Polito holds rallies with Romney, Brown, Connaughton

Karyn Polito held a series of rallies and visibility events across Eastern Massachusetts earlier today.

Polito's day began in Boston, where she greeted voters at Boston's North Station commuter rail.

From there, she travelled to Revere for a series of appearances with Mary Connaughton, candidate for State Auditor, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Polito, Connaughton and Romney took a few minutes to speak with reporters and also toured several local businesses.

Later in the day, Polito travelled to the North End of Boston for a series of events with United States Senator Scott Brown. Polito and Brown met up at Mother Anna's Restaurant and walked along Hanover Street, greeting residents and visiting local businesses along the way.

"I'm excited to have had this opportunity to meet with campaign supporters and volunteers as we make the final push toward Election Day," said Polito. "I thank U.S. Senator Brown and former Governor Romney for their support."

Polito endorsed by City Councillor James Ferrera of Springfield

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for Treasurer, today received the endorsement of Springfield At Large City Councillor James Ferrera, a Democrat. The endorsement was announced at an event sponsored by the campaign at O'Brien's Restaurant in Springfield.

Her campaign also announced the endorsement of Independents East Longmeadow Board of Selectmen Chair Paul Federici and Springfield Park Commissioner (and former 24-year City Councillor) Brian Santaniello.

Earlier this week, Polito held a media availability in Boston at which she announced the endorsement of numerous other high-profile Democrats and Independents from across the state.

Those endorsements included Norfolk County Treasurer Joseph Connolly, Bruce Hopper of Auburn (a three-time DNC convention organizer), Phil Palmieri of Worcester, Claire Freda of Leominster, and Rosa DiFlorio of Everett.

“As an independent-minded Republican, I am honored to have the support of these Democrats and Independents who are reaching across the aisle to support me,” said Polito. "I think the broad-based appeal of my campaign is due to a general desire for positive and meaningful change in our state."

Polito receives endorsement from law enforcement groups

The Polito for Treasurer campaign announced today that Karyn Polito has received the endorsement of the following law enforcement groups:

• The Fraternal Order of Police
• Massachusetts Police Association
• Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union
• Massachusetts State Police Commissioned Officers Association
• New England Police Benevolent Association

"I am honored to receive the support of these law enforcement groups," said Polito. "Police officers are true heroes, working hard every day to keep our streets and our families safe. I have tremendous respect for them and I am very thankful for all of their efforts. I also have been proud to work with them as a legislator on issues like passing Jessica's Law and ensuring strong local aid for cities and towns."

Democratic officials endorse Polito for Treasurer

Karyn Polito is running for state treasurer on a message of reform and responsible government. Her appeal for lower taxes, less government spending and better borrowing practices is receiving broad-based support, including from noteworthy Democrats.

Polito is sponsoring a visibility event with high-profile Democratic county officials and community leaders to showcase her campaign's bipartisan appeal.

“As an independent-minded Republican, I reached across the aisle on establishing the Red Sox license plate and Jessica’s Law, and I am honored to have the support of these Democrats who are reaching across the aisle to support me,” said Polito. "I think the broad-based appeal of my campaign is due to a general desire for positive and meaningful change in our state."

"This election shouldn’t be about party or politics," said Weymouth Democrat Town Councilor TJ Lacey. “It's about the need for our elected officials to bring transparency, accountability, and responsibility back into state government. That starts with having a leader in the treasurer's office who will advocate for the necessary reform required for Massachusetts to recover from the fiscal crisis we’re currently in. I believe Karyn Polito is that person."

