State Representative of the 13th Norfolk- A Primer

While there are several contested races on Tuesday's ballot, one of the most talked about in Needham is that of the State Representative race for the 13^th Norfolk district.

All five candidates to replace Lida Harkins, two Republicans and three Democrats, are Needham residents, no doubt raising the vested interest in town. But if you are registered to vote as a Republican, what are some of the differences between John O'Leary and Joshua Levy? If voting Democrat, how well do you know Gary McNeill, Denise Garlick and Jerry Wasserman?

Below is a sampling of issues and where each candidate stands on said issue. For more detail, see our column, featuring answers in the candidates' own words on education, green technology, a new senior center and casinos.

You can also take a look at the videos to the right to hear the candidates address seniors at a recent forum held at the Senior Center, or check out coverage of the candidates' debates at the Senior Center, Broadmeadow School and First Parish Needham.

Jobs and the Economy

All of the candidates have stated in debates and other outlets that getting the economy to a stable place and growing jobs is one of the most important things a State Representative can accomplish. Levy advocates reducing the commercial tax rate to attract more business, as well as bolstering education in the scientific, technological and health sectors.

Fostering the growth of small business and streamlining the regulatory and permitting processes are among Garlick's goals. She also advocates promoting education and retraining for employees.

High taxes create an exodus of businesses within the state, O'Leary says. Reducing the tax burden in areas like Unemployment Insurance, he argues, will bring in new business and help strengthen existing business.

Wasserman believes that smart growth incentives are a way to help the economy by growing the business base. He also advocates stripping away costly red tape, while maintaining necessary regulation, and investing in green technologies.

McNeill would like to provide tax credits to small businesses that add jobs. He would also like to grow jobs in the areas of health care, biotechnology and clean energy, jobs he says that will pay well and filter money back into small businesses in local communities.

Health Care

The disparity between large health care providers and smaller ones is the largest problem facing the current health care system, according to Wasserman, who would like to see a local option implemented. O'Leary likes that the current system has expanded coverage for residents, but he does not believe that it contains costs effectively. Likewise, Levy agrees with increased coverage, but feels that the state could take better steps in cutting costs. He advocates repealing the Determination of Need Laws.

McNeill also believes that the health care system could be fiscally managed better and that many insurance companies are putting their needs above those of residents. He also advocates better funding for local community health centers. Garlick, meanwhile, stands for cost containment in health care, which she believes will preserve access and quality of care. She would also like to reduce administrative costs and preserve community hospitals.