The Issues page is active.

[Denise Witter]

Here's the link for the Issues page: http://brownforussenate.com/issues

The following is copy/pasted from the Issues page.



Issues

Why I am running
America is a great country but we also have some challenges that we need to solve if we're going to remain the world's superpower. The most important of our challenges is getting the U.S. economy moving again. People are hurting as they struggle to make ends meet. They're worried about their future, and that of their children and grandchildren. I want to ensure that we leave them an America that is financially stronger and independent: minus a national debt that we can never repay.

Economy
I am a free enterprise advocate who believes that lower taxes can encourage economic growth. Raising taxes stifles growth, weakens the economy and puts more people out of work. Our economy works best when individuals have more of their income to spend, and businesses have money to invest and add jobs. I have been a fiscal watchdog in the state legislature fighting bigger government, higher taxes and wasteful spending.

Energy and Environment
I support common-sense environment policy that will help to reduce pollution and preserve our precious open spaces. I realize that without action now, future generations will be left to clean up the mess we leave. In order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, I support reasonable and appropriate development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal and improved hydroelectric facilities. I oppose a national cap and trade program because of the higher costs that families and businesses would incur.

Education
I am passionate about improving the quality of our public schools. Accountability and high standards are paramount. I support choice through charter schools, as well as the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement. I have worked to ensure that all children have access to a quality education. I am a strong advocate for the METCO program, which provides lower income students with broader educational opportunities.

Veterans
As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard, I am uniquely aware of the importance and sacrifice of our men and women serving in the military. I have been a vigorous supporter of legislation providing benefits to returning service members, as well as, benefits for the families of those killed in action. I believe we need to recognize the sacrifice of all of our servicemembers by keeping better track of returning military personnel so they get the services they deserve. That includes providing them with first-class medical care and other benefits to which they are entitled. I am known as a leader on veterans' issues through my work on the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee, the Hidden Wounds of War Commission, and the Governor's Task Force on Returning Veterans.

Health Care
I believe that all Americans deserve health care coverage, but that we shouldn't have to create a new government insurance program to provide it. I support strengthening the existing private market system. In Massachusetts, I support the 2006 healthcare law that expanded coverage, but I believe the Deval Patrick administration must do more to contain the costs of the Commonwealth Care subsidy program.

Gun issues
I support the Second Amendment and believe that citizens have the right to keep and bear arms as a basic constitutional liberty. I support safe and responsible gun ownership.

Death penalty
I believe there are some crimes that are so heinous that they deserve capital punishment. Our Government should have the ability to impose the death penalty in cases where it is justified.

Abortion
While this decision should ultimately be made by the woman in consultation with her doctor, I believe we need to reduce the number of abortions in America. I believe government has the responsibility to regulate in this area and I support parental consent and notification requirements and I oppose partial birth abortion. I also believe there are people of good will on both sides of the issue and we ought to work together to support and promote adoption as an alternative to abortion.

Marriage
I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. States should be free to make their own laws in this area, so long as they reflect the people's will as expressed through them directly, or as expressed through their elected representatives.

[Joseph Hosler]

I'm sorry, but I disagree a little with Mr. Balanda. The majority of Americans, and particularly in Massachusetts, vote for their desire for freedom. Our roots are in minimal government involvement in our daily lives. You can see it in polls, people want less government, rather than narrowing it to less taxes. I wish Mr. Brown's political golden rule was "Government needs to be limited to protecting an individual's right to reach their potential as long as it does not impede the same right for any other individual."

[Matt Balanda]

Great job, Scott! One comment - the Dems won in '08 when the economy nose-dived and they were able to blame President Bush. The famous quote states, "It's the economy, stupid!" While all the positions are important (and some, like the War on Radical Islam, political correctness, etc, are missing from above), the economy, government meddling in businesses, taxes, and the deficit are at the forefront of all current events right now and on the mind of even the most casually aware citizens. I would think that you may be able to benefit from the fact that the economy will not be fixed by January (and in my opinion, it will be in worse shape, in particular the real estate market), as long as it is the foundation of your campaign. Conservative folks will always vote for you; liberals will never vote for you; the middle 50% will vote according to their wallets.

[Nick Taylor]

Outstanding. Sir, I agree with you, but I think some issues have been overlooked. First, while a standard needs to be set for high school graduation to ensure that students are getting a sufficient education, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to any problem. The MCAS and other standardized tests must be re-evaluated to ensure they are achieving their goal. Also, using the MCAS a the only rating standard for teachers promotes a teach-to-the-test mentality that prevents students from getting a well rounded education.

Second, foreign policy was a big issue during the democratic debate last month. It is not something that can be ignored. It should be addressed before it becomes an issue.

Thank you for running.

[Joseph Hosler]

I'd ask you to rethink a number of your issue statements. Starting with the economy, it is not just taxes that need to be limited, it is also regulation and the day-to-day meddling by inexperienced government officials in private transactions between two parties. We need regulations in order to have a faster moving economy, but they have opened a door to more government involvement that is unjust and un-welcomed.

On healthcare, please re-think your desire to intrude in the personal actions of individuals. Every person is entitled to access, not coverage. One should not be refused access, but another should not be coerced into caring for those that have made bad decisions. Advocate for my right to reflect my moral beliefs of charitable action through charities, not bloated, inefficient government bureaucracies.

On Marriage, I really don't care what your preference is but thank you for offering it. What I would like you to offer is assurance that, as my Senator, you would advocate that marriage is between two equal individuals and that the government should make no law that discriminates.

Thank you.