hill? What programs or policies will you support to support these communities in particular?
Pease: I do that all the time. Just this past week, I coordinated with the governor’s office to get an additional liquor license for the town of Southampton. In the Economic Development Bond Bill that passed the House of Representatives, I had $150,000 for Southampton’s Safety Complex, $200,000 for Westfield economic development, and $50,000 for capital improvements to the Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club. In the past I have received funding for a hybrid police cruiser in Southampton, and money to help construct the new Elm Street Plaza. I will continue to look for opportunities that help our communities.
Matthews-Kane: My hallmark on City Council was listening to my constituents, finding solutions to their concerns, and getting the solutions over the finish line. I plan to take the same approach at the State House. Currently, affordability remains the number one concern I hear about at the doors. I plan to address this by tackling home insurance reform, furthering the work done last session to address the housing crisis, and finding ways to make it easier for families to afford to live in the commonwealth, whether through targeted tax breaks or assistance with child care. - With the reforms of the past few years, are rural school districts being funded properly now? What changes would you advocate in state aid to schools?
Pease: I represent the Hampshire Regional school, and regional/rural schools are struggling. Programs are always endangered of being cut. The “Student Opportunity Act” increased our investment in schools, and the millionaire tax brings in over $1 billion, which is split between roads and schools. This influx has helped, but not enough. As part of the Joint Committee on Education, I will advocate to better fund our rural schools and provide the promised 100% reimbursement for regional transportation cost. Another issue is unfunded mandates, which impact all school districts. I will continue to oppose any bill before my committee that includes unfunded mandates.
Matthews-Kane: As inflation hit in the last three years, the state capped funding to our schools, leaving our communities on the hook for rapidly growing costs. This has cost Westfield alone almost $4 million in funding this year, according to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. Additionally, we must revisit special education funding in the Student Opportunity Act and ensure that the state fully supports the costs of special education. Finally, the state needs to finally fully fund its commitment to regional school transportation, which rural Southampton relies on, and look at transportation support to large districts like Westfield. - What specific belief, attribute or experience makes you a better choice for state representative than your opponent in this race?
Pease: As your state representative, I fight for your priorities. I resolve many issues for constituents with state agencies. I bring resources back to our communities supporting their priorities. I have built relationships across party lines, and I understand the legislative process. As a minority member, I voice my concerns about legislation that would impact Southampton or Westfield without worrying about party repercussions. I serve on the Ways and Means Committee, which usually takes years to be appointed to. I am effective and I give Westfield and Southampton a voice in Boston. I ask for your vote to continue serving you.
Matthews-Kane: I’m an experienced, effective leader who accomplishes my goals. I have an excellent track record on the Westfield City Council of introducing legislation and getting it over the finish line. I look forward to bringing my energy, drive, and smarts to the State House to advocate for Westfield and Southampton — two communities that are both close to my heart.
Additional questions and answers will be printed in The Westfield News over the next two weeks. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. The ballot also includes the presidential race and candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state Senate, Governor’s Council and county offices.
