On November 4th voters will head to the polls and cast their votes not just for candidates, but also on issues as varied as keeping the gas tax indexed to inflation, expanding the bottle bill deposit, repealing the law authorizing casinos, and enacting paid sick days. Partisan affiliation isn’t necessarily an indicator of preference on ballot questions, and so the membership of North Andover Democratic Town Committee hosted a lively discussion on these issues at its October meeting.
“I think most of our members spent the summer preoccupied with the Democratic Primary,” said Tricia Melvin, Chairwoman of the NADTC. “This really was the first opportunity many of us had to discuss the ballot questions among a larger group.”
The casino question evoked a great deal of passion among the approximately-20 members gathered for the meeting. Some voiced concern about the societal costs, others questioned the economic benefit, and many expressed the opinion that it could lead to increased corruption. After a lengthy discussion the NADTC voted – unanimously – to support Question 3 and repeal the casino law.
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“This isn’t an issue that can so easily be identified with one Party over another,” said Melvin. “I was surprised by the unanimous opposition to casinos from the gathered members.”
Adam Magaletta, who is a Junior at North Andover High School, spent the summer campaigning for Question 3, as well as for anti-casino candidates for state office. “While these institutions may offer a temporary increase in construction jobs, they will permanently change the culture of our state and the communities they call home,” said Magaletta. “They pull money out of the local economy, put families – particularly lower-income families – at risk, and they lead to an increase in corruption.”
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The NADTC meeting also included a discussion on Question 2, which would expand the Bottle Bill and add a 5 cent deposit to water bottles, sports drinks, and similar products.
“This is a policy which is both environmentally and financially responsible,” said Phil DeCologero, Vice-Chair of the NADTC. “When you consider that Massachusetts cities and towns spend millions of dollars cleaning up the litter and waste generated by discarded bottles not currently covered by the bottle bill, and that bottles with a deposit are three times more likely to be recycled, Question 2 makes sense.”
After discussion the NADTC voted to unanimously support Question 2 and the implementation of the Bottle Bill. “I think local Democrats are excited and ready to fight for the causes important to us,” said Melvin. “We’re working hard right through Election Day!”
