Finn: Wong has failed us

SAUGUS – From job performance to education funding, Democratic candidate Christopher Finn continues to take on the record of Republican state Rep. Donald Wong, three weeks before one of them is chosen to represent the 9th Essex District.Finn explained that he believes Wong’s performance over the past four years has left much to be desired.”He’s had four years to accomplish something, anything,” said Finn. “I believe he has failed us.”He added that Wong’s 100 percent attendance record should not be considered an accomplishment.”If you or I simply showed up to work and did nothing more, we wouldn’t have our jobs for very long” he said. “Rep. Wong has had his chance to improve the district.”Regarding education funding from the state to cities and towns, better known as Chapter 70, Finn said that the allocation formula is still based on the Education Reform Act of 1993. He believes the formula has grown obsolete as state officials never kept pace with curriculum changes and the advent of initiatives such as anti-bullying.”A lot has changed in requirements of our school districts since 1993,” said Finn, adding that he is confident he and the other representatives can work together to revamp education funding.”I believe I am the candidate that represents a change in this election,” he said. “As a Democrat, I will be very capable of working with my fellow reps to improve our district.”However, he explained that Wong’s bills have lacked this focus.”His sponsored legislation fails to address the significant issues of our communities,” said Finn. “As a member of Ways and Means, Rep. Wong has been in a position to make progress, but failed to act for us.”Therefore, he was not impressed with the formation of the Chapter 70 Foundation Budget Study Group that Wong has been promoting.”This is certainly not being done through the effort of Rep. Wong,” said Finn. “It is doing essentially what should have already been done.”He explained that the group is nothing novel as a Chapter 70 review commission has been meeting every two years since 1993. However, the commission has only filed two reports of proposed changes with the state.Meanwhile, miles away from the bickering at the State House, schools continue to suffer.”Wakefield and Saugus are among the lowest in receiving state funds for our schools,” said Finn.According to the state Department of Revenue, Saugus received $4.8 million in Chapter 70 funding for 2013-14 while Wakefield was allotted $5.1 million. In contrast, Lynn was awarded $132.9 million and Revere $48 million.In addition, Finn explained that his campaign is not one based on prior experience, maintaining that if elected, he will do twice the amount of work as Wong within two years.”This is not an election based on experience,” said Finn. “Experience only gets our district so far without action.”