Taxpayers have the right to know if they will vote for higher taxes

FRANCO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: (508)981-6511

September 28, 2010

FRANCO CHALLENGES OPPONENTS TO SIGN NO NEW TAXES PLEDGE

Taxpayers have the right to know if they will vote for higher taxes

Worcester, MA…Today Paul Franco, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Thirteenth Worcester District, called on his Democratic and Independent opponents to sign Citizens for Limited Taxation’s “No New Taxes” Pledge and state whether they believe that the state should roll back the 25% sales tax hike.

“The voters deserve to know where their next State Representative stands on taxes. As State Representative, I will work to lower the tax burden and I strongly believe that we should roll back the sales tax that puts our state at a competitive disadvantage,” said Franco.

The “No New Taxes” pledge clearly states as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Paul Franco would oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.

Last year the House of Representatives increased the sales tax by 25% and put a tax on a tax for alcohol.

“Taxpayers deserve to keep more of their paychecks and no one should have to work two jobs just to make end meet. If we don’t control the tax burden, then the legislature will continue to spend, spend, spend,” said Franco. “I trust that taxpayers know best how to spend and save money than state bureaucrats and that’s why I proudly signed the pledge. Do my opponents trust the voters?”

Franco signed the pledge last July after finishing his tour of duty in the Army Reserves.

“Our state government does not have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem. It is time to put government spending on a diet,” said Franco. “Working hard to provide for my family and having recently completed a year of active duty, I know what tax cuts can do for the average family budget. People, not the government, know best how to spend or save their own money. As the next State Representative, I can make a real difference on the issues confronting the middle class.”

Lieutenant Colonel Paul J. Franco just came off active duty as a US Army Reservist. He has been working as a Soldiers’ Counsel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, for the past year as a mobilized US Army Reservist. His duties were to represent those soldiers injured during the war to ensure they receive the appropriate amount of compensation before being medically retired or separated. Franco’s efforts were so successful that over 70-percent of the soldiers he represented received an increase in their benefits or managed to be retained in the Army.

On June 14th, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Northern Regional Medical Commander, Major General Carla Hawley-Bowland, for his “unwavering professionalism, commitment.”

Besides being an officer in the US Army Reserve since 1980, Franco has lived in Worcester for 22 years where he has practiced law. He has worked as an attorney with the Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia for the past 10 years. Franco has also been active within the community serving on the West Tatnuck Elementary Parents’ Advisory Council, Christ the King Church Parish Council, and as Director of Tee-ball and AA Boys Baseball Leagues for 2008-2009 with the Jesse Burkett Little League. He has also coached and served on the Board of Directors for the St. Peter’s Church basketball league and he has coached youth soccer in Worcester since 1994.

Franco has been married to Mary Ann Franco for nearly 27 years and they have six children, ranging in ages from eight to 25. All of his children are or have attended the Worcester Public Schools. Franco plans to use his leadership and experience in his military and law practice to help the Commonwealth make the tough decisions necessary to stimulate the economy, create jobs and improve the quality of life for his constituents.

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Paid for by the Committee to Elect Paul Franco, 58 Wildrose Avenue, Worcester, MA 01602