John Mahoney's Stance on the Ballot Questions

The following is from John Mahoney's web site under issues:

http://electjohnmahoney.com/issues.html

There will be three statewide ballot questions for voters to decide on come November 2. They call for removing a sales tax on alcoholic beverages, repealing 40B legislation, and cutting the state sales and use tax rates to 3 percent. I will vote NO on all three, and I urge my supporters and all voters to do the same. Here's why...

Question 1 ("Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages"): The revenue from this tax goes to programs designed to reduce drug and alcohol abuse which are critically important to every community. Without this revenue, these programs would be cut, dramatically reduced, or forced to compete with other important programs funded from the general budget. I'm voting NO.

Question 2 ("Comprehensive Permits for Low- or Moderate- Income Housing," commonly referred to as "40B"): The intent of 40B is admirable and I support the construction of affordable housing. However, in a number of instances, the law has been abused. We need a comprehensive review of the law and changes which will promote the development of affordable housing while protecting local communities from abuse. I'm voting NO.

Question 3 ("Sales and Use Rates"): We have a right to be frustrated with wasteful spending. Political earmarks and bloated pensions are wrong and we have a right to demand fiscal responsibility. But reducing the sales tax to 3% goes too far, removing $2.5 billion which would hurt local communities, schools, and
our most vulnerable citizens. I'm voting NO.