2022 Voter Guide

2022

Voter Guide

The Franklin Area Voting Guide is intended to be a non-partisan resource created by private individuals to allow the people of Franklin, Massachusetts, and surrounding communities to cast an educated vote on issues that impact our community.

Information contained in this guide is provided by candidates and taken verbatim from their survey responses, or sourced from candidate websites/social media accounts, public statements, town halls, and past achievements.

BALLOT QUESTIONS

Question 1

Massachusetts Question 1, the Tax on Income Above $1 Million for Education and Transportation Amendment, is on the ballot in Massachusetts as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 8, 2022.

A "yes" vote supports amending the state constitution to create an additional tax of 4% for income over $1 million, in addition to the existing 5% flat-rate income tax, and dedicate revenue to education and transportation purposes.

A "no" vote opposes amending the state constitution to create an additional tax of 4% for income over $1 million, thereby maintaining the existing flat-rate income tax of 5% with revenue dedicated to the state's general fund.

Question 1 would add the following underlined text to Article XLIV of the Massachusetts Constitution. The following text would be added:

To provide the resources for quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation, all revenues received in accordance with this paragraph shall be expended, subject to appropriation, only for these purposes. In addition to the taxes on income otherwise authorized under this Article, there shall be an additional tax of 4% on that portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) reported on any return related to those taxes. To ensure that this additional tax continues to apply only to the commonwealth’s highest income taxpayers, this $1,000,000 (one million dollars) income level shall be adjusted annually to reflect any increases in the cost of living by the same method used for federal income tax brackets. This paragraph shall apply to all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023. (Ballotpedia)

Arguments in Favor

The proposed “Fair Share Amendment” would levy an additional 4% tax on earners in Massachusetts who make more than $1 million for income that exceeds that figure. Massachusetts is one of the few states that has a flat tax system, taxing all income levels at the same amount: 5%. Proponents say the new tax would bring in needed funds to support education and transportation projects in the commonwealth. The Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis study found the tax was “likely to advance racial and economic equity” with its revenues but would also likely have behavioral impacts for top earners.

Arguments Against

Researchers from Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis in January looked back on 1999 to 2007 tax records and found that about half of the households that would have been subjected to the higher tax rate experienced one-time windfalls, like selling a business or a long-term investment. Additionally, there is a concern about negative impact on businesses set up as an S corporation, also known as a “pass-through” company. Those businesses report revenue as personal income, and then push it back into their business, meaning it would be the individual business owner who would be taxed an extra 4%. https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2022/05/23/millionaires-tax-opponents-launch-campaign-cite-potential-impact-on-small-business-owners

More Information: https://ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_Question_1,_Tax_on_Income_Above_$1_Million_for_Education_and_Transportation_Amendment_(2022)

Still unsure? Check out this Boston Globe article.

Question 2

Massachusetts Question 2, the Medical Loss Ratios for Dental Insurance Plans Initiative, is on the ballot in Massachusetts as an indirect initiated state statute on November 8, 2022.

A "yes" vote supports establishing a medical loss ratio for dental plans at 83% and requiring the insurer to refund the excess premium to its covered individuals and covered groups. In other words, a yes vote would require dental insurers to spend at least 83% of their dollars on “dental expenses and quality improvements,” instead of administrative expenses. It would also require increased transparency on how insurance funds are used by insurance providers .

A "no" vote opposes establishing a medical loss ratio for dental insurance plans.

Question 2 would require dental insurance carriers to submit to the insurance commissioner current and projected medical loss ratio for plans and specified financial information. It would establish the medical loss ratio for dental plans at 83% and require the insurer to refund the excess premium to its covered individuals and covered groups. Carriers would be required to submit information about current and projected medical loss ratio, administrative expenses, and other financial information, as well as an annual comprehensive financial statement, to the Division of Insurance by April 1 each year. The law would apply to all dental insurance plans issued, effective, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024.

Currently, Massachusetts has established an 88% medical loss ratio for medical insurance plans, but there is no medical loss ratio for dental insurance plans.

Question Two asks voters whether to apply a profit limit on dental insurance companies similar to those in place on medical insurers. While opponents contend the proposal would increase costs, supporters argue that requiring dental insurers to spend at least 83% of their dollars on patient care and improvements would more closely align restrictions on dental plans with those that health plans already face. https://www.nhpr.org/2022-09-12/massachusetts-voters-faced-with-4-ballot-questions

Still unsure? Check out this Boston Globe article.

Question 3

Important background info to understand before you start reading about Question 3

State law intended to prevent monopolies allows individual retailers to own up to nine licenses to sell alcohol. In other words, a store could expand to nine storefronts, and in theory could get enough licenses to sell alcohol at each on. Large chains have been looking to eliminate the gap, and with that have come concerns from smaller stores.

The details of Question 3

Massachusetts Question 3, the Changes to Alcohol Retail Licensing Initiative is on the ballot in Massachusetts as an indirect initiated state statute on November 8, 2022.

