Left In Lowell

Tonight I attended the 5th Congressional District AFL-CIO debate at Lowell High. It was a crowded room once again, and while there’s always a decent amount of supporters at these things, the audience was largely made up of voters, particularly of union stripe.

Notable people I saw in the audience: Marie Sweeney of GLAD, School Committeeperson Jackie Doherty, City Council candidates Curt Lemay and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, among others.

The candidates attending were City Councilor Eileen Donoghue, Rep. Jamie Eldridge, Rep. Barry Finegold, Rep. Jim Miceli, independent candidate Patrick Murphy, and Niki Tsongas. It was interesting to finally see Patrick Murphy in person.

The following are my notes from the debate. Things are paraphrased and shortened and I’m sure I missed things here and there; these notes may not accurately reflect actual candidates’ views. I invite any corrections if that’s the case.

I used initials to label the candidates’ remarks.

Opening statements:

ED: One of the most important issues facing us: labor and jobs. Came from working class, worked way through college, law school. With exception of Clinton years, the past decades have been assault on labor. In 2006, we saw a change, in attitude, electing Dems to Congress. Now we have this opportunity to make this change. Served on CC, four years as mayor, stood by working men and women in Lowell. Upheld and voted for every pay raise for our employees, because they earned it every single time. Need strong partner. Proud of my support for local firefighters in Lowell, for all working people. Look forward to doing that in Congress.

JE: I am the pro-labor progressive candidate in this race, if we don’t expand the union membership, we can’t expand middle class. Found my labor roots in Lowell, fighting eviction for clients as Legal Aide. Near 100% AFLCIO record. Fought against state House leadership on making health care a right not just a privilege. Demanded project labor agreement with redevelopment of Devons. Stood at Verizon rallies, for correction officers, fought for fair wages. Endorsed by unions. Too many Dems in Congress not fighting for working people. For Healthy Families act, funding for schools, repeal NCLB, fierce critic of NAFTA, believes in Fair Trade over Free Trade.

BF: {Tells cute joke about his last name}. Grandfather worked at post office, sent his kids to good schools and college. Their reward was decent pension and care. But that is in jeopardy. Hear about people working 2-3 jobs, losing one, lose house. Story of person working at company 20 years, company won’t honor pension. That’s not the America we want, American dream. We can have better loans through FHA, federal college loans. Concerned with environment, oil usage. Hydrogen fuel cells, good for environment, jobs. Took on Tom Finnerin, bill for Firefighters.

JM: Served in Lege for 16 terms. Only reason I say that, is that I developed a program when I first ran for office. I promised to hold monthly office hours, town meetings. Kept those promises, been accessible. Delivered on behalf of community. Grew up in Union household. Went to college on the Northeastern coop plan. Started biz, insurance biz. Employed 16 employees, they would tell you it was a great place to work, great health care package, salaries were competitive. Everyone makes promises, I’ve lived it, I’ve done it. Organized a group of local politicians to help with picket. Marched with nurses in Tewksbury hospital. Don’t have problem walking into anyone’s office to make demands for constituents. Will continue to be supporter of labor.

Patrick Murphy: Our nation’s leadership has been vacant a long time. For most pols, elective office is the ends. Need pol who will make difference in lives of people. What we have here is another lack of vision. War in Iraq, auth by Dem and Rep, continuing now because Dem Congress utterly failed to assert constitutional authority. Failure of NCLB. Rationing sick care on basis of wealth. An energy policy responsible in large part for Iraq and lack of good energy policy. It’s the role of Congress to deliberate for people. Cannot watch and wait for this sea change to arrive, therefore I came into the race. Hold no office, no title, no famous name, I plan not to raise money but issues.

NT: As we speak, the Bush admin uses every excuse to undermine and strip away rights of organized labor. Unions shaped and created the middle class. Union workers built in our cities. I know what serious challenges working people face every day. There are ways the fed gov can help. On behalf of the 5th that I intend to work in DC. Need to provide access to affordable health care, need it now, not in 15 years. Level playing field, in global economy. Right to organize, Employee Free Choice Act.

Questions directed to specific candidates – Round One

Q to ED: Mitt Romney tried to unseat friends of labor. We fought back and embarrassed Romney. One of these targeted legislators was Senator Susan Fargo, with a 95-percent labor voting record. You donated money to her Romney-backed opponent John Thibeault. How can we be sure you’ll be with us in Congress when you’ve already worked against one of our candidates?