Among the Democrats and Independents endorsing Karyn Polito this week are the following officials from across the Bay State:

• Joe Connolly, Norfolk County Treasurer
• Bruce Hopper (Auburn), three-time DNC convention organizer
• John Connolly (Canton)
• Paul Connors (Randolph)
• Rosa DiFlorio (Everett)
• Chris Fallon (Malden)
• Claire Freda (Leominster)
• Ken Giannelli (Everett)
• Greg Hargadon (Weymouth)
• Jerry Kelleher (Norwood)
• T.J. Lacey (Weymouth)
• Konnie Lukes (Worcester)
• Robert Maiocco (Medford)
• Joseph Martins (Fall River)
• Rosemary Miller (Everett)
• Joe Mokrisky (Stoughton)
• Phil Palmieri (Worcester)
• Brian Santinello (Springfield)
• Phil Travis (Rehoboth)
• Mark Zanger (Jamaica Plain)

Lowell Sun Endorses Karyn Polito for Treasurer

Click here for the original article...

The Lowell Sun
Updated: 10/26/2010 11:20:06 AM EDT

"Why did Gov. Deval Patrick, three months into the new fiscal year, get the Democrat-controlled Legislature to approve a $420 million supplemental spending bill to the $26.7 billion budget? Karyn Polito was the lone Republican who wanted to know. She drove to Beacon Hill each day from the campaign trail to hold up the bill until, one day caught in traffic, she arrived late to find that House Democrats used her absence to gavel in its approval. The bill included $11 million in pay raises for state workers and a mystery amendment that would allow private ambulance companies to do an end-around health-care insurers in order to pass on higher service fees to clients. A state representative from Shrewsbury, Polito was watching our backs when others were watching out for themselves. She has pledged not to take a pension, saying until elected officials are taken out of the pension system, they will continue to make votes and decisions that serve their own interests. She favors a 401(k) program for new state hires to end spiraling pension costs and adding to the state's $22 billion in unfunded liabilities. Polito believes fiscal responsibility and lower tax rates can stimulate the economy and job growth. Karyn Polito is The Sun's choice for state treasurer."

What People Are Saying About Our Campaign

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Boston Herald Endorses Karyn Polito for Treasurer

This afternoon, the Boston Herald officially announced its endorsement of Karyn Polito for the office of State Treasurer.

"...The edge goes to Polito, a hard-nosed fiscal conservative, who has pledged not to accept a state pension and will work to get all elected officials out of that system....

Reforming the way the current pension fund is managed - now with 130 outside active managers all collecting fees and 25 administrators on the state payroll, most of them collecting salaries of more than $100,000 plus bonuses - is also high on her to-do list.

Polito, who currently serves as a state rep from Shrewsbury, has earned a good deal of street cred for holding up a $400 million supplemental budget this month in the House - that is until a traffic jam proved her undoing.

It was a gutsy move - one that indicates she has what it takes to face down the spenders on Beacon Hill. And that alone deserves a vote."

To read the full endorsement, please click here.

Polito Demands Answers on Unexpected Pension Fund Gap

The state's pension obligations next year are set to cost taxpayers about $900 million more than the current year, and Karyn Polito yesterday asked the Patrick administration why this information was not disclosed to investors when the Commonwealth went to market over the summer with its most recent bond sales.

Polito sent a letter to Governor Patrick on Wednesday noting that the anticipated $900 million increase in the state's pension operating budget subsidy is much more than administration officials previously expected. In the letter, Polito questioned why financial prospectuses released by the administration over the summer projected a much smaller increase, and further requested that the administration clarify its disclosure in future bond deals. Polito also asked the Governor what plans he has to address the funding gap in the context of the $2 billion budget gap already projected for next year.

The full text of Polito's letter follows below:

October 20, 2010

Dear Governor Patrick:

According to the State House News Service ("State facing soaring pension funding gap," October 14, 2010), the state will have to raise the pension fund operating subsidy next year from $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2011 to $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2012 to stay on a 2025 funding schedule.

A $900 million increase would have a devastating impact on the state's already-fragile operating budget, which before this revelation was estimated to have a $2 billion structural deficit by your own Secretary of Administration and Finance, Jay Gonzalez. It is also alarming because it would create a new baseline for future years.

This increase in the pension fund appropriation is troubling. Over the summer, the state issued or refinanced over $500 million of debt and published two new official statements that did not disclose this information. However, despite noting in a table that official forecasts of a $1.5 billion pension subsidy were subject to a new schedule that was being worked on, the administration did not make any other suggestion of the potential significance of the increase. I would have expected that at least the table would have been flagged to investors as out-of-date, and that the administration was projecting a $800-$900 million increase in fiscal year 2012 and beyond.