A "yes" vote supports this ballot initiative to:

incrementally increase the combined number of retail beer and wine licenses and all alcoholic beverage licenses an establishment could own from no more than 12 in 2023 to no more than 18 by 2031;

limit the maximum number of licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages an establishment could own to seven;

prohibit in-store automated and self-checkout sales of alcohol;

change the formula used to calculate fines by using gross profits on all retail sales rather than the gross profits on the sale of alcohol; and

add out-of-state driver's licenses to the list of approved identification under the State Liquor Control Act.

A "no" vote opposes this ballot initiative that would make changes to alcohol retail licensing, fining, and operations.

If approved, this measure would gradually increase the number of beer and wine and all liquor product licenses a single company could have from 12 in 2023 to 18 by 2031. It would also limit licenses to sell all alcoholic beverages to seven per company. It also calls for a ban on self-checkout of liquor at stores, makes changes to the fine structure against retailers and allows out-of-state licenses to be used for identification in order to make an alcohol purchase. https://www.nhpr.org/2022-09-12/massachusetts-voters-faced-with-4-ballot-questions

Argument in Favor

Massachusetts Package Stores Association: "Why vote yes on Question #3? Balance will be restored by decreasing the number of full liquor licenses allowed by an individual or corporation from nine (9) to seven (7), while progressively increasing the number of beer and wine licenses from nine (9) to eighteen (18), minus any full liquor licenses owned by the corporation or individual. To improve public safety, self-checkout of alcohol beverages will be prohibited and a fine for selling to a minor will be based on gross sales, not just for alcohol beverages. The initiative petition also helps the entire alcohol beverages industry by allowing for valid out of state IDs to be relied upon. Massachusetts is the only state in the U.S. that does not permit a retailer to reasonably rely on valid out-of-state IDs."

Arguments Against

No arguments were found opposing this measure. Our take is that this is really just about reallocating the way alcohol licenses are issued to align to public demand.

Update:

An argument against has been airing from Total Wine & More - a national wine chain. Our take hasn't changed as a result of Total Wine & More's arguments. They are a national chain that stands to lose market share if more wine licenses are granted to local businesses.

Want more info? Check out the Boston Globe article here. And WBUR has additional information here.

Question 4

Massachusetts Question 4, the Remove Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status for Driver's License Applications Referendum is on the ballot in Massachusetts as a veto referendum on November 8, 2022.

A "yes" vote is to uphold House Bill 4805, which: prohibits registrars from inquiring about an applicant’s citizenship or immigration status when applying for driver's licenses and motor vehicle registration and authorizes registrars to accept certain documents to verify the identity and date of birth of the applicant.

A "no" vote is to repeal House Bill 4805, thereby maintaining existing state law that prohibits applicants who cannot verify citizenship or immigration status from obtaining a driver's license and motor vehicle registration.

Question 4 seeks to strike a new law on the books which would allow undocumented immigrants to become eligible for drivers’ licenses. The law is designed to take effect on July 1, 2023, so has not yet gone into effect. (Ballotpedia)

As of September 2022, 16 states and Washington, D.C. had enacted laws authorizing the issuance of driver's licenses to immigrants who cannot provide proof of lawful or authorized presence. The documents required to obtain a driver's license vary by state but range from a foreign birth certificate, foreign passport, or consular card, and evidence of current residency in the state.

More information courtesy of Franklin Matters

Yes, on Question 4 -> https://saferroadsma.com/

No, on Question 4 -> https://www.fairandsecurema.com/

wbur radio show on the pros/cons of ballot question 4 -> https://youtu.be/CWwR2inuYfk

CANDIDATES

Governor

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is an elected constitutional officer, the head of the executive branch and the highest state office in Massachusetts. The Governor serves as chief administrative officer of the state and as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The responsibilities of the Governor include preparation of the annual budget, nomination of all judicial officers, granting of pardons (with the consent of the Governor's Council), appointment of the heads of most major state departments and agencies, and the acceptance or veto of each bill passed by the legislature. The Governor can call special sessions of the General Court with the consent of the Governor's Council. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciscig/c/c2c5.htm.

The Governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is not subject to term limits. A candidate for the governorship must be a registered elector in the state and have been a resident for at least seven years before taking office. (Ballotpedia.org)

Candidates

Maura Healey (Democrat)

Geoff Diehl (Republican)

Kevin Reed (Libertarian)

Campaign website

Personal LinkedIn

Lieutenant Governor

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts is an elected constitutional officer, the second ranking officer of the executive branch and the first officer in line to succeed the Governor of Massachusetts. In the absence, resignation, death, or disability of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor performs all the duties incumbent upon the chief executive and has all the Governor's constitutional powers. In addition, the Lieutenant Governor is a voting member of the Governor's Council and is delegated certain responsibilities at the Governor's discretion. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor's administrative offices have been consolidated.

