Cusack, Collins Talk Coronavirus, Schools In State Rep. Debate

BRAINTREE, MA — The debate Thursday between state Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), and Republican challenger Frank Collins saw the 5th Norfolk District candidates disagree on key issues including the coronavirus response, schools and racial inequality.

Collins, a 22-year U.S. Marine veteran, went on the attack early by arguing he'd be a better advocate for businesses in Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph.

He said he will advocate for federal relief for businesses and accused Cusack of wanting to get "rocking and rolling" on taxes at the expense of local businesses.

“When a small business calls me, I'm going to return their calls," Collins said. "We have to resign in spending."

Cusack disputed Collins' claim saying he wasn't calling for taxes to get "rocking and rolling," but wanted the Legislature's revenue committee to "do its business and hold hearings."

Cusack said the state passed local aid to extend liquor licenses, allowing for outdoor seating at restaurants, pushed back tax deadlines and expanded unemployment. With the pandemic forcing the closing of businesses and other public gatherings, Cusack said the state has lost $3.6 billion in revenue this current fiscal year.

"That is obviously going to affect things going forward," Cusack said. "It's not just this fiscal year. It's going to be painful for a while."

Though revenue is going to be a challenge, Cusack said the state is fortunate to have a $3.5 billion rainy day fund to help. He said there's over 550 bills on the table for relief and ways to raise additional revenue, and all of those need to be explored, especially with the growing unlikelihood that more federal relief will come anytime soon.

"We're resigned to the fact that the feds aren't coming up with a solution anytime soon to help cities and towns, so everything is on the table," Cusack said.

Thoughts on School Reopening

Braintree Chamber of Commerce Chair Kim Kroha hosted the debate and asked both candidates if the state should intervene more in the reopening of schools. As a working parent, she said remote learning has created challenges and asked Cusack and Collins for their thoughts on the reopening process.

Collins said he agrees with Gov. Charlie Baker that kids need to be back in school, and thinks this can be done at the local level without state intervention.

"I believe we can get through this ourselves," Collins said. "Parents need to get back to work, and instead, they are frantic about remote learning. If we can find a way to do safe trick or treating than we should find a way to get our kids back to school safely."

Cusack agreed that remote learning has strained parents, and in particular, childcare has been an issue. He said he helped pass funding for increased childcare for essential workers.

Where Cusack disagreed is that reopening is something the school district can take care of without collaborating with state officials.

"Going forward, it can't just be do it yourself or a mandate by the state," Cusack said. "It's a combination of working with the state. The physical environment of every school district is different."

Cusack was also hesitant to embrace full in-person learning too soon. He said Braintree teachers come from 88 different communities, and this is something that needs to be taken into account to avoid outbreaks.

Racial Inequality

Both candidates were asked if state intervention is needed to address racial inequality. According to Collins no intervention is needed. He said people need to take care of each other regardless of race.

"Braintree has always been a welcoming community that embraces all walks of life," Collins said.

Collins brought up a story from his childhood when he had to get his tonsils removed. He said his first interaction with a person of color was a neighbor bringing him ice cream after the procedure, and that moment as stuck with him his whole life.

"We need to get back to taking care of our friends and neighbors and finding common ground," Collins said.

Cusack said he doesn't view it as "state intervention," but said the state has to be part of the solution in address racial inequality.

He said opportunities need to be created for education and employment regardless of race, and when working on the Legislature's marijuana committee, Cusack said he fought to make sure everyone would have an opportunity to be part of a new industry.

"Every child deserves equal access to education regardless of where they live," Cusack said.

Cusack said he believes Braintree is a welcoming community, but "we can always do better."

"What I can do directly is the opportunity piece," Cusack added.