To the residents of Marblehead, Swampscott and Lynn,
On March 5th, the day after winning the last election, I was watching the news with a friend who commented, "These are tough times. Are you sure you want this job?" I had no doubt then, and now that I've been on the job for a little while, I'm even more certain. After clicking around the website a bit, I think you will agree that I've gotten quickly up to speed and have already delivered on many of my campaign promises. Please reach out to my office if I can be of assistance and stay tuned because there's lots more to come.
And don't forget that on Tuesday November 4th, 2008, eight months to the day since the last time this seat was in play, I ask for your support again. For that reason, I will keep this background piece below up on the website through this next campaign. For all of the gritty details, visit our Recent News page, Legislation page and archived Trailblazing with Lori page.
WHO I AM: As the third generation of my family to live in the 8th Essex, I have close ties to all three communities. Born in Lynn, I was raised in Marblehead before moving to Swampscott in 1976 (SHS’81). After graduating from Lehigh University in 1985 with a BS in Accounting, I moved back to the area in 1990 and settled with my husband, Bruce, and two daughters, now ages 12 and 16. In 2005 I earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. While there, I was the President of the Kennedy School of Government's Energy Caucus. I have managed my own CPA practice in the district for over 22 years, and have been an active participant in the community throughout my adult life.
WHY I AM UNIQUELY QUALIFIED: My background allows me to draw from business and policy skills that are well-suited to the many challenges facing our state and our district. My CPA background has given me a sound foundation in understanding fiscal matters. Through my advocacy work I have gained valuable experience and connections working with stakeholders in the community, four governors, as well as local, state and federal government.
MY PRIORITIES:
- The present economy is making it harder for people to make ends meet and this has me deeply concerned. Small businesses, the life-blood of our economy, are straining under soaring health care, insurance and energy costs. Seniors, workers, and the most vulnerable in our community are struggling too. As the only CPA in the legislature, I have already been instrumental in negotiating the closing of an intended corporate tax loopholes for multi-state corporations and a scheduled lowering of the overall corporate tax rate. This policy will generate revenue for the state while easing the tax burden on small Massachusetts businesses. I hope to continue to leverage my fiscal background to make sure we capitalize on available resources and will advocate for resilient economic policies.
- I am concerned about strains on our municipal budgets and how the rapidly rising cost of such things as health insurance and energy are putting vital services at risk. During my brief tenure as State Representative I have been able to secure more state funding for the district in the form of a 40% reimbursement commitment for Village School Repairs in Marblehead, funding for major emergency road repairs in Swampscott, and park and beach services along Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn and Swampscott. Public education funding and overall state aid, while of course not keeping pace with rising costs, has at least gone up in this year of great economic uncertainty.
- While economics and taxes have been my professional focus for over two decades, my policy emphasis has been on Energy, Environment and Public Health. I am very proud to have worked on and voted for the comprehensive Massachusetts Energy Bill just signed into law on July 2, 2008 which will incentivize business, consumers and municipalities to 'go green' and should serve to jump-start renewable energy initiatives in the state. When President Bush took office oil was trading at $26/barrel and just recently it traded over $145/barrel. At the same time the pace of global warming is stunning scientists, asthma and other resultant health issues plague our communities, and we are all feeling the geopolitical tradeoffs of our dependency on fossil fuel. We don't have the luxury of waiting.
I am looking forward to meeting you to hear more about your ideas and concerns. In the meantime I would like to invite you to contact me and my legislative aide, Tom Mills, via email at Thomas.Mills@state.ma.us or by phone 617-722-2090.
Enjoy the district slideshow in the banner of the website and thank you again for your confidence,
|