Having initially failed to disclose the impact that the loss of assets will have on the pension fund and future funding schedules, you have now apparently instructed the Secretary of Administration and Finance to form a task force to begin developing strategies and recommendations for a new triennial schedule to be adopted for fiscal year 2012. I'm concerned that your re-election campaign is causing you to put off discussion of this topic until after the November 2 election.

I think it is important for the public and investors to have confidence that they are getting the whole fiscal picture from their Governor and state government. I am deeply concerned that state government act in a manner that is fully transparent and which completely discloses material information to the public. Therefore, I am formally requesting that you address this issue in your disclosure to investors whenever our state next borrows money. And, more importantly to taxpayers, I request that you immediately inform the public of your recommendations to deal with this pension fund issue and its effect on the fiscal year 2012 budget.

Sincerely,

Karyn Polito

Polito Endorsed by Worcester Telegram & Gazette

The Worcester Telegram and Gazette has officially announced its endorsement of Karyn Polito for the office of State Treasurer.

Shrewsbury’s Karyn Polito has earned a reputation as a tenacious advocate for better government. During 10 years as a state representative, she has been an outspoken leader of a vastly outnumbered band of Republicans, and worked tirelessly to shed greater light into the darker recesses of Beacon Hill politics....

The Telegram & Gazette endorses Karyn Polito for state treasurer because she has made a persuasive case that the current administration — including the current treasurer — has not done enough to address pension abuses and unfunded liabilities, to bring down the state’s debt, and to control spending....

A vote for Ms. Polito is a vote for positive change.

You can read the full endorsement here.

Statement of Karyn Polito on Supplemental Spending by the House

"Today I tried to amend the supplemental budget to remove $11 million in pay raises for public employees, but the leadership refused to accept the amendment and under the rules of the informal session I was not allowed even to request a roll call. There is something seriously wrong when $400 million in spending can be approved by the Legislature without a single word of debate or a recorded vote.

Over the period of time this bill has been making its way through the building, I have tried to call the public's attention to the manner in which business is conducted at the State House. Debate is discouraged, all the decisions are made behind closed doors without public participation, and when legitimate questions are raised, threats are issued to close prisons or shut down homeless shelters. Through my actions, I hope I have been able to shine a light on this dysfunctional and irresponsible process.

Now that the bill is moving to Governor Patrick's desk, I call on him to veto the public employee raises in the bill. Of all the new spending in the bill, the most egregious are the salary increases. Pay raises should not be considered now, when so many of our fellow citizens are either out of work or struggling to make ends meet. The veto is the only mechanism still left to instill responsibility in the process and protect taxpayers from inappropriately-timed spending."

Polito Launches New Television Ad

State Treasurer candidate Karyn Polito takes on Beacon Hill corruption in her newest television ad as she makes the case for “a whole new approach” in Massachusetts state government.



The ad makes use of the notorious FBI surveillance photos of former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson accepting a cash bribe as Polito asks, “Have you noticed how greed and self-interest come ahead of doing what’s right for the people?”

"We need a whole new approach," says Polito. "Like everyone else, I'm tired of wasteful spending, high taxes and corruption."

Polito repeats her “No Pensions for Politicians” proposal, which calls for taking future elected officials out of the public pension system. "We need to return to a citizen government," she says, "where elected office is a privilege and not a ticket to retirement riches." Polito also reiterates her personal pledge not to take a public pension.

Polito Asks Opponent to Clarify Position on In-state Tuition

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for treasurer, is asking her Democratic opponent to clarify his position on in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, according to documents released by the Polito campaign today.

In a letter to her Democratic opponent, Steve Grossman, Polito requests that Grossman reconcile inconsistent statements he has made regarding in-state tuition recently. (The full text of Polito's letter follows below.)

In 2006, State House News Service cited a letter from Steve Grossman to then House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi urging the Legislature to pass a bill to provide in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants.