The Lieutenant Governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is not subject to term limits. A candidate for the lieutenant governorship must be a registered elector in the state and have been a resident for at least seven years before taking office. (Ballotpedia.org)

Candidates

Kimberley Driscoll (Democrat)

Leah Allen (Republican)

Peter Everett (Libertarian)

Attorney General

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The Executive Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office provides administration, public information, and policy development support for the Office, as well as operational, information technology, human resources, and fiscal management services for the Office. Executive Bureau leadership includes the First Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Attorneys General, and the Chief of Staff. Divisions within the Executive Bureau include: Office of the State Solicitor, Policy and Government; Community Engagement and Community Programs. The Criminal Bureau works to protect the public by investigating and prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases. These include public corruption, financial fraud, and other violations of the public trust, organized crime, major narcotic offenses, appellate issues, insurance and unemployment fraud, environmental crimes, internet and online crimes, and more. The Criminal Bureau’s investigations are supported by a team of State Police detectives.

Candidates

Andrea Campbell (Democrat)

James McMahon (Republican)

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Treasurer

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The Treasurer is the custodian of all state funds and is the only party authorized to make payment from those funds. Every state agency must deposit receipts and revenues, which it has received with the Treasurer. The Treasurer is responsible for the issuance and marketing of state bonds and for the investment policy of the state. In addition, the Treasurer is the Chairman of the State Board of Retirement and oversees the retirement system for state workers, as well as administers the Deferred Compensation Plan. Other programs under the remit of the Treasurer include:

Cash and Debt Management, and Savings makes “Cents”.
Divisions include the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
Unclaimed Property Division
Massachusetts State Lottery Commission Office of Economic Empowerment
Veterans’ Bonus Division.

The Treasurer’s office also has a lead role with the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and the Massachusetts School Building Authority. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciscig/c/c8c15.htm (accessed 09/17/22)

CANDIDATES

Deborah B. Goldberg (Democrat) (Incumbent)

Brookline

Christina Crawford, Libertarian

Sherborn

Secretary Of State

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The responsibilities of the Secretary of the Commonwealth include the administration of elections, maintenance of public records, filing and distribution of regulations and public documents, corporate registration, recordings of appointments and commissions, the storage of historical data, the preservation of historic sites, the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act, custody of the state seal, and information and referral on all aspects of state government, as well as State House tours, and the Registry of Deeds offices that have been placed under the Secretary's supervision.

CANDIDATES

William Galvin (Democrat) (Incumbent)

Boston

Rayla Campbell (Republican)

Whitman

Juan Sanchez (Green-Rainbow)

Holyoke

State Auditor

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The State Auditor serves as the chief accountability officer for Massachusetts state government and its residents. The office conducts audits of state entities and contractors to assess their performance and recommend improvements to make government work better. The State Auditor also reports on and investigates state government performance. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-the-office-of-the-state-auditor accessed 9/17/22

Under the remit of the State Auditor are:

The Bureau of Special Investigations, a criminal law enforcement division charged with the responsibility of investigating fraud within any assistance program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Medical Assistance, and the Department of Social Services.
Division of Audit Operations manages the majority of the work the State Auditor's Office is mandated to perform under state law. A diverse team of professionals which includes auditors, lawyers, technology specialists and government analysts are tasked with reviewing how Massachusetts state government utilizes taxpayer funding and protects public money from fraud, waste and abuse. Auditors of the Division of Audit Operations work independently and with federal and state law enforcement officials such as the United States Attorney, the Massachusetts Attorney General and ten regional district attorneys to uncover fraud and other violations of federal and state law.
The Division of Local Mandates is another critical resource for cities and towns, lawmakers and the Courts. Enacted in 1980 as part of the Proposition 2 1/2 tax initiative, the Local Mandate Law gives the State Auditor's Office the authority to determine if a proposed or existing state mandate imposes any direct costs on a city or town and provide an analysis of the financial impact. Elected municipal leaders, appointed managers, school or educational collaborative officials, as well as lawmakers and legislative committees, may petition DLM for an opinion and request a cost impact analysis.
Formerly the Emergency Finance Board, the Municipal Finance Oversight Board (MFOB) reviews applications from municipalities, to borrow money to fund emergency repairs, capital improvement projects, and land acquisition utilizing the Commonwealth’s bond rating, saving taxpayer money. The MFOB can: approve emergency loans for cities and towns for the costs of remodeling or repairing municipal buildings, including equipment and landscaping, paving, and other site requirements; debts incurred by regional school districts for land acquisition, school building, playground, school roadway and parking lot construction or improvement; borrowing beyond debt limits for municipal gas and electric plants; housing and urban renewal projects and qualified bonds issued to help finance them; municipal borrowing for industrial development financing authorities and economic development/industrial corporations; and is the custodian of municipal stabilization funds.

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciscig/c/c16c20.htm accessed 9/17/22

Candidates

Diana Dizoglio (Democrat)

Methuen

Anthony Amore (Republican)

Winchester

Dominic Giannone, III (Workers Party)

Weymouth

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Gloria A. Caballero-Roca (Green-Rainbow Party)

Holyoke

Daniel Riek (Libertarian)

Yarmouth

Fourth Congressional District (Representative in US Congress)

Term: 2 Years Open Seat(s): 1

Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees. https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Representative%3F,amendments%20and%20serve%20on%20committees.

