LEAGUE  OF  WOMEN  VOTERS  NEWTON  

PO  Box  610207      Newton,  MA    02461  
http://www.lwvnewton.org  
info@lwvnewton.org  
 
 

2010 VOTERS GUIDE

MASSACHUSETTS  STATE  PRIMARY  
VOTE:  Tuesday,  September  14,  2010  
Polls  open  from:  7:00  am  –  8:00  pm  

 
 
About  the  Election    
The  Massachusetts  State  Primary  will  be  held  on  Tuesday,  September  14,  2010.    The  polls  will  be  open  from  7:00  am  until  
8:00  pm.    If  you  are  unable  to  get  to  the  polls  on  September  14,  you  may  vote  absentee.    For  election  information,  please  
visit  www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm,  the  website  of  the  Massachusetts  Secretary  of  State's  Elections  Division  or  
www.vote411.org,  sponsored  by  the  League  of  Women  Voters  of  the  United  States.  
 
About  the  Voters  Guide  
This  Voters  Guide  has  been  prepared  by  the  Voters  Service  Committee  of  the  League  of  Women  Voters  Newton,  with  the  
assistance  of  the  Board  of  the  Newton  League  and  the  Leagues  of  Waltham,  Watertown,  Wellesley,  and  Weston.    This  guide  
is  the  compilation  of  responses  to  a  questionnaire  sent  to  candidates  whose  names  will  appear  on  the  ballot  on  September  
14,  for  the  following  offices:  State  Senator  for  First  Middlesex  and  Norfolk,  State  Representative  for  Twelfth  Middlesex,  and  
Councillor  for  the  Third  District.  
 
Candidates  were  asked  to  limit  their  responses  to  75  words  for  biographical  information  and  100  words  for  each  question.    
It  is  also  League  policy  that  responses  were  not  edited,  or  subjected  to  spell  check  by  the  League.    Candidates  were  
informed  of  these  policies.    The  League  of  Women  Voters  Newton  takes  no  responsibility  for  the  content  or  accuracy  of  the  
responses  in  this  Voters  Guide.    Replies  were  formatted  to  fit  within  the  space  constraints  of  this  document.  
 
Please  note  that  candidates  are  listed  in  ballot  order  for  each  office.    (I)  =  incumbent.  
LEAGUE  OF  WOMEN  VOTERS  2010  STATE  PRIMARY  VOTERS  GUIDE  
 
Senator  in  General  Court  for  First  Middlesex  and  Norfolk.  (Consisting  of  Newton,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex;  
and  Brookline  and  Wellesley,  precincts  A  and  C  to  E,  inclusive,  in  the  county  of  Norfolk.)  
 
Senator  in  General  Court  for  First  Middlesex   recent  reopening  –  ahead  of  schedule-­‐  of  Newton’s  
and  Norfolk   Harvard  Street  Bridge.  
 
