v
My OpEd in MassLive in support of transgender American service in our armed forces; "I am a third generation combat veteran and I can tell you that when it comes to
defending our people and our principles, the enemies' bombs and bullets don't care about the differences between us. Neither should we."
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Crime:
More parole instead of privatization of prisons
I understand the "People's Platform" legislative proposals noted on the "ORMA Candidate Endorsement Policy" includes the "Justice is Not For Sale Act." That act includes a range of federal issues which I have not had the time to fully research to be
able to endorse the federal elements but I would unequivocally oppose privatization of prisons and would veto any effort to introduce private state prisons by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I also support parole as an appropriate criminal justice tool. Finally, while not addressed by ORMA, I support the policies proposed in Massachusetts as part of the current
Criminal Justice legislation proposed by Democrats in the legislature and would welcome a chance to discuss them in detail.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Drugs:
End mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug crimes
Criminal Justice Reform: Opposition to Gov. Baker's proposal for new mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug crimes: Commonwealth Magazine: "Gov. Baker's proposal to incarcerate more people in response to the opioid epidemic runs contrary to
everything we've learned in the failed war on drugs, and to Baker's own 2014 campaign promises," said Warren, the mayor of Newton. "Mandatory minimum sentences do not make our communities safer and they do not reduce illegal drug use. Those are facts."
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Education:
Make all public colleges and universities tuition-free
Of the eight specific federal legislative proposals in ORMA's "People's Platform," I am fully comfortable supporting the first five, including the Free Public College Act, and I will work to implement each of these in Massachusetts as governor.
Sponsor press release on H.R. 1880 Federal-State partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees:
The College For All Act would aim to make all public colleges and universities tuition-free for anybody making less than $125,000.
It would also aim to make community college tuition-free for everybody, at any salary level. "Our young people are forced to make untenable choices: Going to college and taking on mountains of debt, or foregoing their college degree to work part-time
or minimum wage jobs that simply won't allow them to build a future," House lead sponsor Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA7) said in a press release. "We're going to piece back together the broken promises of a broken American Dream."
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Government Reform:
Supports automatic voter registration
Of the eight specific federal legislative proposals in ORMA's "People's Platform," I am fully comfortable supporting the first five, including the Automatic Voter Registration Act, and I will work to implement each of these in Massachusetts as governor.
SummerForProgress.com summary of H.R. 2840, the Automatic Voter Registration Act:
We fought for elimination of superdelegates coming from Massachusetts, as well as a Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) system.
Both measures are included in the platform and RCV will be on the 2020 ballot. We support the pending legislation in the state house for Automatic Voter Registration.
Our goal is to revitalize democracy here in the commonwealth by supporting legislation that would increase civic engagement and remove barriers to voting.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Immigration:
Support sanctuary cities; oppose summary deportations
Fighting Trumps Immigration policy- Passing and Defending Newton's Welcoming City Ordinance (from Newton Wicked Local): "Mayor Setti Warren pulled no punches in his response to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' statement
Monday that reaffirmed the Trump administration's vow to withhold federal funding from so-called "sanctuary cities."
- Slamming Governor Baker's Unconstitutional Deportation Bill: (from MassLive.com) "Gov.
Baker doesn't believe undocumented people deserve the due process rights guaranteed by the U.S. and Massachusetts state constitutions.
I believe everyone should be treated equally under the law."
- See my Facebook video on support for Safe Communities Act
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Supports 5 out of 8 of ORMA's "People's Platform"
Of the 8 specific federal legislative proposals in ORMA's "People's Platform," I am fully comfortable supporting, without reservation, the first 5:- Single Payer Healthcare
- Free Public College
- $15 Minimum Wage
- Equal Access to Abortion
Coverage in Health Insurance
- Automatic Voter Registration
I will work to implement each of these in Massachusetts as governor.[The other three are: Justice is Not For Sale Act; Inclusive Prosperity Act; and Keep It In the Ground Act].
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Technology:
Supports MBTA extension plus high-speed East-West Rail
Investment in Transportation Infrastructure including opposition to Baker's Privatization Schemes- From my Twitter: Hitting Baker's Failures at MBTA: ".no new revenue and privatization is not working."
- Commitment to the Blue Line
Extension to Lynn: (in Lynn Daily Item): "We would endorse his vision, his common sense, his fortitude, and his ability to listen to what Lynn needs. Warren came to Lynn one week ago to underscore why he thinks a Blue Line extension running from
Wonderland to Lynn makes sense."
- (From MassLive): A public commitment--and a proposal--to build East-West Rail
- Facebook posting on Amazon Connection: (citing Worcester Business Journal): "I propose that Amazon locate its second
headquarters in Worcester, in the heart of the Commonwealth, and that Amazon and the Commonwealth work together to fund the construction of a bullet train connecting Western Massachusetts with Boston."