Candidates

Jake Auchincloss (Democrat) (Incumbent)

Newton

Norfolk County Commissioner

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The executive authority of Norfolk County is vested in the board of County Commissioners. Similar to a Select Board, the County Commissioners oversee budget, policy and other decisions to be carried out by the Norfolk County Commissioners Office, including county purchasing and personnel offices. County Commissioners are ex officio members of the Board of Norfolk Agricultural High School. They oversee a $33.5 million budget and oversee programs that include Registry of Deeds, Norfolk Agricultural High School, Wollaston Recreational Facility, County Treasury Office, Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs, County Engineering Department, trial court facilities management, appellate tax jurisdiction and open space management. The three Commissioners are elected for four-year terms, with only one permitted from any one city or town. Revenue for Norfolk County comes from a share of taxes from communities, Registry of Deeds receipts, and reimbursement for court facilities.

Candidates

Peter H. Collins (Democrat) (Incumbent)

Milton

https://www.qatv.org/episode/peter-collins

Candidate Debate (League of Women Voters)

Matthew J. Sheehan (Independent)

Dedham

Facebook

Candidate Debate (League of Women Voters)

Norfolk, Worcester & Middlesex State Senate District (Senator In General Court)

Term: 2 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The Massachusetts Senate is the upper house of the Massachusetts State Legislature. The Senate comprises 40 elected members from 40 single-member senatorial districts in the state. All but one of the districts (“Cape and Islands”) are named for the counties in which they are located.

Candidates

Becca Rausch (Democrat) (Incumbent)

Needham

Email: campaign@beccarausch.com

Candidate Social Media/Website Address: beccarausch.com, Twitter: @Becca_Rausch, Facebook: BeccaRausch

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/senator-becca-rausch-and-i-had-wide.html

Candidate Debate Franklin TV

Candidate Debate Franklin Matters

League of Women Voters Candidate Forum

Candidate Biography (from Voter Guide Submission)

First elected in an iconic 2018 victory, Senator Becca Rausch is an effective agent of positive change in the Massachusetts Legislature. She is the third woman, the second Democrat, and the first Jewish person to represent the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District in the Senate.

Now in her second term, Rausch is the Senate Chairperson of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture; Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; and a member of the Joint Committees on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, Public Health, Public Safety, Revenue, and Community Development and Small Businesses. Early in her tenure, Senator Rausch was appointed by Senate President Karen Spilka to serve on the Senate's Temporary Committee on Rules, an honor rarely earned by first-term legislators. She also serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL).

Reflecting her commitment to intersectional social justice, fairness, and equality for all, Senator Rausch’s policy portfolio includes infectious disease prevention, election reform, reproductive justice, combating discrimination, supporting families, and good government. In her first term, she successfully advanced stand-alone bills and several amendments in each of these policy areas, as well as rules changes and on-the-record voting.

Prior to Rausch’s election to the Senate, she served as an elected local government official and an award-winning Secretariat-level attorney in both the Patrick and Baker administrations. Rausch is a former law professor and scholar, union steward, and private sector attorney. She is also a graduate of the Emerge Massachusetts flagship program. Senator Rausch lives in Needham with her spouse, their two young children, and their floppy, loving Goldendoodle.

Voter Guide Questionnaire Responses

During the second quarter of 2022, the country's economic growth slowed at a 0.9% annualized rate, which some economists would consider to be the start of a recession. This is combined with rising costs of essentials like housing, fuel and food. What action will you take to combat these issues in the Commonwealth?

What, if any, actions would you take to improve access to affordable housing, and services for those facing food insecurity?

No one should ever worry about whether they have enough money to keep a roof over their family’s heads or put enough food on the dinner table. The Legislature has done notable work on housing, food security, heating assistance, and more, including billions of dollars of direct support and investments in our families, workers, small businesses, and infrastructure, including components I crafted and passed like supporting women reentering the workforce and millions in funding specifically for our district’s housing, transportation, water quality and access, local economic development, and infrastructure needs. Even with these accomplishments, there is much more to be done. I have supported numerous statewide housing accessibility proposals, including rent stabilization, increased RAFT funding, and housing quality improvements (such as lead paint abatement). I have also championed and supported several statewide food security solutions, including robustly funding the food security infrastructure grant program and the healthy incentives program. Additionally, one of the most effective ways to equitably deliver services, supports, and policy solutions is to center the individuals and communities in need. I am proud to partner with many grassroots organizations and local leaders. would continue and, hopefully, expand this work in the future. I intend to continue listening, learning, and collaboratively brainstorming to identify, craft, and implement solutions to these economic challenges.

Following COVID, many Massachusetts schools are facing a shortage of teachers, combined with students who require additional services for both academic and social/emotional wellbeing. What actions will you take to help address these issues in the Commonwealth’s public schools?