Democratic  Party  Primary  Candidate   QUESTION  2:  There  will  be  a  ballot  initiative  in  the  
Cynthia  Stone  Creem  (I)   November  election  to  repeal  MA's  affordable  
  housing  law  (40B).  Do  you  support  the  
Bio:  I  grew  up  in   affordable  housing  law,  and  if  so,  why?  If  you  don't  
Brookline,   support  it,  explain  why  not.  
graduating  from    
Brookline  High   I  believe  strongly  that  every  city  and  town  should  be  
School,  Boston   able  to  offer  affordable  housing  for  those  with  
University’s  School   limited  incomes,  including  seniors.      The  ballot  
of  Management   question  would  undo  thirty  years  of  good  work  
and  Boston   toward  expanding  housing  opportunities,  and  I  
University  Law   strongly  support  the  “No  on  2”  campaign.        I  have  
School.    I  served  as   also  advocated  for  laws  (including  40R  and  40S)  to  
a  Newton   promote  smart  growth  principles,  and  to  provide  
Alderman  and  on   cities  and  towns  with  financial  assistance  to  offset  
the  Governor’s   the  infrastructure  and  educational  costs  of  new  
Council  before   housing.    Massachusetts’s  housing  costs  remain  out  
becoming  state  Senator.    I’m  running  for  re-­‐election   of  reach  for  many,  and  affect  our  ability  to  attract  
to  expand  upon  the  record  of  leadership  that  I’ve   new  workers  to  the  region.    
built  while  standing  up  for  the  progressive  values  of    
my  district.    I  live  in  Newton  with  my  husband  and   QUESTION  3:  In  comparison  to  most  other  states,  
enjoy  spending  time  with  my  children  and   Massachusetts  provides  its  cities  and  towns  a  less  
grandchildren.     robust  set  of  options  with  respect  to  either  raising  
  revenue  or  controlling  costs,  including  employee  
  benefit  costs.  Should  the  state  allow  cities  and  
QUESTION  1:  Nearly  every  day  we  are  made  aware   towns  more  options  for  solving  budgetary  
of  a  collapsing  bridge,  road,  or  other  essential  piece   problems?  If  yes,  what  legislation  would  you  
of  infrastructure.  What  steps  do  we  need  to  take  to   support?  
ensure  appropriate  maintenance?  How  would  you    
lead  in  addressing  this  problem?   I  helped  create  and  served  on  the  Municipal  Relief  
  Commission  that  worked  to  change  state  law,  so  
From  FY07  to  FY10  the  Commonwealth  has  almost   that  municipalities  now  may  adopt  local  meals  and  
doubled  its  investment  in  transportation   hotel  taxes,  and  tax  certain  telecom  properties.    
infrastructure.    Still,  a  backlog  of  projects  must  be   These  recently  enacted  measures  will  help  cities  
undertaken  now  to  protect  public  safety  and   and  towns  maintain  services.    I  also  introduced  and  
improve  transit  options.    In  2009,  I  introduced   supported  successful  pension  reforms,  like  capping  
legislation  supported  by  business  groups,  including   eligible  earnings  and  anti-­‐spiking  measures,  and  
the  Greater  Boston  Chamber  of  Commerce,  to   supported  easing  rules  on  shared-­‐service  
increase  the  state  gas  tax  and  use  new  revenue  to   agreements.    I  also  supported  the  Senate’s  proposal  
fix  our  bridges  and  roads,  and  I  will  continue  to   to  provide  communities  with  increased  autonomy  
advocate  for  new  funding.    I  also  supported  the   and  rate  relief  regarding  employee  health  
reorganization  of  state  transportation  agencies,  to   insurance.    This  remains  a  critical  issue  going  
increase  accountability  and  efficiency  –  like  the   forward  and  I  am  committed  to  working  toward  its  
resolution.  
 
LEAGUE  OF  WOMEN  VOTERS  2010  STATE  PRIMARY  VOTERS  GUIDE  
Senator  in  General  Court  for  First  Middlesex  and  Norfolk.  (Consisting  of  Newton,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex;  
and  Brookline  and  Wellesley,  precincts  A  and  C  to  E,  inclusive,  in  the  county  of  Norfolk.)  
 
Senator  in  General  Court  for  First  Middlesex   QUESTION  2:  There  will  be  a  ballot  initiative  in  the  
and  Norfolk   November  election  to  repeal  MA's  affordable  
Democratic  Party  Primary  Candidate   housing  law  (40B).  Do  you  support  the  
affordable  housing  law,  and  if  so,  why?  If  you  don't  
Charles  Rudnick  
support  it,  explain  why  not.  
 
 
BIO:  I  am  running  to  
I  strongly  support  chapter  40B  and  oppose  the  
provide  more  
ballot  initiative  to  repeal  it.    While  40B  has  flaws,  it  
effective,  engaged  
also  provides  a  mechanism  to  create  affordable  
and  accountable  
housing  in  one  of  the  most  expensive  housing  
leadership  that  will  
markets  in  the  country.    Repealing  it  in  the  midst  of  
get  results.  I  have  
the  current  economic  downtown  turn  would  be  
served  in  the  
particularly  harmful.    Rather  than  repeal  40B,  let's  
Massachusetts  and  
take  a  look  at  the  problems  and  try  to  fix  them  
U.S.  Senate,  led  
through  less  drastic  measures.    As  a  full-­‐time  
democracy-­‐building  
legislator  who  refuses  contributions  from  PACs  and  
programs  in  Bosnia  
lobbyists,  I  will  be  able  to  exercise  independent  
and  Kosovo,  and  
leadership  and  help  craft  a  solution.  
most  recently  spent  
 
