Voters’ Guide for the 2nd Middlesex District State Representative Election

The League of Women Voters is pleased to present its Voters’ Guide for the 2nd Middlesex District State Representative Election.  All three candidates for this seat were given a set of six questions.  Their answers to these questions, along with a short biography, can be found below.  Click on a candidates’ name to see all of their answers to a question.  Or, click on a question in the list below to see all of the answers from each candidate for that question.  We hope this guide helps you to make an informed decision on Election Day.  Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 4!

View By Candidate

Jim Arciero

Dennis Galvin

Arleen Martino

View By Question

  1. What is the greatest challenge the legislature faces in the next term?
  2. Towns often struggle to implement programs mandated, but not funded, by the state.  How would you address this problem?
  3. What would you do to expand economic growth and opportunity in the Commonwealth?
  4. How would you balance the need to support those who need welfare and other social assistance programs, against potential fraud and abuse of those systems?
  5. You would represent voters in three different towns.  How would you balance resources and priorities across these three towns?
  6. What can be done to address the costs of higher education and make college more affordable for students?

Jim Arciero

No responses received.

 


Dennis Galvin

Dennis Galvin has resided in Westford Massachusetts for thirty seven years with his wife Kathleen. They have raised four children and are now grandparents to two lovely little girls. Dennis served thirty years with the Massachusetts State Police, retiring at the rank of Major. He also served for three years as the Director of Security for the Executive Office of Transportation, and worked as a Project Manager for a global security provider, managing the security force at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. He has been an adjunct faculty member at Middlesex Community College and has served on the Westford Planning Board for nine years.

What is the greatest challenge the legislature faces in the next term?

The greatest challenge is restoring the integrity of the House of Representatives in the wake of the Probation Department scandal. A House Ethics investigation into the activities of the House Speaker must be conducted. The House must adopt a code of ethics, that would mandate all members of the legislature report acts of criminal or unethical conduct involving other members. Every effort must be made to expand the openness of legislative proceedings. Committee votes should be published on line. The open meeting law should be extended to the House and Senate. Use of consolidated amendments, where budget bills are formulated outside the House chamber by the majority leadership, and then rubber stamped by their members in session must end.

Towns often struggle to implement programs mandated, but not funded, by the state. How would you address this problem?

The legislature should adopt a policy that essentially establishes, with some rare exceptions, that mandates cannot be imposed upon municipalities without an identified state funding source. Mandates are often the results of a concession to a special interest, or a reaction to a crisis. While there are times when state government may have to step in and direct certain local governmental functions, this is done far too frequently in Massachusetts. Just as the states are regarded as the laboratories of innovation for our Federal government, so should the municipalities be regarded by state government. As a state representative from this district, I would be ever vigilant about the imposition of mandates, and only in rare cases, where there is compelling evidence establishing a well defined need, would I vote to impose one.

What would you do to expand economic growth and opportunity in the Commonwealth?

The American system of free enterprise offers our citizens the best possibility for maximizing economic opportunity for all . The size of government directly impacts the vibrancy of that system. A government, that has grown too large saps valuable financial resources from the economy, stifling growth. A government, that expands support to individuals beyond those who truly need it, degrades the quality of the work force. A government, that imposes rigid regulations makes businesses hesitant to expand. Massachusetts government has grown by 10 Billion dollars during the last eight years. Mandates on private business have also grown. Cost burdens on industry must be lowered so that we can attract businesses to locate, build and expand in Massachusetts. We sustain economic growth by improving our technical and vocational education. A well educated work force has been our ace in the hole. Timely and efficient infrastructure upgrades are also essential.

How would you balance the need to support those who need welfare and other social assistance programs, against potential fraud and abuse of those systems?

Verification of claimant eligibility is the fundamental element of any effort focused on reducing fraud and abuse of our welfare system. Currently, claimants may make self verifications and little if any effort is made to independently corroborate their claims. Verification must be mandated. Independent audits of such programs as the Electronic Benefits Card and other disbursements need to be regularly conducted by outside agencies, such as the Inspector General, or the Attorney General, until such time as the Bureau of Program Integrity evolves into a reputable monitoring agency, that retains public trust and confidence. With few special exceptions, work requirements must remain a part of the participation rules for recipients. Ultimately, the best policy for supporting those who need social assistance is to expand private sector economic opportunities across Massachusetts.

You would represent voters in three different towns. How would you balance resources and priorities across these three towns?

