State rep candidates differ on Question 1

MARBLEHEAD – The two candidates for the Eighth Essex District State Representative seat have very different opinions on ballot Question 1, which if passed would eliminate personal income tax in the Commonwealth.The 8th Essex District is comprised of Swampscott, Marblehead, and Ward 3 Precinct 4 and Ward 4 Precinct 4 in Lynn. The seat is currently held by State Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead), who was elected in a special election on March 4 to fill the remainder of Doug Petersen’s term. John Blaisdell (R-Marblehead), who lost to Ehrlich in the special election, is hoping to win her seat in November.Ehrlich said she is opposed to eliminating the state personal income tax and Blaisdell is in favor of eliminating the tax.Ehrlich said if Question 1 passes it would have a devastating effecting on services.”As we all know, Massachusetts has been affected by the recent global financial turmoil,” she said. “While our state is in better shape than most, the volatility and accompanying slowdown are taking their toll on our economy.”Ehrlich has been working with Gov. Deval Patrick and the state legislature on implementing cuts to the state budget.”These cuts go to the bone,” she said. “But the governor has pledged to hold local aid for schools harmless for now. Nobody knows how long this economic downturn will last. Should Question 1 take effect, this sudden and severe loss of 40 percent of the state’s revenue will be devastating. Completely eliminating the state income tax would instantly dry up state funding for our schools, public safety, roads, bridges and services for the most vulnerable in our state.”Ehrlich said Patrick has already indicated that if the economy doesn’t recover, local aid may be cut in the near future.”Taking a sledgehammer to the budget right after we’ve just cut to the bone will only turn crisis into catastrophe,” she said. “It will also put our bond rating in jeopardy thus impeding the state’s ability to raise capital for projects, thereby causing irreparable harm to our state’s economy.”When pressed on what she would cut if Question 1 were to pass, Ehrlich said she is confident it won’t pass.”Question 1 is a reckless proposal that would devastate essential services,” she said. “Should that happen the legislature and governor would have to figure out the correct action to take at that time.”Blaisdell vehemently disagreed with Ehrlich and said he is in favor of abolishing the personal income tax.”The much larger question here is why is this question on the ballot,” he said. “The answer is simple: Massachusetts’ voters have, for years, requested the state Legislature to stop their wasteful spending habits. I stand with the majority of Massachusetts residents who intend to vote ‘yes’ on this question.”Blaisdell said to make up for the shortfall in revenue he would eliminate the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and merge it with Mass Highway.”I propose a merger of the MBTA police with the State Police,” he said. “I seek to reform the MBTA pension system to prevent double dipping and ending the practice of paying state salaries with borrowed money.”Blaisdell pointed out if Question 1 becomes law, the state would still receive an estimated $18 billion in tax revenue.”Our elected leaders need to address their spending habits and eliminate non-essential services when voting on money issues,” he said. “The excessive spending by the Legislature has been an ongoing problem of many years and the time has come to send a clear message to the Legislature.”