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
On Drugs:
Combat opioid addiction by funding treatment
Setti Warren is calling on the Republican governor to release money for Amherst's homeless shelter, which he argues is pivotal for confronting the opioid crisis and combating addictions. Warren expressed concern for the decision by Gov. Charlie Baker to
freeze the $200,000 earmark for the Craig's Place shelter: "Programs like Craig's Place, and so many others across the state, will be essential to solving the opioids problem," Warren said. "If we don't have the money for these kinds of programs,
we should raise the revenue to fund them."The decision was based on questions about whether there is sufficient money in the state budget. "Since it is the only shelter that does not require sobriety, the staff and volunteers at Craig's Place are
also on the front lines of fighting the growing opioid epidemic," Warren said. The governor, he added, should be providing help, not hindering the work and putting the shelter into a state of emergency for no good reason.
Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 15, 2017
On Civil Rights:
Transgender military ban makes us less safe
As a third-generation combat veteran, I know that the enemy's bullets and bombs don't care about our differences, and when it comes to defending our people and principles, neither should we. President Trump's attempt to ban transgender
Americans from military service will ultimately make our nation less safe by dissuading brave and qualified people from serving in our armed forces. I stand with my transgender brothers and sisters in uniform, today and always.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website SettiWarren.com
Aug 31, 2017
On Health Care:
Health care is a right; support single-payer
We need to reduce the cost of care in Massachusetts, but Gov. Baker's plan to remove more than a hundred thousand people from MassHealth is not the right way to do it. Massachusetts needs a long-term healthcare plan that
focuses on reducing administrative and drug costs and providing quality care for all of us. Health care is a right and it is the Commonwealth's responsibility to care for all of its residents. I am for a single payer system.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website SettiWarren.com
Aug 31, 2017
On Immigration:
Local police shouldn't enforce immigration law
Police in Massachusetts should not be a part of Donald Trump's deportation force. The Commonwealth is already seeing the real life outcomes of President Trump's war on immigrants. Communities all over Massachusetts are living in fear that a knock on
their door in the middle of the night could mean losing a family member. Our neighborhoods are less safe when people who feel like they have to live in the shadows are afraid to talk to the police when they need help or witness a crime.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website SettiWarren.com
Aug 31, 2017
On Jobs:
Unions let workers fight economic inequality
While nobody likes the disruption that strikes can cause, the struggle faced by the Tufts nurses is a perfect example of why we need strong unions fighting for working people every day. If you work hard all of your life, you deserve to retire
with dignity so you can pass along what you have earned to the next generation. If we're going to push back on economic inequality, we need to keep fighting for decent wages, fair working conditions and solid retirement benefits.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website SettiWarren.com
Aug 31, 2017
On Technology:
Build cross-state rail service
Mayor Warren said, "I believe that people making $20,000 a week, in our state, can afford to pay a little bit more to reinvest that in transportation and education."
Mayor Warren supports an east to west rail service. He said the Commonwealth needs one, and that can only happen by providing transportation from one end of the state to the other, which he feels will strengthen our economy.
Source: WWLP coverage of 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Aug 4, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Raise taxes on wealthy; close loopholes
Warren wasn't shy about his willingness to raise taxes, and expressed his support for the
Fair Share Tax Amendment, the "millionaire's tax" that will be on the ballot next year, as well as closing loopholes in the tax code.
Source: Foxboro Reporter on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jul 20, 2017
On Civil Rights:
Make Newton a more hospitable climate for African Americans
On what he learned after having rocks thrown at him as a child in Newton: "One of the things that came out of that incident is that my dad had contacted the mayor--he didn't know the Mayor at all. They ended up working together on making
Newton a more hospitable climate for African Americans. One of the stories my parents shared with me before he passed away back in 2010 was what we can do together, how we can actually turn an incident like that around."
Source: WBUR.org on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2017
On Corporations:
Downgrading of Massachusetts bond rating is a serious thing
On his reaction to the downgrading of Massachusetts bond rating: "As a municipal leader, as a Mayor, I know how serious a downgrading is. It is a very serious thing. It may mean we may not be able to implement projects, pay for services in the near
future & the long term. But, it's also a very serious indicator of the fact that the state is using one time revenue sources to keep this budget afloat. We're not being honest and direct and clear about what it takes to maintain what we have and going
We also need to be honest about our revenue projections, which have been off in the last couple of years. I'm calling for multi-year revenue projections, I'm calling for us to look at every single expenditure in
that budget including tax expenditures that are given away to special interests, and be honest about revenue. Then we can make the investments that matter so we can deal with economic inequality in the state."