"'Dear Sal,' wrote Grossman, a top Democrat, '...Beyond the addition to our education coffers, the In-State Tuition Bill would strengthen our workforce, position Massachusetts as a state that welcomes immigrants, and most importantly, allow hard working immigrant students the chance to realize their dreams of a college education.'" ("House to Address Series of Amendments on In-state Tuition Bill," Jim O'Sullivan, State House News Service, January 10, 2006.)

However, in a radio debate last week on Dan Rea's Nightside show (WBZ AM-1030), Grossman expressed his opposition to in-state tuition. (To hear what Grossman said, please click here for an excerpt. For full audio of the October 4 radio debate, please click here.)

"There's a clear difference between Steve Grossman and myself on the issue of providing benefits to illegal immigrants," said Polito. "My opponent, the former chairman of the Democratic Party, has long supported in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. I oppose giving public entitlement benefits to illegal immigrants because I think doing so disadvantages taxpayers and provides an incentive for people to break the law. My record stands for itself, and as treasurer, I will continue working to protect Massachusetts taxpayers first."

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

For more information about the campaign, please visit www.KarynPolito.com.

---

October 9, 2010

Mr. Steve Grossman

Former Democratic Party Chairman

30 Huntington Road

Newton, MA 02458

Dear Mr. Grossman:

I am writing you this short note to ask you to clarify your position on illegal immigration and taxpayer-provided benefits as there now appears to be some confusion based on your conflicting statements regarding this important issue.

In 2006, you wrote a letter to former House Speaker Sal DiMasi asking him to support the so-called “in-state tuition” bill, which would provide tax dollars to subsidize public college tuition for illegal immigrant students such that they would pay the same low rate afforded legal residents of the Commonwealth. In that letter, you said the in-state tuition bill “would strengthen our workforce, position Massachusetts as a state that welcomes immigrants, and most importantly, allow hard-working immigrant students the chance to realize their dreams of a college education.”

Yet, in a October 4th interview on WBZ’s “Nightside” show with Dan Rea, in response to a question from the host, you declared your opposition to the in-state tuition bill.

Steve, which is it? The voters deserve to know.

We all welcome legal immigration and recognize that it contributes to the vitality of our country. But I oppose giving public benefits to illegal immigrants because I think doing so flouts the rule of law and disadvantages taxpayers. It puts people who reside here illegally on an equal footing with law-abiding residents, and that’s wrong. In-state tuition is a magnet for illegal immigration, and we need to turn off the magnets. As candidates for Treasurer, we need to commit ourselves to the rule of law and to watching carefully the expenditure of public funds. My record stands for itself, and I’ll always endeavor to put the law and the interests of Massachusetts ahead of all other considerations.

Sincerely,

Karyn Polito

Statement of Karyn Polito on EBT Cash Benefits

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state treasurer, released the following statement today concerning published reports in the Boston Herald today regarding the use of Electronic Benefits Transfer cards by recipients of Department of Transitional Assistance programs:

“People are fed up with waste and overspending in government. If I'm elected state treasurer, I'll make sure that EBT cash benefits are used for legitimate purposes, not for lottery, alcohol and other non-essential items. The Patrick administration should ensure that these funds are being spent appropriately on behalf of the state's taxpayers."

Karyn Polito talks to VB on Fox25

Polito Campaign Launches New Radio Ad

The Karyn Polito for Treasurer campaign launched a new radio ad today that features interviews with people on the street talking about why Karyn Polito is the best candidate for treasurer.

The ad features everyday people talking about Polito's fiscal conservatism and her support for low taxes and less government spending, and her call for 'no pensions for politicians.'

"She is promising to be a watchdog for the people and crack down on business as usual," says one person in the ad.

"She's not taking a pension. That speaks volumes," says another.

"The taxpayers are the ones paying the bills, and it's time that Beacon Hill started living within its means... [Karyn] is somebody who will roll up her sleeves, go to work and really start doing the people's business," say other people in the ad.

