About: Why I'm Running
Like
most of you, I have opinions on many of today’s issues. Also like
most of you, I have been relying on our elected officials to do
what’s right for our society. That has changed. I now realize that,
if I feel strong enough about a problem, I need to get involved and
do something about it.
In 2005, I started my beverage distribution company, Paradiso
Importing. I immediately learned that starting a business in
Massachusetts is expensive and time-consuming. It can cost three to
five times as much as in other states. Why? Because the state laws
are archaic and not easy to access, state officials are
unresponsive, due diligence is unreasonable for citizens, and there
is no accountability for state officials. In short, Massachusetts is not a
business friendly environment.
I want to change the State’s attitude towards small business, as
well as large businesses. Instead of being treated as adversarial
entities to be taxed, we need to consider businesses as the engines
of our economy that create jobs. Legislation like the alcohol sales
tax hike and retail sales tax hike of 2009 are examples of excessive
taxing of businesses. Too many of my customers have closed their
doors as a direct result of tax increases.
We need look no further than the Evergreen Solar debacle as an
example. Despite a promising future in Massachusetts, the company is
now moving most of its assembly operations to China. It simply could
not afford to do business in Massachusetts.
During difficult economic times, Government should share in the same
austere financial actions that are expected by private business. It
is unconscionable for Government to grow and expand while the rest
of us are tightening our belts. That is why, as your State Senator,
I would vote for proposals to freeze the hiring of all non essential
government employees and freeze their wages. The incumbent, my
opponent, has voted against such a measure proposed for 2010
(5/21/09).
As State Senator, one of my many goals would be to make it easier
for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in
Massachusetts. I will work for legislation that will create a friendly
environment for businesses that will help to create jobs, build the
state's economy, and improve the lives of Massachusetts citizens.
Small businesses have long been an important component of our state
economy. I will fight to prevent their exodus north to New Hampshire
or even to China.