Migrant Crisis, Housing Affordability Dominate Plymouth and Barnstable Senate Forum
Current Reps Muratore and Fernandes offer contrasting approaches to addressing region's pressing challenges
MARSHFIELD, MA - The two candidates vying for the Plymouth and Barnstable State Senate seat faced questions in a WATD forum, revealing sharp disagreements on several major issues facing the district.
Democrat Dylan Fernandes and Republican Mathew Muratore clashed over their approaches to housing affordability, immigration policy and environmental protection during the forum hosted by WATD radio.
One of the starkest contrasts emerged over the recently passed Affordable Homes Act, a major housing bill aimed at addressing the state's affordability crisis.
Fernandes touted his support for the legislation, calling it "the largest housing bill in a generation" that will provide millions in funding for housing construction and rental assistance.
"We need to make sure that we have housing available for people. This is the biggest issue facing our district," Fernandes said.
But Muratore defended his vote against the bill, saying it was rushed through at 4:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 without legislators having time to read the full text.
"You voted for something you couldn't even read," Muratore told Fernandes. "That's why I voted against it."
Fernandes fired back, calling Muratore's opposition "a huge problem" and accusing him of voting "against affordability for seniors, working people, veterans."
The candidates also sparred over the state's approach to the migrant crisis. Muratore criticized recent reforms to the state's right-to-shelter law, arguing they don't go far enough to prioritize long-time Massachusetts residents.
"I'm the only one in this race that has voted to put a residency requirement on it," Muratore said.
Fernandes countered that such residency requirements would likely be unconstitutional, citing past legal precedents. He defended the recent reforms as necessary steps to manage the situation within the constraints of federal immigration law.
"We've taken action on this to manage it at the state level," Fernandes said. "We reformed the right to shelter program in Massachusetts. We've ended the right to shelter permanently for people. Now it's just nine months."
Environmental policy emerged as another point of contention. Fernandes highlighted his support for recent environmental legislation, while criticizing Muratore for voting against it.
"Matt voted against the environmental bill," Fernandes said.
Muratore defended his vote, saying the bill would have taken away too much local control from municipalities. He noted he has supported 17 out of 18 environmental bills during his time in the legislature.
"A lot of it had to do with taking away local control," Muratore said. "I heard from my municipality that they did not like that at all."
The candidates found some common ground on the need to address the opioid crisis, with both calling for expanded treatment options and mental health services.
They also agreed on maintaining Plymouth County government, a standard question from their hosts at WATD.
In their closing statements, the candidates sought to draw clear distinctions for voters.
Muratore emphasized his experience in municipal government and business, pledging to be "the voice and advocate for the needs of the residents" of the district's eight communities.
Fernandes highlighted his record of passing legislation and vowed to be a strong voice on issues like education, the environment and reproductive rights.
"We have clear policy differences," Fernandes said. "I'm always going to be someone who supports women's reproductive freedom, someone who supports making housing more attainable and protecting our environment."
The Plymouth-Barnstable district includes Plymouth, Kingston, Pembroke, Plympton, Bourne, Sandwich, Mashpee and Falmouth. The election will be held Nov. 5.
*editors note: this is part of a series of articles based on recent Candidate Forums hosted by WATD. Early in-person voting began in every town October 19.