Source: WBUR.org on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2017
On Crime:
Opposes federalization of police
On what he learned after having rocks thrown at him as a child in Newton: "When I think about what's happening in our country today, what's happening in the commonwealth, and the divisions that are in place right now politically
with the presidential election that's occurred, I think about the fact that we've got to pushback against these policies from the Trump administration that are divisive. The Muslim Ban.
The federalization of police officers. We've got to pushback against that and I have. And cuts to investments to people of moderate income. At the same time there are people who voted for
President Trump that didn't vote for him for those reasons. We've got to reach out of those folks if we are going to deal with the issue of our time which I believe is economic inequality."
Source: WBUR.org on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2017
On Health Care:
Accessible and affordable mental health and dental health
On what he wants out of Massachusetts healthcare system: "Here's what I want to see out of single payer system. I want to make sure health outcomes are based on the health of the person. I want to make sure we have community based care that's there and
I want to make sure it's accessible and affordable to all people. It's gotta include thing like mental health and dental health. Right now our system is very expensive. As we heading into the next year the federal government is looking at cutting back
on certain types of health benefits. We're in a very fluid situation."So we have to look at various varying options. There are a lot of options on the table. I've been talking to a lot of health care experts. We can certainly look at a public option
which I think is very real and could occur here in Massachusetts. But the first question we have to ask ourselves is what kind of Commonwealth do we want to be. What kind of health care system do we really need here in the Commonwealth."
Source: WBUR.org on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2017
On Welfare & Poverty:
Economic inequality is the defining issue of our time
On the reason Warren decided to enter the race for Governor: "When I think about the defining issue of our time, I believe it's economic inequality. It's striking, in the Boston area, including in Newton. I was very lucky as a young kid that
grew up in Newton. My parents grew up in two tough neighborhoods, Harlem and the Bronx. My dad used his military GI Bill benefits in Korea to purchase the home where I grew up with my two sisters and where I live today.
This was a generational investment for people of modest means to make ends meet and ensure their kids can do better than they did.
That is not happening in our Commonwealth today. The divide is growing. People in communities are falling behind. That's why I'm in this race."
Source: WBUR.org on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2017
On Budget & Economy:
Closed $40M deficit in city of Newton & maintained services
When he took office, Newton was in the midst of a financial crisis. The city was facing a $40 million projected deficit and an empty rainy day fund.
Setti worked closely with unions and community members to create a balanced budget without sacrificing vital services that residents depended on.
Today, the city is one of a few select municipalities to earn two AAA bond ratings and has a rainy day fund approaching $20 million. While under Setti's leadership, Newton's innovation-based economy has been reinvigorated.
The city has slashed its carbon footprint while investing in housing, transportation, and infrastructure projects that reduce inequality and strengthen the community.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Education:
Invest in new school facilities & classroom resources
Setti has fostered a top-tier public school system by investing in new facilities, community spaces, and classroom resources. He is committed to reducing the achievement gap through initiatives like the summer reading challenge,
the high school pitch competition, and the city's summer youth high school internship program. Under Setti's watch, education outcomes in Newton have dramatically improved.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
Support use of wind, solar, & other renewable energy
Solar Share Program:˙Setti has set aside 0.6 MW of the power produced by Newton's new solar power stations for a first-of-its-kind community solar share program, which will extend energy credits to qualified, low-income households on a zero-cost basis.
This program is part of a larger investment in green energy development that will make Newton a municipal leader in clean, affordable energy policy.
By investing in upgrades to our electrical grid and supporting the use of wind, solar, and other renewable energy resources,
we can cut the Commonwealth's carbon footprint, save money, and create good-paying 21st Century energy economy jobs.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Government Reform:
Public records laws for open and transparent governing
As Mayor of Newton, Setti Warren governed in an open and transparent way because people deserve to know what their government is doing in their name.
Massachusetts lags the nation in government transparency, but nowhere is sunshine needed more than the annual state budget making process.
Setti Warren believes that a budget is not only a statement of values, but that the process of writing this values statement requires public input.
That's why he will make public records laws apply to the governor's office and has endorsed the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's recommendations to make our budget process more transparent.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Health Care:
Move us towards single-payer healthcare
Setti Warren plans to use new revenue to fund strategies that will reduce the scourge of economic inequality,
like making public colleges free and moving us towards single-payer healthcare.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Jobs:
$15 minimum wage and paid family leave
We must take action now to make sure the Commonwealth's economy works for everyone by instituting policies like a $15 minimum wage and paid family leave. Setti Warren also believes we need to rethink how education works.