seven  years  at  Boston  Scientific.  I  live  in  Newton  
 
with  my  wife  Ilyse  and  our  two  children.    I  serve  on  
QUESTION  3:  In  comparison  to  most  other  states,  
the  Cabot  Elementary  School  Council  and  PTO  in  
Massachusetts  provides  its  cities  and  towns  a  less  
Newton  and  coach  Little  League  and  youth  soccer.      
robust  set  of  options  with  respect  to  either  raising  
 
revenue  or  controlling  costs,  including  employee  
 
benefit  costs.  Should  the  state  allow  cities  and  
QUESTION  1:  Nearly  every  day  we  are  made  aware  
towns  more  options  for  solving  budgetary  
of  a  collapsing  bridge,  road,  or  other  essential  piece  
problems?  If  yes,  what  legislation  would  you  
of  infrastructure.  What  steps  do  we  need  to  take  to  
support?  
ensure  appropriate  maintenance?  How  would  you  
 
lead  in  addressing  this  problem?  
There  is  significant  stress  on  municipal  budgets  and  
 
a  real  need  for  more  flexibility  and  creativity  in  
We  need  to  make  a  priority  of  investing  in  our  
controlling  costs.    I  support  collective  bargaining,  
transportation  infrastructure,  even  in  these  tight  
and  believe  all  parties  should  first  try  and  negotiate  
economic  times.    I  believe  the  situation  warrants  
any  change  to  benefits.    This  approach,  however,  
taking  a  hard  look  at  a  gas  tax,  where  the  revenues  
too  often  fails  at  producing  results.  I  would  support  
would  be  dedicated  to  supporting  vital  public  
legislation  to  give  greater  flexibility  to  municipalities  
transportation  and  infrastructure  maintenance.    If  
to  join  the  Group  Insurance  Commission.    Joining  
elected,  I  would  carefully  examine  the  financial  
the  GIC  can  produce  significant  cost  savings  while  
implications  and  benefits  of  such  a  tax.    I  would  also  
providing  quality  health  insurance.    Let's  learn  from  
seek  to  promote  broader  reliance  on  public  
the  few  successful  communities  like  Brookline  to  
transportation  and  support  for  our  public  
see  what  approaches  and  strategies  have  worked,  
transportation  infrastructure,  as  a  means  of  
and  first  try  to  apply  these  lessons  more  broadly.    
relieving  pressure  on  our  congested  roads  and  the  
environmental  impact  of  heavy  traffic.  
 
 
 
 
LEAGUE  OF  WOMEN  VOTERS  2010  STATE  PRIMARY  VOTERS  GUIDE  
Representative  in  General  Court  Primary  Candidates  for  Twelfth  Middlesex  (Consisting  of  precincts  1,  2  and  3  
of  ward  5,  all  precincts  of  ward  6,  precincts  1,  3  and  4  of  ward  7,  and  all  precincts  of  ward  8,  of  the  city  of  
Newton.)  
 
Representative  in  General  Court  for  Twelfth    
Middlesex   QUESTION  2:  There  will  be  a  ballot  initiative  in  the  
Democratic  Party  Primary  Candidate   November  election  to  repeal  MA's  affordable  
housing  law  (40B).  Do  you  support  the  
Ruth  B.  Balser  (I)   affordable  housing  law,  and  if  so,  why?  If  you  don't  
 