ED: let me answer directly: John was a personal friend. It had nothing to do with anything other than friendship. Nothing to do to with loyalty to Dem party. I continue to support all members of Democratic party. Asked City Manager to go back and put back jobs [in the city budget], labor jobs, into city budget.

[Moderator: I should remind candidates that the first round questions will be a little tough!]

Q to JE: traditionally we’ve been represented by someone from the Lowell area, why should the people of Lowell and the Merrimack Valley elect someone who is from the outskirts of the district?
JE: I get this question a lot! First, I am the only candidate who’s worked all over the district. And there is civilization out there! [laughter] I’ve been proud to serve my towns, also worked as Senate District Coordinator for Deval Patrick, which covered 14 communities. I have national Democratic support, Progressive Dems of Massachusetts, 68% in a membership poll from Democracy for America. Support from labor unions. At the end of the day, people are hungry for leadership. To stand up not just to Bush, but sometimes to Dems too. I was elected via the clean elections law, my first vote was against Finnerin for Speaker of the House.

Q to BF: Throughout your career, you voted against tax packages labor asked you to support in order to provide enough revenue to support state services and public sector workers. Specifically, against the Capital Gains tax package in 2001. You have assured us you will repeal the Bush tax cuts for the top income bracket, people of the same income level who would have paid the Capital Gains tax. How can we be sure you will vote for the tax packages supported by organized labor in Congress?

BF: I think some people in lege don’t know what its like to be in border town. If a company wants to come into Lawrence, knowing it may be bought or sold, long term capital gains tax would hurt that. Need to attract good companies here, good job growth. Lost 150K jobs under Romney. Have to find ways to find companies to come here.

Q to JM: You’ve not raised much money, haven’t moved into the district. This race will cost 1M or more. Given these facts, what can you say to convince us that you are a serious contender?

JM: always been able to raise money needed. We haven’t even started aggressive mailing appeals. Optimistic. Second part of the question: the law says you have to be a resident of MA, US citizen, over 25 to run. I am well qualified on that last issue. [laughter] That hasn’t been a hindrance campaigning, will address residency after the election.

Q To PM: You were not among the original candidates announced for this race and not part of major political party. We are told you are a non-union bricklayer. As an Independent with little name recognition and no public sector experience, you do not seem like a viable candidate. Why are you running and why should working families vote for you?

PM: I am rnning because I am not seen as viable. The system is geared against ordinary people. The thing that is foolish is that we need so much $ to run a campaign. Want to see the money that will be spent here actually go to help working families.

Q To NT: You have been out of this district a number of years and your opponents have all served in numerous offices, you have not. What experience do you offer and why should voters entrust you with a seat in the US Congress for your first elected office?

NT: [jokes about being on student council] I’ve been an advocate and worked for change, been about change. Lived all over, in other countries, learned a lot. For the past 9 years, worked at Middlesex Community College, am now a Dean, worked to advance higher ed. Build community. Board of Arena Commission. Nonprofit activities. Library. Nonprofit health care plan. Board of local bank. Have variety of experiences.

Questions Round Two

Q to NT: Trade policies have been a disaster. NAFTA and CAFTA cost Commonwealth at least 100,000 jobs in manufacturing, good union jobs. One of the major debates in DC is about reauthorizing Fast Track Authority to the president. Expires on June 30 and we’d like to see it stay expired. How would you protect workers, and what is your view on reauthorizing the President’s Fast Track Authority?

NT: Need to create level playing field. Strict environmental standards, workers rights. Going forward, we have to content with global economy, training and school. Investing in R&D, making sure we provide best education so our workers can compete.

Q to PM: Police programs in the 90s increased community policing, put 100,000 cops on the streets. Since Bush elected, slashed funding for these programs by nearly 50%. As a result, crime is rising across US and here in the 5th. If elected would you work to increase funding for this program and get policing levels back to their highest levels in the Clinton administration?

PM: Need more law enforcement, more firefighters, we need to man our borders, address homeland security which hasn’t been addressed in administration. We have to look to a wider sense, early ed, health care, jobs, building strong society on these ideals. We need to combat need for crime. Yes would support more police and fire, to address problems national security.

Q to JM: Fed employees have right to unionize with some restrictions; after 9-11, these limited rights were further curtailed. The Federal Transportation Security Admin, federalized airport security, which cannot unionize. As member of Congress, would you vote to permit federal airport screeners the right to form a union?

JM: I would, why should they be treated any differently than any other employees?

Q to BF: Many facets of the No Child Left Behind law which are inadequate for our children. The NCLB law measures for assessment, staffing levels, professional development, and $40B shortfall in funding just some examples of how inadequate. What changes do you support in NCLB?

