Beacon Hill Candidates Court Brookline Democrats at Town Hall Forum

A dozen candidates running for seats on Beacon Hill – ranging from the governor's council to the state senate – gathered at Town Hall last night for a crowded candidates' forum organized by the Brookline Democratic Town Commitee. 

As clumps of line-toting supporters crowded both sides of Washington Street outside, more than 50 residents packed a small first-floor room Aug. 10 to hear the 12 candidates stake out their positions and try to differentiate themselves from their fellow Democrats in advance of next month's primary vote.

In what Cindy Rowe, chair of the Brookline Democratic Town Committee, called the evening's "main event," challenger Charles Rudnick squared off against incumbent State Senator Cynthia Creem. In his opening remarks, Rudnick described the Beacon Hill establishment as a whole, and Creem in particular, as ineffectual.

"I believe we can do better," Rudnick said, "I believe that I can offer the leadership we need to move beyond business as usual and provide an energetic voice for change, accountability and progressive public policy in the legislature."

Rudnick argued that the intensity of the recent expanded gambling debate in the legislature prevented other more important bills from being passed, including Gov. Deval Patrick's gun control bill, a wind farm siting proposal, reforms to the probation department and a bill that would expand beverage bottle recycling.

"The legislative session did not have to end. We could have stayed in place to address it, but because it's complicated, because there's no easy answer, I think that's why we should be throwing our arms around it and figuring out the answers now," Rudnick said.

Creem emphasised that her experience as a lawmaker gave her an edge in representing the district.

"I'm the kind of leader that will bring people together and find consensus, not to get a quick fix because somebody thinks it's a good idea," Creem said.

When talk came to how they would stabilize the state's budget, Creem said she's worked to close corporate loopholes and increase revenue, and has filed a bill reforming prison sentence guidelines, which she said would save taxpayers between $5 million and $10 million.

"I think that in these tough economic times we need to looks everywhere we can to save money and find new sources of revenue," Rudnick said.

Rudnick added that he does not support some tax incentive programs, such as the film tax credits for movie production. Creem agreed that tax credits must be associated with employment.

"We can't keep giving away money that isn't tied to jobs," she said, adding that Boston Scientific, Rudnick's former employer, was the recipient of a state tax credit. Rudnick responded that that credit was warranted as Boston Scientific provides many local jobs.

Creem has served at the state senator for the First Middlesex and Norfolk district since 1999. She is the Senate chair of the legislature's Judiciary Committee.
Creem said that she has been a champion for change with a record of leadership. She has received endorsments from former Governor Michael Dukakis, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Newton Mayor Setti Warren, as well as from interest groups like gay-marriage organization Mass Equality and others.

Rudnick, an attorney, had worked the last seven years at Boston Scientific before leaving to pursue politics. He is a Newton resident, with children in public school and a local ward committee official. He spent time overseas assisting war-torn Balkan nations as they attempted to rebuild their judicial systems after the conflicts of the 1990s.

"I'm suggesting that simply being the voice or supporting the effort isn't getting us the results we need and that's why I'm running for state senate," Rudnick said to a loud applause from the Democrats in attendance.

Lowell businessman Corey Belanger, running to unseat Governor's Councillor Marilyn Devaney, claimed that his opponent "has failed miserably," is representing the people.

"[Devaney] has been a shame to her cause, to her party and to our district," Belanger said, adding that Devaney has little respect for the office and has "lashed out at nearly every official" in state government.

Devaney, in turn, called Belanger's remarks "slanderous" and said that they did not warrant a response.

Listing accomplishments such as changes to the parole board system, and reforming the rules governing donations from judicial nominees before the council, Devaney presented her independence as an asset.

"I'm not a 'go along to get along,'" Devaney said, "I go along with my heart and my head and I investigate and I'm representing you and I hope I have your support to continue."

Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez, serving his fourth term in the House as the representative of the 15th Suffolk District, is challenged by Boston teacher Jeffrey Herman.

Herman described Sanchez as a part of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's political machine and a hand-picked Menino candidate when Sanchez first ran for the seat. Sanchez did not directly respond to the claims, instead describing his upbringing in the Mission Main housing complex and his work on behalf of the community.

Sanchez said that he has and will continue to work for small businesses like the ones in his neighborhood by supporting health care premium relief.

Herman emphasised his teaching experience in Boston Public Schools and said that he would like to have each legislator take the MCAS exam and have the results released publicly.

The 15th Suffolk district includes parts of Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill and Roslindale, as well as Precinct 5 in Brookline.

The final dialog of the night featured the six candidates running to succeed Tenth Suffolk district representative Michael Rush, who is seeking election to the State Senate.

Matt Benedetti, Ed Coppinger, Robert Joyce, Pamela Julian, Paul Sullivan and Kelly Tynan shared almost identical platforms on major topics, with a few exceptions, and focused mostly on touting their own experience and biographies.

Julian supports the establishment of a "Tenth Suffolk Board" made up of local leaders to deliberate shared issues facing the communities.

Sullivan mentioned using untapped philanthropic sources to help alleviate budget problems. He supports utilizing Boy Scouts and similar organizations to help out in parks understaffed due to Department of Recreation and Conservation cuts.

Benedetti advocated for the wooing of European companies to relocate to Boston.

The West Roxbury-centered district includes percincts 14, 15 and 16 in South Brookline.