Bio:  I  have  served  in   support  it,  explain  why  not.  
the  State  Legislature    
for  6  terms;  earlier,  I   I  support  the  affordable  housing  law.    80%  of  the  
served  as  an   affordable  housing  that  has  been  produced  in  
Alderman  for  4  terms.   Massachusetts  is  as  a  result  of  this  law.    
I  am  proud  of  my   Massachusetts  is  an  expensive  place  to  live.    Young  
accomplishments.     people  leave  the  state  because  after  being  
Independent,  I  have   educated  here,  they  can’t  afford  to  stay.    Seniors  
stood  up  to  the   find  it  difficult  to  find  housing  they  can  afford.    
Leadership  when  that   During  these  tough  economic  times,  many  people  
was  the  best  way  to   are  struggling.  This  law  is  one  tool  to  encourage  the  
represent  my   development  of  some  affordable  housing.    I  oppose  
constituents.     its  repeal.  
Collaborative,  I  have    
been  effective  –  passing  more  than  twenty  bills  and   QUESTION  3:  In  comparison  to  most  other  states,  
numerous  amendments  to  budgets  and  bond  bills.    I   Massachusetts  provides  its  cities  and  towns  a  less  
am  an  effective  voice  for  the  people  of  Newton.       robust  set  of  options  with  respect  to  either  raising  
For  more  info,  www.ruthbalser.org   revenue  or  controlling  costs,  including  employee  
  benefit  costs.  Should  the  state  allow  cities  and  
  towns  more  options  for  solving  budgetary  
QUESTION  1:  Nearly  every  day  we  are  made  aware   problems?  If  yes,  what  legislation  would  you  
of  a  collapsing  bridge,  road,  or  other  essential  piece   support?  
of  infrastructure.  What  steps  do  we  need  to  take  to   I  supported  the  local  option  meals  and  hotel  tax.  I  
ensure  appropriate  maintenance?  How  would  you   filed  legislation  to  eliminate  the  property  tax  
lead  in  addressing  this  problem?   exemption  for  the  telecommunications  industry.    I  
  believe  they  should  pay  property  taxes  like  all  other  
I  actively  supported  transportation  reform  this   businesses  and  homeowners.  Last  session  a  repeal  
session,  which  resulted  in  the  unification  of   of  the  exemption  on  the  poles  and  wires  was  
numerous  state  agencies,  so  that  a  more  coherent   passed.    I  have  continued  to  push  it  further,  to  
transportation  policy,  including  repair  and   include  the  entire  operation.      I  voted  to  extend  the  
maintenance  of  our  infrastructure,  could  be   funding  schedule  for  pensions,  and  to  offer  a  cost-­‐
developed.    I  have  been  successful  in  including   effective  option  for  transporting  special  needs  
Newton  projects  in  transportation  bond  bills  such  as   students  out  of  district.    Offering  relief  to  
Echo  Bridge  and  Needham  Street.    Working  with  the   municipalities  will  continue  to  be  a  priority  for  me  if  
Patrick-­‐Murray  administration,  this  legislature  has   re-­‐elected.  
made  use  of  federal  stimulus  moneys  along  with    
state  bond  bills,  so  that  there  has  been  an    
unprecedented  commitment  to  infrastructure    
improvement.    I  will  continue  to  make  this  a    
priority,  if  I  am  re-­‐elected.    
 
 
LEAGUE  OF  WOMEN  VOTERS  2010  STATE  PRIMARY  VOTERS  GUIDE  
 
Representative  in  General  Court  Primary  Candidates  for  Twelfth  Middlesex  (Consisting  of  precincts  1,  2  and  3  
of  ward  5,  all  precincts  of  ward  6,  precincts  1,  3  and  4  of  ward  7,  and  all  precincts  of  ward  8,  of  the  city  of  
Newton.)  
 
 
 
