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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
 Posted - 02/04/2013 : 7:20:26 PM
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I am hearing there will be a debate between the candidates held at the Connolly Center, February 20th, 7:00 PM.
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OuttaHere
Member
58 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2013 : 9:14:16 PM
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If true, which I highly doubt, I'll catch it on ECTV.............NOT! :)
SURE they'll be MIA ............as usual! |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
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rexreeves
Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2013 : 2:23:21 PM
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| Tonight's the night of the debate... I can't wait to see who got the questions before hand. It will be after 5, wondering if Wayne Matewsky will be able to stand. hahahaha |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2013 : 11:09:10 PM
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| I attended tonight's debate. All five candidates handled themselves well and were informative. ECTV taped it and will be airing on ECTV. |
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rexreeves
Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2013 : 08:35:00 AM
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| Mangan had the answers to the debate. When you see the debate on ECTV watch as he reads the answers. I can't believe the Everett Democratic Committee would stoop to that level. |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2013 : 10:54:45 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by rexreeves
Mangan had the answers to the debate. When you see the debate on ECTV watch as he reads the answers. I can't believe the Everett Democratic Committee would stoop to that level.
At some points it did appear that way. I sincerely hope that was not the case. It also appeared to me, the moderator with the first two questions, was playing gotcha to four of the candidates but never to Mangan.
They all presented themselves well and were gentlemen at all times.
In my honest opinion, there was no winner or loser. |
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turk182
Member
88 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2013 : 2:38:28 PM
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I keep getting all of the mailings and what I am totally confused about is how are any of these candidates are qualified to be our State Rep. I am not a fan of his but the only one that might be even slightly qualified by virtue of being the City Clerk for all those years is Hanlon, and I question that. Did I read Mangen works for the T how does that enable him to represent us? Sergio Cornelio, did I see in another post he work for Bucci's that qualifies him how? Who does that leave Joe? What does Joe know? Can someone please enlighten me, how are they qualified to vote on raising or not raising my taxes?
''Life's tough......it's even tougher if you're stupid.''
-- John Wayne |
Edited by - turk182 on 02/22/2013 2:40:00 PM |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2013 : 5:32:08 PM
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I attended the debate the other night and they were asked about a broad range of issues, such as immigration, drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, same sex marriage, the Governors new tax increases and the absentee ballot issue. It was taped by ECTV and I am being told it will be aired the middle to the end of next week.
As for the candidates qualifications, I am biased, so I will not comment. I'll leave that to other posters. |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2013 : 3:19:08 PM
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| I heard there have been 300 to 400 absentee ballots returned to City Hall. I have no idea if this is true or not. Has anyone else heard anything? |
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snoopy1
Member
64 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2013 : 09:05:59 AM
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I checked with someone and there are indeed a high number of absentees and also provisional ballots that are concerning. People need to contact Secretary Galvin and let him know the resident of Everett are no longer going to support him if he does not get OFF HIS HANDS and do something.
We have a high number of voters in this city and our rights were violated... and he sells a lot of -" Who shot John" to the Boston Globe, but insults the residents of everett by siting on his hands on this one.
I know I'll NEVER support Galvin again. He has insulted our intelligence. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2013 : 2:23:19 PM
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Democratic candidates debate for special state primary on March 5
February 28, 2013
By Everett News
By The Advocate
The Democratic candidates’ debate, sponsored by the Everett Democratic City Committee, for the special state primary election to be held March 5, was last Wednesday at the Edward Connolly Center. It featured state representative candidates Wayne Matewsky, Joseph McGonagle, John Hanlon, Sergio Cornelio and Michael Mangan, who were all seeking disgraced state representative Steven Smith’s seat—following his guilty plea in federal court for absentee ballot fraud.
The almost 2-hour debate was emceed by Robert Jordan and moderated by Mark Puleo. The format of the debate: opening statement of three minutes by a drawing of chance, a round of questions with a 2 minute response, a rebuttal by the candidates, follow-up questions by the moderator, ending with closing statements by each candidate.
Participating in the event were two-term alderman and former common councillor Mark Mangan; Ward 1 councillor and former council president Sergio Cornelio; former alderman, city clerk and mayor John Hanlon; former common councillor and current alderman Joseph McGonagle; and former alderman and common councillor Wayne Matewsky.
At times during the candidate’s opening statements the sound from the PA system plagued the event with static and cutting out.
Hanlon highlighted his financial background—as a mayor he found $2 million in surplus. Matewsky said he understood the job while a legislative aide under disgraced ex-representative Steven Smith. Mangan highlighted his background in the Everett Housing Authority and being a blue collar guy working with the MBTA Carmen’s Union, as well as his coaching local youth sports. Cornelio highlighted four generations of family and their dry cleaning business and his serving since the age of 22 and being the youngest candidate, offering a younger perspective. McGonagle stated that he was the candidate with common sense and realistic solutions, touting his presidencies on the board.
