Keyes: Restore Integrity to the State House; Murray 'Part of the Problem'

On Transparency and Accountability in Government

From Jill Pittsley: "What is the best way to create more transparency at the state house?"

Tom Keyes:  I am so glad you ask that question. If you go to my website VoteKeyes.com you will see my 13 point plan to restore integrity to the State House. We need stop bundling amendments. We need to stop negotiating behind closed doors the budget. It was not right when the Senate reduced the cooling off period for legislators being able to work for the casinos from 5 years to one. This was done behind closed doors.

From Guest: We have a bunch of career politicians up there - how can the voters force transparency because I don't believe one politician can do it?

Tom Keyes: Elections have consequences. It is important to elect people who will stand up to the system. Already 13 candidates have endorsed my plan for restoring integrity, so it isn't just one person.

On Senate President Therese Murray

From Mike: Murray has a ton of power as President of the senate. You will have absolutely no power as the 5th Republican Senator up against 35 Dems. Why would the biggest town in the state benefit from having no representation in the upper chamber?

Tom Keyes: It is time for new leadership at the State House. Senator Murray is part of the problem on Beacon Hill. According to a recent CNBC report our state has gone from the 6th most business friendly state to 28th in year’s time. She tried to create a state-owned bank. She is mentioned repeatedly in the Probation Department indictments. She has raised taxes including implementing the double taxation on alcohol.... During the recent budget debate she declared the budget not a money bill. She did this to prevent debate on tax cuts. The Senate was not allowed to even debate the matter. I think it is time for more democracy and transparency at the State House....  More importantly, I think it is important to have a Senator with private experience. I will use my expertise as an efficiency consultant to work for the taxpayers and the small business community so we can revive our economy.

On Pensions

From Annie B: I remember hearing of a report about pension shortfalls and Plymouth was one of the worst in the State. Can transparency be brought to this issue at a state level or is it relegated to a town-by-town basis?

Tom Keyes: It is a municipal issue and growing problem. The state also has underfunded pension liabilities. The Commonwealth is near the top of the debt per capita in the nation. I don't want to leave my children a mountain of debt that forces them to move out of Massachusetts.

On Nuclear Power

From Annie B: What input (if any) can the Legislature have in forcing the Federal Gov't to take our spent fuel rods since we've been paying millions into a pool for that very thing.

Tom Keyes: Our current senator has not been able to get the job done. It is time to elect someone who will bring more energy and determination to the fight.

Patch: Nuclear power has been a divisive issue in Plymouth, and on the Cape, between the relicensing process, the union negotiations, and residents' concern about safety; what do you believe can be done about ensuring the safety of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station?

Tom Keyes: I share your concerns about public safety. The NRC has conducted a long audit of the facility and they have concluded it is safe. They are the experts. However, I will be an outspoken advocate for the people to ensure that every precaution is taken and that safety is never compromised. I have been in touch with officials at the facility and will remain engaged on this issue.

On Welfare Reform

From Alice: Hey Tom, I am so sick of these EBT scams and Murray looking the other way. We that work find this not only an outrage but a real slap in the face from people that work FOR US!!

Tom Keyes: The Senate did try to water down reforms approved by the House. Some of them were restored in conference committee. In order to cure the problem with EBT cards, we must stop them from being used like ATM cards. We need to go to a cashless system that will ensure that our taxpayer dollars are being spent on necessities and not inappropriate items.

On County Government

From Guest: What is your opinion on county government? Should those duties be absorbed by the state or should we leave the counties alone?

Tom Keyes: We need to look at consolidating all duplicate services to save taxpayer dollars. As an efficiency consultant, this is just common sense.

On Health Care

From Annie B: Health insurance costs in Massachusetts are the highest in the nation. What can be done to bring them down?

Tom Keyes:  We need to give consumers more options in their health insurance products that are available. We also need a moratorium for 3 years on mandates. Those are just two quick fixes we could immediately take to lower costs.

On Job Growth

From Dave from Plymouth: What can you do for the town of Plymouth? The only growth in Plymouth relates to town and state jobs (police fire and teachers), new North Plymouth HS, and little funds to maintain the structure, results in higher taxes for homeowners. Plymouth is heading for a fiscal train wreck. You will get my vote.

Tom Keyes: Worse yet, Plymouth's weekend train schedule has been cut which will hurt the tourism industry.... Having worked in the private sector I will use my business experience to create a more business friendly environment so we can create jobs and economic security.... According to a recent CNBC report our state has gone from the 6th most business friendly state to 28th in year’s time. We are heading in the wrong direction. I will fight for the small business community at the State House, because they create 3 out of every 4 new jobs in the Commonwealth.

On Plymouth's 400th Anniversary

Doug O'Roak: Senator Murray has pledged the state's support in helping make the 2020 celebrations in Plymouth a great national and international celebration, and revenue/job generator. What will you do to help Plymouth fund 2020?

Tom Keyes:  As a businessperson I will work with the business community to help raise resources to make the celebration a success.