Representative  in  General  Court  for  Twelfth  
Middlesex  
Democratic  Party  Primary  Candidate   QUESTION  2:  There  will  be  a  ballot  initiative  in  the  
John  Bortone   November  election  to  repeal  MA's  affordable  
  housing  law  (40B).  Do  you  support  the  
  affordable  housing  law,  and  if  so,  why?  If  you  don't  
Bio:  My  name   support  it,  explain  why  not.  
is  John    
Bortone.  I  am   I  do  support  the  housing  law,  in  the  state  but  
42  years  old   particularly  in  Newton,one  of  my  biggest  reasons  
and  have  lived   for  supporting  this  bill  is,  we  have  some  of  the  best  
in  Newton  all   schools  in  the  state,  a  lot  of  people  would  not  be  
my  life.  I  went   able  to  have  the  opportunity  to  send  their  children  
to  Newton   here  without  being  in  affordable  housing.  Do  the  
Public  Schools,   builders  make  a  buck?  Of  course,  but  they  put  
graduating   people  to  work,  pay  taxes.  We  need  to  get  people  
from  NNHS  in  1986.  I  have  been  self-­‐employed   back  to  work.  
most  of  my  adult  life.  My  greatest  accomplishment    
is  my  son  Giancarlo.  The  reason  I  am  running  for    
office  is  that  we  need  people  who  will  get  the  job   QUESTION  3:  In  comparison  to  most  other  states,  
done,  not  talk  about  it.  We  need  to  TAKE  ACTION.   Massachusetts  provides  its  cities  and  towns  a  less  
www.johnbortone.com   robust  set  of  options  with  respect  to  either  raising  
  revenue  or  controlling  costs,  including  employee  
  benefit  costs.  Should  the  state  allow  cities  and  
QUESTION  1:  Nearly  every  day  we  are  made  aware   towns  more  options  for  solving  budgetary  
of  a  collapsing  bridge,  road,  or  other  essential  piece   problems?  If  yes,  what  legislation  would  you  
of  infrastructure.  What  steps  do  we  need  to  take  to   support?  
ensure  appropriate  maintenance?  How  would  you    
lead  in  addressing  this  problem?   I  will  support  any  legislation  that  makes  sense  in  
  regards  to  solving  these  problems,  I  will  not  support  
I  would  lead  in  a  pro-­‐active  way,  we  need  to  go  out   the  throw  money  at  it  approach,  we  just  got  thru  
and  fix  them  before  they  fail,  not  after.I  feel  that  we   with  that  approach  and  it  doesn't  work.  We  need  
need  to  inspect  these  bridges,  roads  and  other   creative  ways,  not  text  book  answers  that  obviously  
areas  now  and  start  fixing  the  most  problematic  and   do  not  work.The  state  should  let  the  cities  and  
work  our  way  thru  all  the  infrastructure,  it's  not  the   towns  do  what  they  need  to  do  in  respect  to  raising  
newest.  Our  roads  in  Newton  are  terrible,  I  will  fight   taxes  and  controlling  costs,  each  city  and  town  is  
hard  for  the  funding  to  get  them  done  over.We  do   unique  and  needs  different  things,  there  is  not  one  
not  need  to  spend  millions  on  consultants  to  tell  us   generic  answer  for  the  whole  state.  
that  the  infrastructure  is  old,  that  money  would  be    
better  spent  on  the  actual  fixing.    
   
   
   
 
 
LEAGUE  OF  WOMEN  VOTERS  2010  STATE  PRIMARY  VOTERS  GUIDE  
 
Councillor,  Third  District  (Consisting  of  the  following  State  Senate  Districts:    FIRST  MIDDLESEX.  —  Lowell,  Dunstable,  Groton,  Pepperell,  
Tyngsborough  and  Westford.  THIRD  MIDDLESEX.  —  Waltham,  Bedford,  Carlisle,  Chelmsford,  Concord,  Lexington,  precincts  3,  8  and  9,  
Lincoln,  Sudbury,  precincts  1  and  4,  and  Weston.  FIRST  MIDDLESEX  AND  NORFOLK.  —  Newton,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex;  and  Brookline  
and  Wellesley,  precincts  A  and  C  to  E,  inclusive,  in  the  county  of  Norfolk.  MIDDLESEX  AND  WORCESTER.  —  Marlborough,  Acton,  Ayer,  
Boxborough,  Hudson,  Littleton,  Maynard,  Shirley,  Stow  and  Sudbury,  precincts  2,  3  and  5,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex;  and  Harvard,  
Northborough,  precinct  3,  Southborough  and  Westborough,  in  the  county  of  Worcester.  SECOND  SUFFOLK  AND  MIDDLESEX.  —  Boston,  
ward  4,  precincts  7  and  10,  ward  5,  precincts  2,  9  and  10,  ward  21,  precincts  1  to  3,  inclusive,  and  5,  and  8  to  16,  inclusive,  ward  22,  
precincts  3  and  4,  and  6  to  13,  inclusive,  in  the  county  of  Suffolk;  Cambridge,  ward  9,  precincts  2  and  3,  ward  10,  precincts  1  and  3,  and  
ward  11,  and  Belmont  and  Watertown,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex.)