The first question, the most obvious, centered on the reason why the special election was taking place. Matewsky was asked whether he had any comment on Smith’s case and how he would ensure that the integrity of Everett would be preserved.
Matewsky stated that he was “not involved in the circumstances surrounding that case” and refuted an anonymous letter claiming that he was one of the anonymous officials involved with Smith’s absentee ballot scams. Matewsky cited his battle for Smith’s seat in 2008—saying he wasn’t involved in that campaign—even turned down a position as a legislative aide.
“I am not involved in the circumstances surrounding that case. I ran for this position in 2008—and I lost,” said Matewsky. “So I think that answers that question.”
In rebuttal to Matewsky’s answer, Moderator Robert Puleo, saying that no candidate raised the issue in rebuttal, questioned Matewsky. He asked whether—as a legislative aide to Smith and given the circumstances of the special election and the estimated tens of thousands of dollars now needed for the election— Matewsky had ever been involved with the absentee ballot fraud, been investigated by any authority, and would he resign if suspected of such a crime.
Matewsky, looking upset, stated that he had never been interviewed by anyone; that Smith never discussed the issue, except maybe on one or two occasions over a period of 20 months; was not involved, but did assist people who were blind or handicapped with their absentee ballots.
“I know 10 people that are blind myself, “claimed Matewsky. “Truth be told—I’m not involved in any of this issue.”
Taking the heat somewhat off Matewsky, Puleo fired a cannon shot at McGonagle, asking him why in 2010 he crossed party lines and gave GOP candidate for governor Charlie Baker a “three figured donation” to his candidacy.
McGonagle replied that he considered Baker a friend and although he didn’t agree with all of his political agendas, he considered his friendship and donated.
In rebuttal, Puleo asked the other candidates’ opinions on Democratic candidates giving money to Republicans. His fellow candidates agreed that donating to friends should be allowed despite their party affiliation, even if they might not vote for them.
Puleo didn’t let the others off the hook, citing Hanlon’s donation to GOP candidate for state senate Craig Spadafora of Malden for $100; and Cornelio’s $100 to Karyn Polito, candidate for state treasurer in 2010.
The former mayor stated that he donated through his friend, Albert Spadafora, owner of Anthony’s in Malden, who is the candidate’s uncle. “I didn’t even know he was Republican, “said the former mayor. “It was because he was a friend of a friend.” Cornelio stated that he met Polito through a friend and “broke bread with her” a couple of times, listening to her ideas, and liked her.
The next question was for Cornelio, asking his views of upholding or changing the current state law which allows gay marriage. Cornelio and Mangan said they were for gay marriage and equality and would oppose any change, as were Matewsky, McGonagle and Hanlon, who stated that it was the “law of the land.”
The next question for Hanlon asked whether he supported Gov. Deval Patrick’s new budget that seeks additional revenue to address the approximately $2 billion shortfall in the transportation budget and other priorities, such as funding of education programs.
Hanlon stated that he didn’t know but would find out exactly where the money would go, whether it would be an additional gas or cigarette tax.
McGonagle, who seemed to have an angry tone throughout the debate, stated that he wouldn’t have a “knee-jerk” reaction to the question, but would ask universities and hospitals that are tax-exempt to invest in the state transit system.
Cornelio stated that he would work with the governor but have no problem disagreeing when the time came.
Matewsky cited the cigarette tax but disagreed with an additional gas tax. He noted the Department of Transportations’ bonding of the Route 99 bridge and their failure to see a pipe, which has caused delay in its repair. Matewsky said he would like the DOT to tighten their belt.
Mangan said he couldn’t support any additional rise in taxes, including the income tax by 1%, but would support an expansion of the Bottle Bill or cigarette tax.
To the question about supporting development of a lower Broadway parcel of land for a major casino, Mangan replied that there is “nothing on the table” from Wynn Resorts. Mangan said he would support the casino if it addressed concerns such as traffic and jobs, or vote against it if the people were against it.
McGonagle said that the project was a unique opportunity but there were still issues to be addressed, such as what comes with a casino.
Matewsky cited the city’s industrial history but hoped that a nice hotel or marina development would be very good for the area.
Hanlon sees a big job boom for the city but that a casino is just an empty shell that pays the state, saying that the city would need a hotel for tax revenue.
Cornelio said he too was in favor but needed to see the proposal from the casino.
In a rebuttal to the candidate, Puleo asked Mangan whether a new casino was deemed a threat to local small businesses, would he still support it based on economic grounds or on the referendum.
