Politics & Government

Republican Congressional Candidates Talk Economy, Unemployment

Reduce taxes, less public spending and finding jobs for all those over age 40 unemployment for more than two years are ways to improve the economy and the unemployment rate says the three Republican candidates for Congress.

A week from today, voters in the 5th Congressional District, which includes Framingham, will go to the polls to select a Democrat and a Republican candidate, who will face off in December to become the district's new U.S. Representative.

This is the first time in more than three decades, the district has elected a new U.S. Representative. Massachusetts' junior Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass) had held the congressional seat since 1976, before being elected to senator this year. He resigned the congressional seat on July 15, 2013.

The district, restructured in 2012, now represents 24 communities in three Massachusetts counties.

There will be three Republican names on the Tuesday, Oct. 15 ballot. They are Frank Addivinola, of Malden, Mike Stoppa of Holliston and Tom Tierney of Framingham.

Patch asked each of the candidates running in the primary a series of questions. The answers to those questions will be published now through Sunday, Oct. 13. 

Today's report focuses on the unemployment rate and the economy.

Patch asked each candidate this question: "For years, Massachusetts maintained an unemployment rate well below the national average. After a summer of rising rates, however, Massachusetts unemployment numbers now mirror the nation as a whole. What's changed, and what can you do at the congressional level to help restore employment in Massachusetts?"
Frank Addivinola: "Massachusetts economy revolves around several major industries (life sciences, biotech, high tech, health care and education) and all of these are challenged by our current economic uncertainties.  In addition, our small businesses that drive the economic activities within communities are shrinking in response to more governmental regulations. Unemployment exists in direct proportion to debt, taxation and government regulation. Congress initiates all budgetary and tax plans. As a member of Congress, I would vote to balance the budget, and reduce taxation by increasing employment.  Employers are scared of debt and indecision. When we decide to pay down debt, increased employment follows."

Mike Stoppa: "It has been proven time and again that public spending crowds out the private sector by driving up factor costs such as the cost of office space or the salaries of engineers and other staff. We need to push back against the subsidies for companies like Evergreen Solar that are subsidized to make products that we then have to pay people to buy. Many of my Democratic opponents voted for the 'tech tax' and the gas tax as a way of funding the 6.9% budget increase in Massachusetts in 2013 - the so-called 'Deval Patrick legacy budget.' Equally crucial is the 2.3% federal excise tax on medical device manufacturers which aside from depressing jobs in the Commonwealth is working to undermine innovation in an industry crucial to our health. The path to jobs and prosperity in Massachusetts is higher education, innovation in the laboratory, private investment and products that people want to buy. The Patrick-Obama approach to prosperity is to use government money to put a shovel in people's hands. I reject that."

Tom Tierney: "Unemployment is the most difficult problem to solve and I’ve never heard a candidate adequately address the issue. The jobs just aren’t there like they used to be:  our population’s doubled in the last 50 years [twice as much competition for jobs]; productivity’s doubled since 1979 [only need half the people to do the same work]; and many more women and immigrants are now in the job market [more competition]. I’m proposing that if someone’s age 40 or older, has been out of work for 2 or more years and has a sincere desire to work then the government must find him or her a job [a la Humprehy-Hawkins]." 


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