Councillor,  Third  District   -­‐  could  not  provide  the  time  involved  -­‐  open  for  
Democratic  Party  Primary  Candidate   abuse  -­‐    horsetrading  budget  items  for  judgeships.  
Elected  judges  are  political.    Twelve  years  ago  -­‐  
Marilyn  M.  Petitto  Devaney  (I)  
discovered  judges  who  were  voted  on  the  ballot  in  
 
Ohio  and  Michigan  were  spending  $6  to  $12  million.  
Bio:  
 
*Governor’s  
QUESTION  2:  Please  state  whether  you  support  all  
Councillor-­‐  12  
the  Executive  Clemency  Guidelines  issued  by  
years  
Governor  Patrick  on  May  21,  2007,  and  explain  
Representing  
why  or  why  not.  
800,000  –Fenway    
to  Groton   Guidelines  pertain  to  commutations(those  in  
*Former   prison)  and  pardons  (people  not  in  prison).  
Watertown   Unfortunately,  as  no  action  is  taken  “guidelines”  are  
Councillor   mute.  These  clemency  guidelines  are  not  in  force.  
*ABA-­‐Middlesex   There  have  been  no  pardons  or  commutations  
Community   presented  by  governors  to  the  Governor’s  Council  
College   (for  a  vote)  in  approximately  ten  years.  (At  that  time  
*BS  –  Suffolk   –one  of  the  pardons  approved  was  an  application  
University   dated  in  the  Weld  administration.)    Individuals  have  
*Masters    Degree  –  Boston  State  College   been  prevented  from  adopting,  getting  a  civil  
 
service  job,  etc.  I  believe  clemency  should  be  based  
Thank  you  for  your  past  support.    Wife  of  the  late  
on  one  concept  -­‐  NEED  -­‐  but  the  need  must  be  
Jack  Devaney,  with  4  children  and  3  grandchildren.    
subject  to  the  safety  of  the  community.  
I  believe  I  make  a  difference.    I  stopped  the  practice  
 
of  political  donations  from  nominees  to  Governor’s  
QUESTION  3:  Please  explain  whether  you  think  it  is  
Councillors  who  vote  on  their  appointments.    I  ask  
appropriate  for  the  governor's  campaign  
for  your  vote  to  continue  working  for  you.  
contributors  to  be  appointed  as  judges,  and  why  or  
www.devaneygc.com  
why  not.  
   
QUESTION  1:  What  are  the  three  most  important   I  was  appalled  when  first  elected  to  see  on  the  
responsibilities  of  the  Governor's  Council?  Could   nominee’s  questionnaire  -­‐  contributions  listed  to  
these  functions  be  fulfilled  by  some  other  body?   Governor’s  Councillors  right  up  to  the  time  of  their  
 
council  hearing  and  vote.  This  was  a  long-­‐time  
1.  Voting  on  judges,  clerk-­‐magistrates,  and  
tradition.  I  filed  legislation  and  by  my  request,  
members  of    Boards  (Parole  Board,  Industrial  
governors  to  Governor  Patrick  have  included  it  in  
Accident  Board    and  Appellate  Tax  Board)  
their  executive  order:  No  nominee,  upon  applying,  
2.  To  provide  required  time  for  due  diligence  in  
can  give  a  political  donation  to  members  of  the  
investigating  each  nominee  to  insure  nominee  is  
governor’s  council,  governor,  and  lieutenant  
qualified,  ethical,  with  proper  temperament  
governor.    I  vote  “NO”  whenever  a  nominee  violates  
3.  Insure  open  process  
  this  order,  .i.e.    this  year  judicial  nominee  gave  $500  
It  may  not  be  perfect  but  there  is  not  another   to  Lieutenant  Governor  after  applying.    I  was  the  
system  I  would  choose.    For  example  -­‐  State  Senate   only  Governor’s  Councillor  to  vote  "NO".
LEAGUE  OF  WOMEN  VOTERS  2010  STATE  PRIMARY  VOTERS  GUIDE  
 