Mangan stated that it was a tough question, but he would go out into the community and knock on hundreds of doors, to talk with the people and the local business community.
The next question for Cornelio asked what pending bills at the state house would he introduce or support as state rep. Cornelio stated that he wasn’t aware of any current bills but would support public safety during tough economic times—police and fire departments.
Mangan said he would support the Equal Access Bill. McGonagle said he would look at Charter School Reform, welfare reform, EBT abuse, and health care reform. Hanlon said he hadn’t looked at any bills but looked at the state budget, saying that investigating legislation was something he does well. Matewsky cited the current cold winter and supported the current $21 million bill for additional fuel assistance for low-income residents and seniors as well as any EBT fraud legislation.
With respect to legislation geared towards immigration and the changing demographics of the city, Puleo asked if any candidate would support the “Safe Driving Bill,” which allows illegals to obtain Massachusetts drivers’ licenses.
McGonagle supported it in order to “document” the illegal immigrants; Hanlon agreed, citing accidents such as hit-and-runs in the city when suspects leave the vehicles, because they’re uninsured and unregistered. The others adherently agreed.
Puleo then asked: If elected, what committee would you request of Speaker Robert DeLeo?
Matewsky said he would request Senior Citizens, Housing and the Veterans committees. Mangan said he would request Public Transportation; Hanlon: Ways & Means and Election committees; McGonagle: Ways & Means and Public Transportation committees; Cornelio: Small Business and Public Safety committees.
The next question: Would you lobby for additional revenue to build a new school to help alleviate overcrowding?
McGonagle cited the growing student population but said he would fight for a new school. Hanlon said he didn’t know where we could build another school unless the city went through eminent domain and seek the funding. Cornelio agreed, saying overcrowding was a very serious issue and that Everett needed additional schools. Mangan and Matewsky also would support the legislation.
Would the candidate resign from any current boards or positions currently being held? Matewsky: Yes; Mangan: Yes; Hanlon: No; McGonagle: Yes; and Cornelio: Yes.
Hanlon brought some levity to the debate when he was asked by Puleo why he wouldn’t resign. Hanlon said that he wasn’t on any boards, which drew a burst of laughter from the room.
The next-to-last question asked if they would support tougher gun laws. Cornelio cited that the state already has a lot of gun laws; he is a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and a gun owner; gun safety/training is important. McGonagle agreed, saying he, too, is a gun owner and NRA member and a hunter but thought special permitting would be necessary for a gun collector for a semi-automatic rifle. Mateweksy said that a machine gun is used for one purpose and was for stricter gun control. Mangan said he felt that the problem is not with the laws but with enforcement. He stated that he would support legislation for funding to counteract guns coming over the borders, would sit down with administration regarding school security, limit access by the mentally ill to weapons and hold parents responsible. Hanlon thought that automatic weapons belong in a junk pile and training should be important in gun ownership.
The last question: If State Senator Sal DiDomenico is the “Dustin Pedroia” of the state legislature, which Boston sports legend, past or present, would you like to be compared to if you were state rep?
Matewsky said that he would be Sammy Gentile (a former Red Sox player in 1946), his uncle, whom he called a legend in Everett politics. McGonagle: Ted Williams, a war hero and Red Sox great; Hanlon: Babe Ruth, a fantastic pitcher; Cornelio: Bob Cousy, ‘never underestimate the skills’; Mangan: Bruins player Ray Bourque, a model of consistency.
The candidates gave their two-minute closing statements. Hanlon said that voters should choose the independent person who will work for the people of Everett. Matewsky cited his union endorsements and that he knows the state house and will fight for the issues. Mangan said that he always tried to make a difference in people’s lives, whether on the sports field or at city hall, and will support the city of Everett at the State House; Cornelio said that it’s been a great experience and, although he is the youngest candidate, he works hard for the community as a councillor and will work hard for the city and people he loves at the State House. McGonagle said that he was the realistic candidate with the common sense approach and would be honored to represent Everett.
There are two other candidates running for the seat: Independent Dennis Gianatassio and Republican Rosa DiFlorio.
The special election will take place on Tuesday, March 5 citywide.
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2013 : 1:08:38 PM
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| Tuesday, March 5th is the primary. Please get out and vote. |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2013 : 10:23:29 PM
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| Don't forget tomorrow is election day. Please get out and vote. |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2013 : 12:35:07 AM
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| Wayne Matewsky won State Rep by 51 votes. |
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whynot
Member
47 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2013 : 08:13:01 AM
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| doesn't surprise me, he work the hardest and his mom still has her friends in the city, if we all band together we can get Dennis elect and let God show us the way, no way will I vote for Rosa |
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Election