The state representative holds the primary leadership position responsible for advocating and defending the interests of this district in the Massachusetts General Court. Leadership is a moral challenge. It tests whether a leader has the courage to treat all those under his/her stewardship with fairness. Fairness would be the fundamental value that would guide my decisions about balancing resources and priorities. I would continuously evaluate my own positions based on the question, would this be the position I would expect as a constituent in any part of the district ? The first priority is to ensure that gains in the district are not lost. Where there are deficiencies they are corrected. Long term, I would work with local officials across the district , to ensure allocation levels that are sufficient and equitable to maintain the quality of local services, such as schools, and the stability of property taxes.

What can be done to address the costs of higher education and make college more affordable for students?

Because so many people want a college education, colleges and universities can ask what they want for tuition and people will pay it. Loan agencies have been quick to offer packages to meet the demands of rising cost. This has led to many college graduates facing enormous debt burdens. Our sluggish economy does not offer the economic opportunities that many expected. We need to provide alternative ways of achieving the same results that a college education has always promised. We must carefully monitor the costs of our own state colleges and universities to ensure that they remain affordable. Improving the quality of our community colleges and linking their programs directly toward merging jobs is critical. Improving technical and vocational education is also essential. Reviewing the lending practices related to tuition loans is also important, to ensure that students are not being victimized by predatory practices.

 


Arleen Martino

I am a lifelong resident of the state of Massachusetts. I grew up in Lexington and have resided in Littleton for the past twelve years. I graduated from the University of Massachusetts, at Boston, with a B.A. in biology. I spent four years as a teacher before I became a full-time mother. During those years, I successfully tutored math at home. In 2012, I became the author of a book on true U.S.history called PATRIOTS AND TORIES, THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES which is available for sale on amazon.com. It is also in the public library system. Designed for an adult to read with their favorite adolescent or adolescents, my book inspires all who read it to speak the truth about the founding mission of our Republic. That mission embraces scientific technology in service to the promotion of the general welfare, so that man will be lifted up to higher levels of creativity. In this way does he fulfill his mission in this world.

What is the greatest challenge the legislature faces in the next term?

I launched my campaign for a seat in the State Legislature to get the people in my district to begin to think on a new level—one much higher and potentially more promising than the level of any other state campaign being run this year. We, in the United States, have been subjected to a financial crisis that is the greatest one in the history of our nation. It has bankrupted both federal government and the State of Massachusetts. To escape this crisis and the economic collapse that will ensue when the Wall Street speculative debt bubble collapses and brings on hyperinflation, there is only one remedy—reenacting the Glass-Steagall law. If Maine can pass such a resolution, so can Massachusetts. I will make the passage of a MA State Resolution for the reenactment of Glass-Steagall my first priority when I am elected as your representative.

Towns often struggle to implement programs mandated, but not funded, by the state. How would you address this problem?

The problem with the state mandating programs for the towns to implement without helping to fund them will be solved once Glass-Steagall is put back into place because, freed of the bailout debt that was foisted upon the U.S. government in 2008 under the lie that Wall Street banks were “too-big-to-fail” banks, the U.S. government will then be able to help fund both state and, consequently, town projects through the issue of federal credit locally. Under a nation whose banking system has been protected under a new Glass-Steagall law, the state will then be able to create many new jobs by addressing the issue of its crumbling infrastructure in a proper way. Without G-S, the urgent need to address the issue of upgrading our hospitals to level 4 status, so that the challenge of properly meeting a possible outbreak of Ebola will not be met here in Massachusetts.

What would you do to expand economic growth and opportunity in the Commonwealth?

Every single campaign in Massachusetts this year is being run on the issue of which candidate has the most promising program for creating new jobs in Massachusetts and this is a complete ruse because under the conditions of the complete bankruptcy of both the Federal government and the State of Massachusetts, the only jobs that are being created are part time jobs. No one can change all of this without first mobilizing our U.S. representatives to first pass any two of four Glass-Steagall bills now sitting in the Congress. Nationally, employment sits at 62.7%, the lowest rate in the history of our nation, and this speaks volumes. Call your representative now and insist upon the timely passage of Glass-Steagall. The Congressional switchboard number is 202-224-3121 and it is open 24/7.

How would you balance the need to support those who need welfare and other social assistance programs, against potential fraud and abuse of those systems?

The needs of the poor in Massachusetts will be more effectively met when the nation begins to function once more under Glass-Steagall because the productive base of the economy will rise and this will trickle down to the states. As employment rises, the numbers of those needing welfare assistance will diminish as able-bodied persons gain employment and increased self respect. Thus, under a climate of domestic tranquility at home, corruption will diminish. Raise your sights everyone and look to the promise that the U.S. alignment with the BRICS nations will create after the reenactment of G-S, as man enters a new age of progress internationally. For more information on this promise, go to www.larouchepac.com

You would represent voters in three different towns. How would you balance resources and priorities across these three towns?