Polito's ad is running on radio stations statewide. To listen to the ad online, please click here.

Polito Criticizes Opponent for His Support of Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state treasurer, today criticized her Democratic opponent for his long-standing support for granting in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants.

"There's a clear difference between Steve Grossman and myself on the issue of providing benefits to illegal immigrants," said Polito. "My opponent, the former chairman of the Democratic Party, has long supported in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. I oppose giving public entitlement benefits to illegal immigrants because I think doing so disadvantages taxpayers and provides an incentive for people to break the law. My record stands for itself, and as treasurer, I will continue working to protect Massachusetts taxpayers first."

In 2006, State House News Service cited a letter from Steve Grossman to then House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi urging the Legislature to pass a bill to provide in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants.

"'Dear Sal,' wrote Grossman, a top Democrat, '...Beyond the addition to our education coffers, the In-State Tuition Bill would strengthen our workforce, position Massachusetts as a state that welcomes immigrants, and most importantly, allow hard working immigrant students the chance to realize their dreams of a college education.'" ("House to Address Series of Amendments on In-state Tuition Bill," Jim O'Sullivan, State House News Service, January 10, 2006.)

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Polito Campaign Sponsors "Push to Victory Rally" In Worcester

SHREWSBURY – The Karyn Polito for Treasurer Campaign is hosting a special "Push to Victory Rally" in Worcester this evening.

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6 at the ITAM Club, located at 231 Lake Avenue, Worcester.

"I'm looking forward to this opportunity to spend time with residents from all around Massachusetts as we get ready for a busy month of campaigning before Election Day," said Polito. "I have spent the past few months traveling across the state, hearing from people about the need for a new culture on Beacon Hill and for an independent fiscal watchdog in the treasurer's office. I will continue to draw distinctions between myself and my opponent on these fronts over the next few weeks, and I will remind people that I am the only fiscally-conservative candidate for treasurer."

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Polito sends letter to House and Senate Leaders against $400 million spending bill

State Representative Karyn Polito (R - Shrewsbury) sent the following letter to House and Senate leadership today expressing her objections to the $400 million supplemental spending bill and her disappointment that House leaders passed the bill notwithstanding her objections and despite the fact she arrived in the House Chamber mere moments after session began this morning:

---

October 4, 2010

The Honorable Robert A. DeLeo
Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
The State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Speaker DeLeo:

A little over a week ago, the House Ways and Means Committee reported a $400 million supplemental spending bill (now House Bill 5028) for consideration by the House of Representatives.

I have objected to the passage of this bill at several informal sessions over the past week for the purpose of exposing a fundamental problem on Beacon Hill – that the legislative process is dysfunctional and that as a state we continue to add to our budget problems instead of coming up with a plan to address our growing deficit. Even if leadership will eventually get what they want on this bill in informal sessions, that doesn’t mean I can’t shine a light on the conduct of business as usual at the State House and explain why it is wrong.

Informal Sessions Should Not Be Used to Spend Money This Way

The supplemental spending bill unilaterally spends several hundred million dollars and enacts over one hundred separate changes to our general and special laws. Yet, under the rules of informal sessions, there can be no debate and no roll calls. We should not pass hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending in an informal session where the number of legislative staff in the Chamber is greater than the number of legislators participating in the process on behalf of their constituents.

We Need A Plan To Address Future Budget Shortfalls Now

Massachusetts is facing a budget shortfall in Fiscal Year 2012 that is estimated to be at least $2 billion. Bridging this budget gap will be one of the most challenging tasks our state leaders have faced in many years.

I believe we must consider any new spending within this larger context. Every dollar we add to the budget today adds to the deficit next year. We must be mindful not to create pressure for future tax increases.

We Are Spending Money Too Early In The Fiscal Year

Another concern with the budget is that we are spending hundreds of millions of dollars a mere 90 days after we passed the FY2011 state budget. Accounts in the FY2011 budget – particularly those serving vulnerable populations – should have been properly funded originally without reliance on speculative federal dollars. I believe it is a fair question to ask why we are increasing budget appropriations substantially with one-time federal dollars. It's also fair to ask why the budget we passed – and which was heralded for meeting the needs of our citizens – is now so deficient that we have to supplement it with additional spending so early in the fiscal year. Unfortunately, I have no opportunity to ask these questions and to have them answered in an informal session.

