Atkins, Winslow Debate on "Political Junkies"

State Representative incumbent Cory Atkins and Independent challenger K.C. Winslow had a spirited debate on the set of Tom Christiano's "Political Junkies" program Tuesday, discussing issues such as the three ballot questions, casinos, and who they support in the governor's race in two 30-minute installments.

Tom Christiano kicked off the program by welcoming both candidates to the show, saying they were "two of my good friends."

Early on, Winslow returned to the theme of being an independent during the League of Women Voters night and her campaign, saying that in 2009, Atkins had voted with the Speaker of the House "99.26 percent" of the time and "to me that says clearly we need more independent thinkers." She also said that she expects more independents to take office this year and called this development "groundbreaking."

Atkins responded by saying that Winslow has been focusing on one year to the exception of her voting record in other times, including this year, and that the Speaker of the House "implemented about 96 percent of the changes" she wanted, including introducing term limits for the Speaker.

Regarding achievements, Atkins pointed to economic development and a Double A bond rating for the state, which "really determines the interest rates" Massachusetts gets.

When asked about Chelmsford, Atkins said the town performs very well but is at a tough spot in regard to state funding. Chelmsford is not a poor town but is not as prosperous as towns such as Carlisle. Atkins said. While funding overrides are hard to pass, Atkins said she was willing to do them for Chelmsford.

Lastly, Atkins lauded her achievements on government reform, noting she started a reform group upon entering the house as a new member and achieved the position of vice chair of the House Rules committee.

Winslow responded by saying Atkins "made such small dents" in reform, and questioned the eight year Speaker term limit, which she said was too long. Both candidates agreed with pension reform, with Winslow saying it "had to be done" to stop abuses such as achieving credit for one year of service by working for one day.

Regarding the ballot questions, both opposed Question 1 for getting rid of the state's alcohol sales tax. Winslow said it was a hard decision for her as the district is "hit harder than much of Massachusetts" by being close to the New Hampshire border, but said she recognized that alcohol was "not a necessity" like "food or clothing."

She said she wants to have a rebate program "or a buffer zone" for areas close to the New Hampshire border as she saw businesses losing money to New Hampshire during the holidays.

Atkins was not for incentives for border areas, starting that Massachusetts businesses are not taking as big a profit hit as thought alcohol "is a gateway drug" that has led to substance abuse, domestic violence and suicides.

It is "very important that we have this tax…38 cents for a six-pack of beer. I think we can afford it," said Atkins.

The revenue from Massachusetts' alcohol tax goes towards substance abuse prevention programs; Winslow said the revenue for that was estimated at $111 million for next year.

Both were also supporters of Question 2 to eliminate 40B; Atkins said she came to the realization the law "is too antiquated…it's time to experiment" and that tools to help with development such as real-time community analysis did not exist when the law was created in the 1960s.

Atkins and Winslow also agreed in opposition to Question 3 to cut the state sales tax, with Winslow stating the state would face a $4.5 billion deficit in January if it passed.

The second part of the interview started with discussion of casinos. Atkins said, "I really don't like casinos and I don't like gambling" but the changing mood of many of her constituents in Acton and Chelmsford moved her to change her stance to support the governor's plan.

She also said there was no political will to discuss new taxes until the casino issue was taken off the table one way or the other.

Winslow said she was against casinos and disputed a turn of support for them, saying that she was noticing that the vast majority of people in the district are against them. She especially was surprised by a statement by Atkins that the Council of Aging told her they were in favor.

"Wow, I'm finding the seniors highly, highly opposed," she said. She also felt that the social problems associated with casinos led an approval of them to "opening up a can of worms."  

Regarding State Representative and Treasurer Candidate Karen Polito's statements that pensions for state office holders should be done away with, Atkins said that she was "showboating" and that she knew she could not get the votes to accomplish this.

Winslow said she advocated reforming the pension system into a 401k-type fund and said "we need to do something…that's the horrible part. These legislators are voting on their own pensions."

On the state health insurance mandate law, Atkins said she thought it was working in ensuring near-universal coverage but "I don't think it's working in terms of cost." 

"I don't believe we don't have the talent other developed democracies have (who keep their healthcare costs lower)," said Atkins.

She said she hoped for more negotiations with hospitals and insurance companies to lower costs.

Winslow said the mandates want companies to cover more people with less money and that she is in favor of state-level  programs such as Massachusetts, but skeptical on the new federal  law as she said there were some areas it could have learned from the state's reform.

Regarding the governor's race, Winslow said "this has been a hard one for me" but she supported Charlie Baker as she liked a Republican governor as a counterweight against an overwhelmingly Democratic legislature.

Atkins said she supported Patrick, and said being a democrat played to his strengths as the legislature ignored Republican governors. As a Democrat with "the mandate from the people," Patrick could accomplish in areas such as pension reform what would have been impossible from a Republican, said Atkins.

On the treasurer race, Winslow said she would back Polito as "I'd like to see a woman holding the purse strings. End of subject." Atkins said she liked the idea of a woman as treasurer but was "so impressed with Steve Grossman…he understands money" and would do a great job promoting financial literacy.

Both strongly supported equal rights for gay and transgender citizens; Atkins said the Massachusetts constitution was the "oldest working…in the world" and a "model for emerging democracies," and it does not state that any group is "almost equal."

When asked about personal and professional achievements, Winslow said she was most proud of her family and her campaign. Atkins said her family was the thing she was most proud of also, and said she also took great pride in anti-stalking and harassment legislation she helped to pass this year.

Winslow initiated a brief discussion of redistricting before the program's end, saying there was "not enough" talk about the issue.

At the debate's end, Christiano wished both candidates "the best of luck."

"I think either of you would do a wonderful job," he said.

"Political Junkies" airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on Chelmsford Cable TV.