The kind of prosperity that I am speaking of will not come overnight, but it will come as a matter of course and everyone will know it under my leadership because I will speak to my constituents and inform them regularly of the progress being made. I will also work to change the curriculum in the public schools, so that our children will be accurately educated in true U.S. history and the promise of unending prosperity that can be created under Constitutional government. This will eliminate all competition between the three towns in my district. Read my book, PATROTS AND TORIES, THE SECRET UNTOLD HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, to understand just how far we have fallen as nation and to begin to fully understand the crisis at hand.

What can be done to address the costs of higher education and make college more affordable for students?

After the G-S. law is reenacted, inflation will come down dramatically—perhaps by as much as 50%. The cost of living will then be more manageable and that will include the cost of higher education. And, properly schooled in the American system of political economy—something not even our legislators know much about right now—our young adults, cognizant of their own unique talents as they head for college, will be in position to choose a career path of service to mankind. The history of our nation is the story of heroic individuals rising to the position of national leadership to do battle with the foe of mankind–the old British Empire—which today controls 70% of banking worldwide. It is through imperialist banking that they attack our freedom. This information must not be withheld from our children.


View By Question

What is the greatest challenge the legislature faces in the next term?

Galvin:  The greatest challenge is restoring the integrity of the House of Representatives in the wake of the Probation Department scandal. A House Ethics investigation into the activities of the House Speaker must be conducted. The House must adopt a code of ethics, that would mandate all members of the legislature report acts of criminal or unethical conduct involving other members. Every effort must be made to expand the openness of legislative proceedings. Committee votes should be published on line. The open meeting law should be extended to the House and Senate. Use of consolidated amendments, where budget bills are formulated outside the House chamber by the majority leadership, and then rubber stamped by their members in session must end.

Martino: I launched my campaign for a seat in the State Legislature to get the people in my district to begin to think on a new level—one much higher and potentially more promising than the level of any other state campaign being run this year. We, in the United States, have been subjected to a financial crisis that is the greatest one in the history of our nation. It has bankrupted both federal government and the State of Massachusetts. To escape this crisis and the economic collapse that will ensue when the Wall Street speculative debt bubble collapses and brings on hyperinflation, there is only one remedy—reenacting the Glass-Steagall law. If Maine can pass such a resolution, so can Massachusetts. I will make the passage of a MA State Resolution for the reenactment of Glass-Steagall my first priority when I am elected as your representative.

Towns often struggle to implement programs mandated, but not funded, by the state.  How would you address this problem?

Galvin: The legislature should adopt a policy that essentially establishes, with some rare exceptions, that mandates cannot be imposed upon municipalities without an identified state funding source. Mandates are often the results of a concession to a special interest, or a reaction to a crisis. While there are times when state government may have to step in and direct certain local governmental functions, this is done far too frequently in Massachusetts. Just as the states are regarded as the laboratories of innovation for our Federal government, so should the municipalities be regarded by state government. As a state representative from this district, I would be ever vigilant about the imposition of mandates, and only in rare cases, where there is compelling evidence establishing a well defined need, would I vote to impose one.

Martino: The problem with the state mandating programs for the towns to implement without helping to fund them will be solved once Glass-Steagall is put back into place because, freed of the bailout debt that was foisted upon the U.S. government in 2008 under the lie that Wall Street banks were “too-big-to-fail” banks, the U.S. government will then be able to help fund both state and, consequently, town projects through the issue of federal credit locally. Under a nation whose banking system has been protected under a new Glass-Steagall law, the state will then be able to create many new jobs by addressing the issue of its crumbling infrastructure in a proper way. Without G-S, the urgent need to address the issue of upgrading our hospitals to level 4 status, so that the challenge of properly meeting a possible outbreak of Ebola will not be met here in Massachusetts.

What would you do to expand economic growth and opportunity in the Commonwealth?

Galvin: The American system of free enterprise offers our citizens the best possibility for maximizing economic opportunity for all. The size of government directly impacts the vibrancy of that system. A government, that has grown too large saps valuable financial resources from the economy, stifling growth. A government, that expands support to individuals beyond those who truly need it, degrades the quality of the work force. A government, that imposes rigid regulations makes businesses hesitant to expand. Massachusetts government has grown by 10 Billion dollars during the last eight years. Mandates on private business have also grown. Cost burdens on industry must be lowered so that we can attract businesses to locate, build and expand in Massachusetts. We sustain economic growth by improving our technical and vocational education. A well educated work force has been our ace in the hole. Timely and efficient infrastructure upgrades are also essential.