Spending Priorities Are Out-of-balance

Among the new spending called for in the supplement budget bill is $11 million in pay raises for public employees. I have spoken with people across the Commonwealth who are struggling to make ends meet, and one of the few things they can agree on is that now is not the time for public sector employees to get a pay raise. Saying that these raises are part of collective bargaining agreements that must be funded ignores the role of the Legislature in ratifying these agreements as being in the best interest of the people of Massachusetts.

We Need to Protect Taxpayers

Throughout my legislative career, my primary concern has been to protect Massachusetts taxpayers, and this has been my same goal this past week. In a good faith effort to move matters forward, I made several offers of compromise to your leadership this past week. One of my offers was to fund necessary accounts on a temporary six-month basis so we can resume deliberation of supplemental spending when a new Legislature resumes formal sessions in January. I separately requested that you defer consideration of any pay raises until later in the fiscal year when the full Chamber can debate it.

It is disappointing but frankly not surprising that my offers of fair compromise were summarily rejected by your leadership.

Despite my best efforts to be at session this morning at exactly 10:00 a.m., I was delayed by traffic and arrived moments after session started, only to find that the bill had already been passed and sent to the Senate. While there is little I can do to stop that, I am determined to speak out against the unnecessary spending and poor process represented by this bill, and I will continue to advocate for greater fiscal responsibility to address our budgetary problems.

I ask that you share my concerns with all the members.

Sincerely,

Karyn Polito, State Representative
11th Worcester District

cc: Therese Murray, President of the Senate
Charles Murphy, Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee
Steven Panagiotakos, Chairman, Senate Ways and Means Committee
Bradley H. Jones, Jr., House Minority Leader
Richard R. Tisei, Senate Minority Leader

Polito continues to stand her ground against $400 million in new spending on Beacon Hill

For the fifth day in a row, state Rep. Karyn Polito continued today to single-handedly block hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Polito, R-Shrewsbury, sat in the House chamber for more than seven hours today as Democratic leaders waited for her to give up her opposition to the supplemental spending bill. Because the House is in informal session, an objection from a single member can stop legislation from moving forward.

Polito remained in her seat all day in the virtually empty chamber, with leadership aides allowing her a single trip to the restroom.

House budget leaders released the spending bill to members over the weekend, but will not allow members to debate the bill. Polito has made multiple compromise offers, including a plan to cut the spending in half and provide six months of spending until January formal sessions resume. She also offered to allow the bill to move forward if millions of dollars in pay raises for state workers were deferred. Both compromises were rejected.

"I'm here today for the taxpayers," Polito said. "A bill of this size and scope needs to be debated. Spending hundreds of millions of dollars and setting such expansive new policy is something that is clearly beyond the scope of an 'informal' session. I've offered reasonable compromises to help move this bill forward, but those offers have been summarily rejected despite their fairness. I will sit here until 9 p.m. tonight when House Rules require an adjournment. I will not make it easy for the majority party to pass hundreds of millions of dollars of spending in an informal session."

Statement of Karyn Polito on Comments by Steve Grossman Related to the Murders in Mattapan

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for State Treasurer, issued the following statement this afternoon in response to comments by her opponent, Democrat Steve Grossman, tying Polito's efforts to block a supplemental spending bill in the House of Representatives to the quadruple homicide in Mattapan earlier this week:

"For Steve Grossman to politicize the murders of four people for his own selfish political ends is despicable. It's well known that Steve Grossman supports higher spending and more taxes, but that does not mean those opposed to his tax-and-spend views are somehow complicit in the murders that took place in Mattapan this week."

