| Subject: Barry Myers announces candidacy |
Author:
Shawn
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Date Posted: 11:45:17 06/16/04 Wed
Good for him!
I've been hoping for someone to challenge Ms Garry who has a good relationship with families and people throughout town.
Over the years, Colleen seems to be much more remote and more of a "state" person.
And, of course, she has gotten a very low rating from "Citizens for Limited Taxation and Government".. who I have always supported (since the days of the "Governors" with Jerry Williams).
I've seen Barry working with the kids in town by organizing rec sports programs and have seen his support of the town through this forum, the local tv show, and his work at the water district. He may have done more.. I just dont know yet.
I would ask for him to focus more on our town, pledge to keep taxes down, and work to limit the activist judiciary.
From the Lowell Sun:
Dracut state rep candidate says he'll put constituents first
By DENNIS SHAUGHNESSEY, Sun Staff
DRACUT The Lakeview Junior High School provided a fitting backdrop for Dracut resident Barry Myers, who formally announced his candidacy for state representative in the 36th Middlesex District yesterday.
Earlier this week, the Dracut School Department was forced to cut some 30 positions because of a budget shortfall. Myers, a Democrat who will face five-term incumbent Colleen Garry in the Sept. 14 state primary election, blamed the dilemma on cutbacks in state aid.
"As the father of four young children, I understand the necessity of education to prepare our children for the world of tomorrow," Myers said, pointing out that a $1 million shortfall exists in Dracut and Tyngsboro is grappling with a $500,000 gap.
Myers, flanked by about 40 supporters, said he will look for new revenue streams to increase local aid at the state level, such as tax incentives for businesses to locate in Dracut and Tyngsboro that would create tax revenue by increasing employment.
Myers said combining state departments such as the Turnpike Authority with the Mass Highway department, an idea that is supported by Gov. Mitt Romney, could save as much as $200 million annually.
"We should be earmarking some of the wasteful spending that takes place on Beacon Hill to the schools throughout the commonwealth," he said.
Myers said affordable prescription drugs is also high on his priority list. The cost of prescription drugs in Canada is one-third of the cost that it is in Dracut and Tyngsboro, said Myers, whose daughter suffers from diabetes.
"Making them available from Canada will force pharmaceutical companies to make them affordable here." he said, adding that he would work to repeal the Medicaid Estate Recovery Bill that was passed in the last state budget.
"This law unfairly targets lower- and middle-class people," Myers said. "If a Medicaid recipient dies, the state will file a claim for that asset. In most cases, this is the very last asset they have."
While not mentioning Garry specifically, Myers did make mention of some of the projects that have been on the table for years but have yet to come to fruition.
"I will work hard to secure funding for a second bridge in Tyngsboro now," he emphasized. "I understand the necessity to reconstruct the Lakeview Avenue corridor in Dracut now. These projects need to get funded and completed in a reasonable amount of time."
Myers, a financial consultant who serves as the clerk for the Dracut Water Supply District, has worked for Garry on several of her campaigns but now accuses her of serving interests on Beacon Hill instead of her constituents in Dracut and Tyngsboro.
In the past, he has criticized her for accepting donations from House Speaker Tom Finneran and for failing to uphold the will of the people with regard to ballot initiatives.
No Republicans are running in the race.
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