Martino: Every single campaign in Massachusetts this year is being run on the issue of which candidate has the most promising program for creating new jobs in Massachusetts and this is a complete ruse because under the conditions of the complete bankruptcy of both the Federal government and the State of Massachusetts, the only jobs that are being created are part time jobs. No one can change all of this without first mobilizing our U.S. representatives to first pass any two of four Glass-Steagall bills now sitting in the Congress. Nationally, employment sits at 62.7%, the lowest rate in the history of our nation, and this speaks volumes. Call your representative now and insist upon the timely passage of Glass-Steagall. The Congressional switchboard number is 202-224-3121 and it is open 24/7.

How would you balance the need to support those who need welfare and other social assistance programs, against potential fraud and abuse of those systems?

Galvin: Verification of claimant eligibility is the fundamental element of any effort focused on reducing fraud and abuse of our welfare system. Currently, claimants may make self verifications and little if any effort is made to independently corroborate their claims. Verification must be mandated. Independent audits of such programs as the Electronic Benefits Card and other disbursements need to be regularly conducted by outside agencies, such as the Inspector General, or the Attorney General, until such time as the Bureau of Program Integrity evolves into a reputable monitoring agency, that retains public trust and confidence. With few special exceptions, work requirements must remain a part of the participation rules for recipients. Ultimately, the best policy for supporting those who need social assistance is to expand private sector economic opportunities across Massachusetts.

Martino: The needs of the poor in Massachusetts will be more effectively met when the nation begins to function once more under Glass-Steagall because the productive base of the economy will rise and this will trickle down to the states. As employment rises, the numbers of those needing welfare assistance will diminish as able-bodied persons gain employment and increased self respect. Thus, under a climate of domestic tranquility at home, corruption will diminish. Raise your sights everyone and look to the promise that the U.S. alignment with the BRICS nations will create after the reenactment of G-S, as man enters a new age of progress internationally. For more information on this promise, go to www.larouchepac.com

You would represent voters in three different towns.  How would you balance resources and priorities across these three towns?

Galvin: The state representative holds the primary leadership position responsible for advocating and defending the interests of this district in the Massachusetts General Court. Leadership is a moral challenge. It tests whether a leader has the courage to treat all those under his/her stewardship with fairness. Fairness would be the fundamental value that would guide my decisions about balancing resources and priorities. I would continuously evaluate my own positions based on the question, would this be the position I would expect as a constituent in any part of the district ? The first priority is to ensure that gains in the district are not lost. Where there are deficiencies they are corrected. Long term, I would work with local officials across the district , to ensure allocation levels that are sufficient and equitable to maintain the quality of local services, such as schools, and the stability of property taxes.

Martino: The kind of prosperity that I am speaking of will not come overnight, but it will come as a matter of course and everyone will know it under my leadership because I will speak to my constituents and inform them regularly of the progress being made. I will also work to change the curriculum in the public schools, so that our children will be accurately educated in true U.S. history and the promise of unending prosperity that can be created under Constitutional government. This will eliminate all competition between the three towns in my district. Read my book, PATROTS AND TORIES, THE SECRET UNTOLD HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, to understand just how far we have fallen as nation and to begin to fully understand the crisis at hand.

What can be done to address the costs of higher education and make college more affordable for students?

Galvin: Because so many people want a college education, colleges and universities can ask what they want for tuition and people will pay it. Loan agencies have been quick to offer packages to meet the demands of rising cost. This has led to many college graduates facing enormous debt burdens. Our sluggish economy does not offer the economic opportunities that many expected. We need to provide alternative ways of achieving the same results that a college education has always promised. We must carefully monitor the costs of our own state colleges and universities to ensure that they remain affordable. Improving the quality of our community colleges and linking their programs directly toward merging jobs is critical. Improving technical and vocational education is also essential. Reviewing the lending practices related to tuition loans is also important, to ensure that students are not being victimized by predatory practices.

Martino: After the G-S. law is reenacted, inflation will come down dramatically—perhaps by as much as 50%. The cost of living will then be more manageable and that will include the cost of higher education. And, properly schooled in the American system of political economy—something not even our legislators know much about right now—our young adults, cognizant of their own unique talents as they head for college, will be in position to choose a career path of service to mankind. The history of our nation is the story of heroic individuals rising to the position of national leadership to do battle with the foe of mankind–the old British Empire—which today controls 70% of banking worldwide. It is through imperialist banking that they attack our freedom. This information must not be withheld from our children.