Every child deserves a quality public education and access to mental health resources and care. After truly listening to young people in our district through my revolutionary Students Speak program, I created and fully funded the first ever state-sponsored youth mental health support text line; it is called Hey Sam, it’s peer-to-peer, anonymous, and confidential, and it has already helped droves of teens. I’ve also proposed specific student-to-counselor ratios as has been established in other states. Additionally, I have helped to advance policies that support more people becoming teachers, particularly educators of color, and retain educators once in the field. For my work uplifting school communities throughout the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees named me 2021 Legislator of the Year. On a local level, I secured state funding for a community in our district to finally implement tuition-free full-day kindergarten for every family and have already started similar conversations with another town to do the same for them. Even with several successes achieved, we still have significant work to do to continue delivering results for students, teachers, and families. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by teachers, social workers, and nurses, and I will continue collaborating to achieve meaningful positive change in the upcoming term.

The performance of the MBTA has been a problem for years, and more recently safety has become a concern. The commuter rail performance as well as the rollout of the Foxborough pilot have been a frustration for Franklin citizens who commute into Boston. What steps would you take to oversee MBTA performance and safety?

Our public transit system is not only unreliable, it has literally caught on fire. It has been significantly mismanaged. In addition to supporting more robust oversight by the Legislature and the public, I will work with a new administration to improve service delivery and timely completion of local improvement projects. In collaboration with State Representative Jeff Roy, we secured $5,000,000 in state funds for the Franklin Commuter Rail station this year alone. I have also advocated for fully electrifying the commuter rail system, which would improve reliability, speed, and safety. People in our district rely on commuter rail lines, regional transportation authorities, and municipal transit options, and I will continue to help bring together impacted residents, local leaders, and transportation managers to make our transit systems talk to each other, improve service, and maintain reduced fares so seniors, workers, students, medical patients, and business owners are not left on the platform.

Unfunded mandates are a heavy burden for towns like Franklin, particularly for our schools that are underfunded and each year are expected to do more with less. What steps would you take to reform these mandates?

I have had several conversations with local leaders and the Auditor about this concern. I would continue these conversations with the goal of crafting smart legislative solutions, and ensuring that new laws do not create unfunded mandates. Indeed, this term I collaborated with Auditor Suzanne Bump to file legislation that would frontload state funding to municipalities to cover election costs, rather than municipalities laying out the money and the state reimbursing. With some headway already made, I will keep working to deliver real results for our local governments and communities.

Are you in support of a mandate that every candidate for statewide office make public any official or unofficial questionnaires completed by candidates at the request of interest groups such as unions, lobbyists, politicians and business organizations in exchange for endorsements?

Yes, provided publication would not give rise to security or other similar concerns by the entity issuing the questionnaire or the candidate.

There have been over 300 mass shootings so far in 2022. Nationally, firearm purchases rose to record levels in 2020 and 2021, with more than 43 million guns estimated to have been purchased during that period, according to a Washington Post analysis of federal data on gun background checks. At the same time, the rate of gun deaths in those years hit the highest level since 1995, with more than 45,000 fatalities each year. Massachusetts has some of the strongest gun control laws in the country, and in 2020, Massachusetts had the second-lowest gun death rate in the country and exported guns used in crimes at the fourth-lowest rate. What is your view on gun safety regulation? Should Massachusetts strengthen or loosen its gun safety laws?

I support common sense gun violence prevention proposals, like universal background checks and more robust data collection and analysis. While my opponent is endorsed by the Massachusetts affiliate of the NRA, I am proud to be named a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense Across America, a grassroots organization that is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country.

From this summer’s drought to coastal flooding, we are seeing weather changes consistent with global warming in the Commonwealth. What is your plan to address climate change in Massachusetts? Are you in favor of legislation designed to lower emissions such as a shift away from fossil fuels in favor of clean energy technology?

I am the only candidate in this race who voters can trust to consistently vote for climate action measures. I helped to pass the Climate Roadmap Act of 2021 (my opponent voted no) and wrote multiple components of the 2022 green energy legislation, including reducing carbon emissions from large buildings and starting the process of converting our school buses from diesel to electric. I also passed legislation and secured funding to create the first ever statewide car seat recycling program, aiming to not only put less material in landfills but also reduce fossil fuel use in plastic production. (My opponent voted no on the car seat recycling program as well.) As Senate Chair of the Environmental Committee, I am a proven champion of climate action and will continue my work on plastic reduction, carbon sequestration, water quality improvement, and more in the next term. I am proud to be endorsed by every climate action organization in the Commonwealth.

Following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Women’s Health Organization decision, access to reproductive care, including abortions is now governed by state law. Are you supportive of laws regulating or prohibiting access to abortion in Massachusetts?

I have always been, and intend to always be, a fierce champion for reproductive health care access and equity. Indeed, I am the only candidate in this race who voters can trust to protect and advance reproductive rights.

Last term I championed the ROE Act, actively advocating for its passage and overriding the Governor’s veto twice to ensure Bay Staters still had any reproductive rights at all when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

This term, I proposed and crafted several components of the recently enacted reproductive health protections legislation, including creating personalized reproductive rights, addressing reproductive health care deserts in the state, and statutory structural pieces that were a pillar of the compromise between the two chambers, enabling the bill to get to the Governor’s desk. I’ve also passed legislation to combat so-called crisis pregnancy centers.

