Plymouth Area Candidates Face Off in State Senate and State Representative Primary Forums

MacRae and Muratore running for GOP nomination for State Senate. Brown and Spencer running for GOP nomintation and Badger, Desloges, Hokanson, and Palmer for Dem nomination for State Rep

PLYMOUTH, MA - August 22 - The League of Women Voters hosted a candidates forum for the upcoming state primary election. The forum featured candidates running for State Senate and State Representative seats representing the Plymouth area.

State Senate - Plymouth & Barnstable Republican Primary

Two Republican candidates for State Senate squared off in a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Plymouth area on Thursday evening. Kari MacRae and Mathew J. Muratore presented their qualifications and positions on key issues facing the district ahead of the Sept. 3 primary election. Democrat Dylan Fernandes is unopposed in the state primary.

MacRae, who serves on the Bourne School Committee, emphasized her passion for ensuring opportunities for all citizens as a key qualification. She highlighted her experience on the school committee, where she is serving her second term after being re-elected. MacRae stressed the importance of citizen involvement in local politics.

Muratore, who has served as a state representative for 10 years, cited his extensive experience in local government and business as key qualifications. He also highlighted his decade of experience as a state legislator and his background as a small business owner. Muratore added that his community involvement and family life contribute to his qualifications.

Both candidates identified affordability and the migrant crisis as top issues facing the district. MacRae stated, "Immigration, illegal immigration is taking a lot of resources from our citizens. That is a big problem. And affordability and housing, all three of them link together."

Muratore echoed these concerns, saying, "We have an affordability issue in this state. And we are recently ranked as the number one place to live in Massachusetts. But one of the most expensive places to live."

On the issue of taxes, MacRae advocated for significant reductions, including potentially eliminating the sales tax. Muratore supported recent tax cuts but called for further reductions and incentives for small businesses.

Both candidates expressed support for changing the right to shelter law to prioritize Massachusetts residents. MacRae emphasized the need for more affordable housing options, not just more housing. Muratore discussed the recent housing bond bill and need to address MBTA housing rules.

The candidates also addressed issues such as transparency in government, same-day voter registration, and women's reproductive rights. MacRae emphasized the need for more Republican representation on Beacon Hill, while Muratore stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation to effect change.

State Representative - First Plymouth

Six candidates vying for the First Plymouth District state representative seat presented their qualifications and positions on key issues during a forum hosted by the Plymouth Area League of Women Voters Thursday evening.

The event featured two Republican candidates, Jesse Brown and Dee Wallace Spencer, and four Democratic candidates: Michelle Badger, Arthur Desloges, Scott Hokanson, and Stephen Michael Palmer.

Jesse Brown, a Marine Corps veteran and construction business owner, emphasized his private sector experience and community involvement. "I grew up originally in Taunton, Massachusetts. I joined the Marine Corps at 17," Brown said. "We became one of the largest veteran-owned businesses in the state of Massachusetts. And during that timeframe, also created a nonprofit that helps veterans in need."

Dee Wallace Spencer highlighted her academic credentials and business experience. "I have master's degrees in criminal justice and education and I have a PhD in research and statistics," Spencer stated. "I'm a faculty member at Northeastern University School of Business. I have been elected three times by my peers to represent them on the Faculty Senate."

Michelle Badger pointed to her 13 years of service on the Plymouth School Committee and her background in higher education fundraising. "I've led important initiatives, built coalitions to drive and accomplish real results and real change," Badger said. "Some of my accomplishments include a comprehensive solar plan, implementing full day K, and revamping our elementary school health curriculum."

Arthur Desloges cited his experience as a Peace Corps teacher and senior corporate executive. "My qualifications begin as it began as a Peace Corps teacher in Ghana, West Africa," Desloges said. "In my career as senior corporate executive at Citibank, I led a staff of more than a thousand people and I learned how to get things done."

Scott Hokanson emphasized his experience as a small business owner and father. "As a small business owner, I've created 28 jobs," Hokanson stated. "At 41, I lost my job, started a new business. Eight years later, I was named business person of the year."

The candidates addressed several key issues, including affordable housing, government transparency, and women's reproductive rights. All candidates except Jesse Brown expressed support for same-day voter registration.

On the topic of sales tax and funding government services, candidates offered differing perspectives. Brown advocated for reducing costs and redundancies in state government, while Spencer suggested incentivizing business growth and prioritizing spending.

Badger emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and streamlining programs. "We need to look at streamlining, how we can be more efficient and effective and fiscally responsible," she said.

Desloges proposed investing in the economy to boost jobs and lower tax burdens. "Investing in the recent bond bill in life science is an example that got passed. Those investments have boosted the Massachusetts economy tremendously," he said.

Hokanson called for a change in how government departments manage their budgets. "We have to change that. This is taxpayer money. This is hard-earned money," he stated.

The forum provided voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and compare their qualifications and positions on important issues facing the district. The primary election is scheduled for Sept. 3, with the general election to follow on Nov. 5.