Councillor,  Third  District  (Consisting  of  the  following  State  Senate  Districts:    FIRST  MIDDLESEX.  —  Lowell,  Dunstable,  Groton,  Pepperell,  
Tyngsborough  and  Westford.  THIRD  MIDDLESEX.  —  Waltham,  Bedford,  Carlisle,  Chelmsford,  Concord,  Lexington,  precincts  3,  8  and  9,  
Lincoln,  Sudbury,  precincts  1  and  4,  and  Weston.  FIRST  MIDDLESEX  AND  NORFOLK.  —  Newton,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex;  and  Brookline  
and  Wellesley,  precincts  A  and  C  to  E,  inclusive,  in  the  county  of  Norfolk.  MIDDLESEX  AND  WORCESTER.  —  Marlborough,  Acton,  Ayer,  
Boxborough,  Hudson,  Littleton,  Maynard,  Shirley,  Stow  and  Sudbury,  precincts  2,  3  and  5,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex;  and  Harvard,  
Northborough,  precinct  3,  Southborough  and  Westborough,  in  the  county  of  Worcester.  SECOND  SUFFOLK  AND  MIDDLESEX.  —  Boston,  
ward  4,  precincts  7  and  10,  ward  5,  precincts  2,  9  and  10,  ward  21,  precincts  1  to  3,  inclusive,  and  5,  and  8  to  16,  inclusive,  ward  22,  
precincts  3  and  4,  and  6  to  13,  inclusive,  in  the  county  of  Suffolk;  Cambridge,  ward  9,  precincts  2  and  3,  ward  10,  precincts  1  and  3,  and  
ward  11,  and  Belmont  and  Watertown,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex.)  
 
Councillor,  Third  District   clemency  guidelines.    This  vetting  process  should  be  
Democratic  Party  Primary  Candidate   conducted  in  thorough  comprehensive  manner.      
Corey  Belanger    
QUESTION  2:  Please  state  whether  you  support  all  
 
the  Executive  Clemency  Guidelines  issued  by  
Bio:  
Governor  Patrick  on  May  21,  2007,  and  explain  
Corey  
why  or  why  not.  
Belanger    
is  a   I  am  strongly  supportive  of  the  Governor’s  
respected   clemency  guidelines.    It  puts  the  burden  of  proof  on  
business the  petitioner  that  there  has  been  an  appropriate  
man  and   amount  of  time  of  good  citizenship.  
commun-­‐  
ity  leader   It  also  removes  barriers  that  are  often  associated  
in  Lowell.     with  a  criminal  record  or  sentence,  there  by  
Lowell   facilitating  the  reintegration  of  the  petitioner  into  
has  gained  national  attention  for  its  dramatic   the  community  with  out  making  it  easy  for  criminals  
renaissance,  which  I  have  played  a  role  in  by  my   to  escape  the  consequences  of  their  crime.    
participation  on  various  public  positions.    My    

experience  and  perspective  will  bring  a  fresh   It  is  there  to  help  one  time  offenders  that  have  had  
approach  to  the  Council.     a  long  standing  of  good  citizenship,  but  only  in  rare  
  and  exceptional  circumstances.  
As  a  Councilor  I  will  advocated  for  legislation  which    
will  subject  Judges  to  accountability  for  poor   QUESTION  3:  Please  explain  whether  you  think  it  is  
decisions.    In  some  cases,  lifetime  appointments   appropriate  for  the  governor's  campaign  
have  posed  a  public  safety  liability.       contributors  to  be  appointed  as  judges,  and  why  or  
  why  not.  
QUESTION  1:  What  are  the  three  most  important    

responsibilities  of  the  Governor's  Council?  Could   Ideally  it  is  best  the  Governor  stand  clear  of  large  
these  functions  be  fulfilled  by  some  other  body?   political  donors  to  avoid  appearances  of  
  impropriety,  I  am  not  a  supporter  of  politicizing  the  
First  is  the  approval  or  rejection  of  the  Governors   judiciary.    A  political  contribution  is  not  a  
judicial  nominees,  it  is  the  final  hurdle  in  the   compelling  factor  to  dismiss  a  qualified  candidate,  
appointment  process.    Additionally  the  governor’s   nor  is  it  solid  evidence  of  corruption.  
council  provides  the  governor  with  advice  and   In  order  to  circumvent  poor  judicial  appointees  I  will  
recommendations  regarding  clemency,  pardons  and   scrutinize  the  contribution  history  of  each  candidate  
paroles.       to  assure  that  the  appointment  is  not  politically  
  motivated.  Qualifications  will  be  the  basis  of  my  
Especially  with  today’s  complex  social,  economic   judgment.  
and  political  issues  it  would  be  very  impractical  for    
the  governor  or  the  legislative  branches  to  take  on   In  addition  I  feel  strongly  that  members  of  the  
the  burden  of  this  time  consuming  process,  Which   council  should  not  accept  political  contributions  
involves  the  research  and  review  of  all  judicial   from  candidates.
candidates,  as  well  as  pardons,  paroles  and