My record stands in stark contrast to that of my opponent. He voted against the ROE Act each and every time it came to the House floor and has since supported legislation to gut some of its central provisions. Previously, he voted against legislation to protect physical access to reproductive health care facilities. My opponent earned a 100% rating by the anti-choice organization Massachusetts Citizens for Life (2020, 2014), and was also rated 0% by NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts (2019) and 0% by Planned Parenthood (2017).

Despite opposition like that of my opponent, we have accomplished a great deal on abortion access and reproductive health equity in Massachusetts, and we still have much more to do. I am the pro-choice candidate in this race, proudly endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, Reproductive Equity Now, and EMILY’s List, and I remain steadfastly committed to making access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care a reality for all people.

Shawn Dooley

Wrentham

Email Address: shawn@dooley4senate.com

Candidate Social Media/Website Address:

http://dooley4senate.com

http://facebook.com/dooley4senate

https://youtu.be/hmDeGfvTgQE

Candidate Debate

Candidate Conversation Franklin Matters

Candidate Biography

This Candidate did not respond to the Franklin Voter Guide Candidate Questionnaire. Bio taken from candidate website:

First and foremost I am defined by my family. I am the very proud husband to CiCi and father to Caroline (25 – a 2nd Lieutenant on active duty in the United States Marine Corps), Emma (17), Jack (15), and William (14). I am the son of my hero – Captain Roy Dooley, USN (retired) who served our nation for 30 years and Nancy Clifford Dooley – the greatest mom and grandmother anyone could ask for.

Our house is very busy as we also have 3 dogs (Aubie, Finn, and CoCo), 3 cats (Cheshire, Bat, and Callie), 1 horse (Foxy), a steady stream of teenagers, and what seems to be a never ending laundry pile that magically replenishes itself overnight.

I was first elected as a State Representative in a Special Election in January 2014 and have had the honor of being elected by my community 4 more times.

I currently serve as the ranking member on the Joint Committee on Financial Services; the Joint Committee on Public Health; the Joint Committee on Election Laws; the House Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight; and Special Joint Committee on Redistricting.

I have also had the honor to be appointed to the Conference Committees for Election Laws, Campaign Finance Reform, Automatic Voter Registration, and most recently on the VOTES act.

Additionally, I had the special honor to have been selected by the Chief Justice of the Trial Court to serve as the non-attorney member on the Child Support Guidelines Task Force.

I still serve as an On-Call Firefighter/EMT on the Plainville Fire Department and have served as the Senior SAFE coordinator for the town.

Voter Guide Questionnaire Responses

This Candidate did not respond to the Franklin Voter Guide Candidate Questionnaire.

Tenth Norfolk State Representative District (State Representative In General Court)

Term: 2 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is the lower house of the Massachusetts state legislature. It is composed of 160 members elected from 14 counties each divided into single-member electoral districts across the Commonwealth.

Candidates

Jeffrey Roy (Democrat) (Incumbent)

Franklin

Email Address: jeffreynroy@gmail.com

Candidate Social Media/Website Address:

Jeffreyroy.com

https://youtu.be/E5RjWxDg1lU

Candidate Biography (from Voter Guide Submission)

I was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 10th Norfolk District in 2012 and represent the residents of Franklin and Medway. I was re-elected in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 and was appointed Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy in 2021. I previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and as Acting Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. I am the House-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts.

Since 2013 I have been part of a legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, energy, and the environment. In addition, I led efforts to:

Draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022;

Draft and pass the Genocide Education Act in 2021;

Finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021;

Draft and pass legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses;

Draft and pass legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions;

Draft and pass legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices;

Pass legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes; and

Pass legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville.

In 2011, I was elected to the Town Council in the Franklin, Massachusetts. In January 2012, I was selected to chair the town’s Master Plan Committee. Prior to that, I served on the School Committee, and served as its Chairperson for 9 of his 10 years of service with that board. I also co-chaired Franklin’s Anti-Bullying Task Force. I served as a member of Franklin's Horace Mann School Building Committee, and formerly as the chairman of the Board of Directors for the non-profit Masque Theatre Co., Inc. in Milford, Massachusetts.

I have worked as an attorney in Massachusetts since 1986, and operate a law firm, Roy Law, in Franklin, Massachusetts. I have represented clients at all levels of the trial and appellate courts in Massachusetts. In addition, I have appeared in cases before the New Hampshire Supreme Court and Superior Court, the Federal District Courts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the Rhode Island Superior Court, Colorado Superior Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

I am a 1986 cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. I received my undergraduate degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1983, where I served as Editor-in-Chief of the Bates Student newspaper. In addition, I received engineering training at Worcester Polytechnic Institute from 1979 to 1981 and one year of legal training at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. I participated in a judicial clerkship in 1985-86 with the Honorable Francis J. Larkin on the Appellate Division of the District Court, Western Division.

I have been married to his wife Maureen for 34 years and am the proud father of three children, all educated in the Franklin Public Schools.

I am a 20-year rider in the annual Pan Mass Challenge event which raises money for the Jimmy Fund. I have been riding as a member of the Phil Phriends team since 2003. I am also a guitar player and member of the band Ben Gardner's Boat.