BF: Support repealing the NCLB. Bush puts forward this bill, floods schools with paperwork. Need help with funding on public ed. Special ed should be better funded. Need help from federal level. Can’t continue to have these funding issues. MCAS unfair.

Q to JE: The Metrowest Daily News reported this weekend that spending on fed contracts has nearly doubled in MA since 2000, thanks in large part to our Congressional delegation. How will you protect these good paying jobs in Congress in the 5th and throughout the Commonwealth?

JE: Work hard to get appointed to armed services committee, where many of these things get decided.

Q to ED: The Fed prevailing wage law provides for payment of prevailing wage on federal projects. It ensures that local standard wages and benefits are not undercut by low-wage employers. Do you support the application of this law to non-federal government projects which are funded in large part by federal grants or federal tax incentives?

ED: I do support that. Seeing what happened in wake of Katrina, underbidding, the ones harmed by Katrina were the same ones who were not paid fairly. Support fair wage, think it is irresponsible for government to not pay fair wages.

30 Second Round

Q: Immigration system is broken, Currently debate on an immigration bill in Congress with many compromises. Your position on Guest worker programs?

ED: The guest worker program is of great concern, in the sense that I think we are permanently creating underclass.

JE: Firmly opposed, as Eileen said it creates second class citizens but also hurts jobs, when employers hire cheaper labor. This bill also removes the law that helps families who are split to unite.

BF: I think bill has serious flaws, affects families, can’t have people paid underneath the table, need to hold employers responsible.

JM: Do not support guest worker program, opposed to bill in totality.

PM: There’s something in bill to offend anyone! Parts of it valid, with emphasis on security. But have to look at Mexican government to take on responsibility, look at our trade policy and how it affects the ability of Mexicans to prosper in their own country.

NT: Not quite for eliminating it. Have to make sure no American loses a job because of it, but those jobs that Americans don’t want, a guest worker program might work.

30 Second Question Round Two

Q: Trade Adjustment Assistance is a federal program needing reauthorization this year. Helps victims of international trade (unemployment benefits, retraining). There are a number of reforms we support. One is to expand eligibility to trade-effected service workers?

NT: I would, important part of transition for our economy.

PM: Also support that. Would add that we build an ed system that allows flexibility. Expansion of Medicare. Think that we need to look @ our trade policies.

JM: This is a phenomenon of this era, we should do everything we can for these poor unfortunate souls, they didn’t walk away from their jobs, it was taken from them. Regarding NAFTA: back when it was being debated, I sent letter to our delegation, vehemently opposing it. Look at where it ended up.

BF: Yes, need to do better job helping these people.

JE: In years I worked as legal aid, represented so many people who lost jobs, who were looking for new jobs, who couldn’t access community college or retraining programs. Want to reemphasize my support universal single payer health care, which would allow ppl to move between jobs without losing health care.

ED: I too support it, see too many jobs leaving and we have to address it. But in meantime, while we look for reeducation, people need to be taken care of. It’s the role of person in congress, to bring more jobs into 5th CD.

Q: Bush admin has engaged in effort to contract out more federal jobs, Halliburton. If you were in Congress, would you support federal employees having same rights as contractors to [somt

ED: Anything to stop the crony awards to Halliburton

JE: Biggest assult on labor in history. Stripping away intimidating, Hatch act, Antying I can do to stop that I will.

BF: It’s just another word for outsourcing, that’s not the American dream, would support.

JM: obviously I would support, another way to get at end they want, stripping rights of employees.

PM: Support as well, add that we need to look into a jobs program like civilian conservation corps, address needs not addressed by private sector. Public infrastructure for energy.

NT: I would support that.

Q: Increase Federal contribution to 80%, where now some federal employees pay 25-60% of their own medical premiums? [Moderator later had to clarify question, have gave the candidates a second chance to answer, see brackets.]

NT: That seems like a remarkable amount of money. Need to address cost across the country. Mass reform first to be put in place, have opportunity to address cost issue. [I would have to really look at it..]

PM: I, like Jamie, support expansion of Medicare to all US citizens, most efficient way to fulfill that need. Until that’s done, won’t accept any medical insurance contribution increase. [after question clarified: “the answer is no” – everyone would get same medical under my health plan]

JM: No. [changes answer to yes when understanding the question]

BF: in lege, tried to make sure rates employees pay is lowest we can get, would try to hold that line instead. If budget would allow, would consider.