In addition to making college more accessible, the Commonwealth needs to be a national leader by creating a model for lifelong learning, paid apprenticeships and co-ops to help workers adapt to shifting economic conditions.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Eliminate tax breaks; wealthy pay their fair share
Confronting economic inequality is the challenge of our time, and Setti Warren is prepared to lead the way. Despite years of strong economic growth, our state budget is a mess.
Fixing it starts with telling the truth: we must raise revenue by eliminating tax breaks for special interests and asking those who make more than a million dollars a year ($20,000 a week!) to pay their fair share.
In 2015, Setti launched DataStat Newton. This program tracks everything from the recycling rate and number of potholes filled to auto-pedestrian accidents and changes in the city's commercial tax base.
With DataStat, Setti and his team have been able to make smart, data driven decisions and track outcomes.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Technology:
Reconstruct roadways; establish innovation centers
- Setti has focused on upgrading Newton's roads and sidewalks to remedy years of neglect, reconstructing 50 miles of roadway since 2013. Moving forward, Newton will be implementing new technology to improve traffic signalling and alleviate
traffic congestion.
- In 2013, Setti partnered with the Town of Needham and the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber to establish the N2˙Innovation District as an attractive place for technology companies to do business.
Newton is increasingly becoming a place where talent, innovation, and community converge to support a vibrant, entrepreneurial economy.
- In 2016, Setti partnered with MassChallenge to open the Newton Innovation Center (NIC), a startup-friendly
collaborative workspace. The NIC offers programming, networking events, and internship programs. With over 60 startups currently working out of the NIC, its success demonstrates how Newton and other suburbs can be a hub for innovation.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Technology:
Public transportation systems are underfunded
Setti Warren believes the ability to move around the Commonwealth with reasonable speed and at reasonable cost is essential to addressing the challenges of economic inequality. Constant traffic, underfunded public transportation systems and crumbling
roads and bridges are not just an inconvenience, they are an impediment to opportunity. Creating more good jobs where people live will help lighten the load on highways and public transportation.
We need a strategy to make sure that regional transportation authorities are able to meet the needs of the people of the Commonwealth.
We must commit to projects like extending the Blue Line to Lynn, building a bullet train from Springfield to Boston, and repairing our underfunded roads and bridges. We cannot wait 20 years to get this done.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
On Environment:
Reinstate Lynn ferry service and extend the Blue Line
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Setti Warren promised to revitalize the city by reinstating ferry service and extending the Blue Line. "There's no reason why we can't put ferry service back to Lynn," he said. "It ran for two summers until it was cut.
We need to restore it so people can get in and out of the city and expand transportation."On the long-awaited 4.5 mile Blue Line extension from Wonderland Station in Revere into Lynn,
Warren said it's a project that's time has come. "The Blue Line extension has been under discussion for more than four decades and we've got to make sure it happens,"
he said. "When the transit line is extended, that will expand Lynn's economy. A few miles away in Boston, there are cranes on the city's skyline and we need to make sure that spreads to Lynn."
Source: Lynn Daily Item on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
May 26, 2017
On Immigration:
Make City Hall an immigrant sanctuary to lead sanctuary city
Newton Mayor Setti Warren vows to open his own city hall as a safe haven for illegal immigrants if President Trump steps up deportations. "If in fact there are draconian measures taken by the federal government and people feel unsafe and they need
places to go, of course I would," Warren said. "I think that's who we are, that's who our values are. I think you'd find a lot of people in my city who would open their doors."
Despite threats from the Trump administration to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities, Warren continues to stand behind Newton's
Welcoming City Ordinance, saying it "demonstrated who we are and what we're trying to do--that we are welcoming to all people. It's really the effort we're making, and who we are, and our values, and how we do community policing."
Source: Boston Herald on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Mar 30, 2017
On Gun Control:
Join 18 mayors in banning assault weapons
Mayor Setti Warren is among 19 Massachusetts mayors who have formed a coalition in support of Attorney General Maura Healey's enforcement of the assault weapons ban. The mayors signed a statement of support for Healey, writing:In the wake of
incidents of violence against civilians and law enforcement in cities across the country, our positions demand that we speak out. We have called again and again for national solutions to gun violence, to increase mental health funding, and to end the
sale of military-style weapons to civilians, because our cities are not war zones. But we are as frustrated with inaction and empty words.
For this reason, we have come together to express our strong support for Attorney General
Maura Healey's recently announced effort to enforce the state's ban on the sale of assault weapons. Many more people, including gun owners, believe that sensible limits make our streets, our schools, our parks, and our workplaces that much safer.
Source: Newton Patch on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Aug 10, 2016
Page last updated: Dec 11, 2018