I was honored to be chosen as the 2019 Legislator of the Year award by the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. I am a member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and the Massachusetts Bar Association. I also serve on the Board of Incorporators for the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Milford Regional Medical Center. Other memberships include the College Club and Alumni-in-Admissions for Bates College. My honors and awards include the St. Thomas More Society of Worcester Scholarship and the American Jurisprudence Award for Constitutional Law.

Voter Guide Questionnaire Responses

What, if any, actions would you take to improve access to affordable housing, and services for those facing food insecurity?

I will continue my work bolstering economic development and job creation to provide opportunities for residents to obtain high paying jobs. My work with the Manufacturing Caucus is a good example of what we can do to help people make it in Massachusetts. I will also continue work in the education space to provide students with the skills and credentials they need to succeed in the economy. This session I filed legislation relative to college in high school which provides unique opportunities for students to obtain credits and credentials while before getting a diploma. You can read about it at https://jeffreyroy.com/2021/06/12/college-in-high-school-bill-heard-by-committee/. I will continue the work on developing affordable housing and support our food banks and local pantries for those suffering from food insecurity. Finally, I will continue my work with the energy committee to provide energy independence and lower the costs for consumers. For those struggling with bills, I will support programs offering relief and support. Here is a blog post on some of those programs available now: https://jeffreyroy.com/2022/09/24/help-with-high-energy-costs-this-winter/

Throughout my career, I have supported and advocated for programming to assist students. That includes the Student Opportunity Act which we passed in the last session. And I will continue working with the local school committees to identify and address their needs.

Several years ago, I started a commuter rail working group with my colleagues. We meet regularly with Keolis and MBTA officials to advocate for improvements. This has led to the construction of double tracks coming into Franklin to alleviate congestion. We have also demanded on-time performance and accountability. Finally, on October 6, 2022, I chaired an oversight hearing to address DPU oversight of MBTA safety and to explore alternatives.

I have advocated for and advanced legislation that made any mandate subject to appropriation. The Genocide Education Act is a good example. With that mandate we created a Genocide Education Trust Fund which was funded in the FY23 budget.

As long as the organizations that produce the questionnaires do not object, I would support that mandate.

On December 12, 2012, I headed out to UMass Amherst for a 3 day legislative retreat. There I learned from many of my colleagues about what to expect from the job as a State Representative and how the House functions. It was a great experience and one that offered an opportunity to meet with the House leaders and grab a firmer understanding of what Representatives do in the legislative branch.

I left on Friday, December 14 at about noon and headed back to Franklin with a new enthusiasm and sense of excitement. I turned on the radio for the drive back. Within minutes, I learned that the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut had been invaded by a gunman who took the lives of 26 innocent people. I felt an immediate sense of the gravity of the work that laid ahead. And I knew that gun violence was going to be at the forefront of the work as a legislative body.

Like most people, I am still trying to make some sense out of the senseless shooting in Connecticut. I started my School Committee career on the heels of Columbine and am still struggling to understand what happened there. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones, and to the children and adults who witnessed the horror.

It boggles the mind but reinforces the need to commit ourselves to finding ways to stop these types of events. I have committed himself to learning as much as possible about how this happened and finding a way to prevent future events like it. I understand that we can’t do this without respect and empathy for one another’s opinions and ideas, and I will keep an open mind.

As part of the education process, I sought and obtained a gun permit and received training from the Gun Owners’ Action League in Northborough to brush up on the state's gun laws. It wasn’t all bookwork, as I also learned how to handle, clean, and shoot a weapon.

I also conducted a gun violence forum in Franklin in 2013. We needed to have a community conversation about gun violence. As members of the community, we all want to keep our towns safe, but what is the best way to go about doing that? I'll say this: it starts with a conversation, a civilized discussion with opposing views.

In 2014, we passed and I supported landmark gun safety legislation that did the following:

• For the first time local authorities, in conjunction with the court system, now have an avenue to deny a firearm identification (FID) card.

• The gun safety law authorizes licensed gun dealers to access criminal offender record information (CORI) and

• creates a framework for improving school safety.

• It also enhances record-keeping efforts and takes decisive steps to curtail gun trafficking. To address any loopholes created by secondary sales, the legislation requires the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) to create an online portal for private sales. This will ensure that secondary sales are subject to proper monitoring and information sharing without placing an additional burden on gun owners.

The Massachusetts Extreme Risk Protection Order was enacted in 2018. An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), also known as a red flag law, is an order from a judge that suspends a person’s license to possess or carry a gun. An ERPO directs a person to surrender their license to possess/carry a gun and any firearms, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, stun guns, or ammunition that they possess, control, or own. An Extreme Risk Protection Order is issued by a judge upon consideration of evidence after prompted by petition by a family member, law enforcement officer, or district attorney. This does not involve a criminal complaint. ERPOs are primarily a suicide prevention tool, but also have prevented domestic violence and mass shootings. As of April 20, 2022, there have been 48 ERPO petitions filed and 39 weapons have been surrendered.

I will continue to look at ways to strengthen our gun laws while respecting the Second Amendment rights of our citizens.