JE: Short term would absolutely, pushed to keep state employees’ premium contributions fair, but looking at the big picture, is universal singlepayer health care, so then employee contribution would be zero.

ED: In Lowell employees pay 25%. Costs are rising so dramatically, even with a 2% raise, it’s swallowed up by rise in health care cost. Some fed employees pay 60% of their premiums, really? [moderator affirms]

Rapid Fire Round (Yes or No answers)

Q: Will you sign on as cosponsor Employee Free Choice Act (giving workers more rights to form unions)?
Everyone: Yes

Q: Would you have supported no-strings-attached fed minimum wage increase to $7.25?
Answer: [I think everyone said yes - I missed some of this]

Q: Would you confer with AFL-CIO and organized labor on issues of trade and economic development before taking any votes?

Yes from everyone except “No” from PM, “I will do what my conscious tells me”

Q: Drilling in Alaska refuge?
Everyone: No

Q: Development of offshore wind farms, like Cape Wind?
ED: Maybe…yes I’d support that type of project (when prompted by moderator)

Everyone else: Yes.

Q: Oppose SS privatization?
Everyone: Yes

Q: Support repeal of Bush tax cts for top income?
Yes (“be careful of what it’s attached to” from JM)

Q: Will you send letter as soon as possible to Clear Channel in support of striking workers, and do you promise not to use any Clear Channel services, such as billboards and radio stations, in your campaign?
Everyone: Yes (many signed onto this at another event, sent letter already)

Q: Will you work to oppose the sale of Verizon assets in NH, ME, and VT to the anti-union company Fairpoint?
Almost everyone: Yes
No from NT

Q: Do you want endorsement of AFL-CIO?
Yes from all.

Closing statements:

NT: in 1912, workers made 15 cents an hour at mill in Lawrence, historic strike that followed in Lawrence changed labor movement. We have all benefited. Am running to change tone of politics. Today labor stands behind many issues I will be proud to stand behind. Work to make universal coverage. Pension reform, no worker should see retirement destroyed. Level playing field so American workers can compete. Job training. Bush cut, wrong, will change. Come a long way since Lawrence strike, more changes needed.

PM: We hear media talk about great divisions in country. Who will get the woman vote, white collar vote, etc etc etc. Media points to polarized congress as proof. We share more in common with each other. Need for good education, clean environment, etc. Whether as members of unions or corporations or groups of citizens, we must see our endeavors serve a common good, in the greatest nation, the US. Not to ask for Union’s endorsement, but am here instead to enlighten and enliven the debate. If your members think I am the best to represent them, I will ask for their support.

JM: When I decided to run, I reflected what I had done as local state official. I have always put people first. Listened to them tried to make their lives better. If elected I will work hard. Effective as legislator. Served on Ways and Means, Human Services comm., others etc. I can accomplish something, be a loud voice for voters. Voted against Speakers before it was fashionable. Enjoy working with leadership. Everyone points to Mass because we have a health care system because even not perfect, it’s off and running. I accomplished a lot on state level, want to do that at fed level.

BF: Family and I have lived the American dream. In today’s society, that’s in jeopardy. Need better loan programs. Better prescription drug programs, have called on drug co’s to stop spending billions on ads. We need a society where the only barrier to success is one’s own ability to work at it. Have plan to go green. Will be relentless advocate for renewable energy. Will have the $ for renewable energy infrastructure if we bring the troops home. Have a track record of results, taking on status quo. Lived whole life in this district.

JE: 5th CD race has had 3 debates. The theme that runs through each of these debates, is are you with the people, or the powerful. I stand with the people on health care, only candidate who support universal health care. Some of my opponents mention that HR-676 might take 15 years to take place. If the law passes, it would guarantee health care for all immediately. The 15 years is for transition away from the profit based system. There’s momentum to bring troops home. Has been fierce critic of NAFTA and free trade, do not support trade deals that have no protection for workers, environment.

ED: I ask everyone here to judge me on my record, not an insider, not fancy, not here to tell you I embrace ideals or ideas, just a record of working on behalf of Lowell residents. Come from working class family. Father taught me that doing the right thing important. Doing right thing is fighting for working families. When the city of Lowell didn’t have money, our unions stood by the city. I supported putting more money in schools this fiscal year, the schools need the money. Supported building new school buildings, not just for school kids, but for labor. Have never wavered on this. Have to look at what people have done. Comes down to action. Those are things I ask you to judge me on in this race. All these issues (health care, etc) in this race are important, but what is more important to look for is character, leadership, experience.