As the Chair of the Committee that handles climate change legislation, I led the efforts to draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022 and finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021. You can read more about this work at https://jeffreyroy.com/2022/07/23/legislature-passes-major-clean-energy-legislation/ and view my floor remarks on the topic at https://jeffreyroy.com/speeches/offshore-wind-and-clean-energy-act/ and https://youtu.be/PB-CRp7ooCg.

I plan to work on additional climate change legislation in the next session which begins in January 2023.

No. In fact, I voted in favor of the Roe Act in 2020 to codify the protections afforded by the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade and the new law that protects patients and provides additional protections for women seeking access to reproductive healthcare.

Charles F. Bailey, II (Republican)

Franklin

Email Address: cfbailey67@gmail.com

Candidate Social Media/Website Address:

https://charlesbaileyforstaterep.com

https://www.facebook.com/CFBthree

https://youtu.be/cGdRG3oAbfk

Candidate Biography

This Candidate did not respond to the Franklin Voter Guide Candidate Questionnaire. Bio taken from candidate website:

I chose to run for State Rep due to the threat of a one-party rule with so many democrats running unopposed. All my past experiences have prepared me for this opportunity, and I welcome the challenges that lie ahead if elected.

Utilizing all our fuel sources to become energy independent is important. I believe we should consider all that is available including solar and wind. However, my opponents share the same vision as our national leadership in that they want us to spend beyond what we can sustain to convert completely in an un-realistic time frame. This will cause further hardship for the people and their ability to heat their homes heading into the winter.

If YOU elect me as your State Rep, I will help to ensure safe communities for Franklin & Medway with a focus on Public Health, Public Safety, Veteran’s Affairs, and the Elderly.

I am Charles Bailey, and I am of the people for the people, not above. I have spent a lifetime serving my country, community, and family. I have been in many of your homes and cared for your loved ones in their time of need. I care about the things that you care about and not furthering anyone else’s political agenda. I am committed to representing YOU on Beacon Hill for two years, not my own political aspirations. Can my opponents commit to the same?

I am asking for your VOTE so that I can represent YOU on Beacon Hill…thank you

Charles Bailey

Voter Guide Questionnaire Responses

This Candidate did not respond to the Franklin Voter Guide Candidate Questionnaire.

Second Governor's Council District (Governor's Council)

Term: 2 Years Open Seat(s): 1

The Massachusetts Governor's Council, also known as the Executive Council, is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, plus the Lieutenant Governor who serves ex officio. The Governor's Council interviews and is responsible for approving or vetoing appointments of judges, Parole Board, Appellate Tax Board, Industrial Accident Board, Industrial Accident Reviewing Board, notaries, justices of the peace, clerk-magistrate and public administrators. Notably, the Governor's Council can approve or veto judges appointed by the Governor, and is responsible for ensuring appointees are capable of responsible sentencing, fairly ordering pretrial detentions, and deciding the guilt of a defendant that waives a jury trial.

The Governor's Council is also responsible for approving or vetoing members of the Parole Board. Parole Board members are responsible for fairly granting or denying parole requests and setting adequate conditions for parolees to follow. The Parole Board is also responsible for making recommendations for pardons and commutations. The Governor's Council approves or denies the recommended pardons and commutations. The eight councilors are elected from their districts every two years. The Council meets weekly to record advice and consent on warrants for the state treasury, pardons and commutations, and recording advice and consent to the gubernatorial appointments outlined above.

Candidates

Robert L. Jubinville (Democrat) (Incumbent)

Milton

Official YouTube

https://www.votejubinville.com/

https://www.facebook.com/bobjubinvilleMA/

Dashe M. Videira (Republican)

Franklin

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Candidate Interview

Norfolk County District Attorney

Term: 4 Years Open Seat(s): 1

A district attorney (DA) is an elected official who oversees the prosecution of state criminal cases in a county. The DA sets criminal justice priorities for the county. If you care about local criminal justice policy, this is the role that will influence that most heavily at a local level. DA's are elected every four years, and do not have any term limits. DA's lead a staff of prosecutors, most commonly known as assistant district attorneys. The DA’s office is responsible for working with police and witnesses to investigate crimes, to decide whether or not prosecute, and, if the case goes to trial, to attempt to prove that a person suspected of a crime is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Candidate

Michael W. Morrissey (Democrat)

Quincy

Norfolk County Sheriff

Term: 6 Years Open Seat(s): 1

A Sheriff is elected in each county pursuant to Massachusetts Gen. Law, Part I, Title VI, Ch. 37, and serve six year terms. The mission statement for the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office: "The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office serves the citizens of Norfolk County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by enhancing public safety through the operation of a safe, secure, and humane correctional facility that establishes structure and accountability for offenders and focuses on re-entry programs and community based programs that promote crime prevention, citizen awareness, education, youth development, elderly assistance and law enforcement support. These efforts are accomplished by a highly trained and dedicated workforce and through collaborative agreements with public and private stakeholders." https://www.norfolksheriff.com/about/missionstatement

Candidate

Patrick W. Mcdermott (Democrat)

Quincy