Grossman's comments were made on Thursday to the State House News Service:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/allston/newsnow/x55985412/House-GOP-agree-to-spending-bill-Polito-keeps-it-on-hold

Statement of Karyn Polito on Supplemental Budget Spending by the House

"I'm extremely disappointed by the political gamesmanship on display in the House of Representatives this week, but I can't say I'm surprised.

Sadly, spending hundreds of millions of dollars without debate or the opportunity for amendment appears to have become business as usual on Beacon Hill. This supplemental spending bill includes loads of new spending for agencies beyond what the Legislature approved only 90 days ago. It funds $11 million of pay raises for public employees and it includes over a hundred outside sections setting new policy for our state.

We all know this is not the time to be handing out pay raises, when so many people in the private sector are hurting and struggling to make ends meet. Debating these decisions and reaching a consensus is why we have a Legislature in the first place. But this bill is not open to such treatment. That's wrong for Massachusetts taxpayers, and it's bad precedent for our democratic process.

We face a $2 billion budget shortfall next year, and the spending decisions we make right now have a profound effect on our ability to address that gap without new taxes. For the third straight day, I have objected to this half-billion-dollar spending bill moving forward out of deep concern for its effects on Massachusetts taxpayers. I have had discussions with House Ways and Means Chairman Murphy on how to pare back the spending in the bill. Today, I offered to remove my objections to the bill's passage if the Democrats would agree to defer the collective bargaining agreements. That was rejected.

I have been assured by my Republican colleagues that an objection will be in place for the remainder of the evening and that no action will be taken on the bill tonight. As for tomorrow, I will be back at the Statehouse to continue discussions with my colleagues."

Polito Criticizes Steve Grossman's Support for Graduated Income Tax

State Treasurer candidate Karyn Polito today criticized her opponent, former Democratic Party chairman Steve Grossman, for his continued support for a graduated income tax in Massachusetts.

"Steve Grossman’s support for a graduated income tax is just another Beacon Hill money grab by the tax-and-spend crowd. The graduated income tax would raise taxes on middle-income families that are struggling to make ends meet in this recession. It was bad enough that Steve Grossman donated $25,000 of his own money to stop the income tax rollback in 2000. Now, we learn he supports raising the tax on a graduated basis. As treasurer, I’ll fight to keep taxes low."

Statement of Karyn Polito on Supplemental Spending Bill

"Massachusetts faces a fiscal crisis. Governor Deval Patrick is asking us to add to the state budget by approving almost a half billion dollars in new spending -- without debate, without the possibility of anyone offering amendments, and without recording anyone’s vote on the matter. This is no time for business as usual. I registered my objection to the spending bill in the Ways and Means Committee. I am not a rubber stamp for Deval Patrick or anyone else. Because of the extraordinary financial situation we find ourselves in today, and because we are facing a multi-billion dollar deficit in the next fiscal year, I am asking that the Legislature return to formal session for the purpose of debating this spending bill. Alternatively, we can either wait three months for the resumption of formal sessions or consider a pared-down bill containing only the spending that is considered essential. To do anything else would be irresponsible."

Statement of Karyn Polito on Bill Clinton's Visit to Boston for Steve Grossman

"It's not surprising that Bill Clinton would pay a visit to his former Democratic Party chairman, Steve Grossman. Over the years, Grossman has given millions of dollars to Democratic Party causes. In 1995, during Clinton's first term, in return for those political donations, Grossman was invited to sleep overnight at the White House. His involvement in the Lincoln Bedroom scandal is another reason why Steve Grossman is too compromised by party politics to be an independent watchdog in the state treasurer's office."

Polito Challenges Grossman on Lottery Payouts

SHREWSBURY - Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for Treasurer, is challenging her Democratic rival Steve Grossman on his position to lower prize payouts from the state Lottery, according to documents released by the campaign today.

According to Polito, during Grossman's unsuccessful run for Governor in 2002, Grossman advocated reducing payouts from the state Lottery by about $175 million as a way to save money during the state's last fiscal crisis. However, Polito notes that our state Lottery is one of the most successful lotteries anywhere in the nation, and reducing prize payouts would remove incentive for people to play. In turn, that would decrease the amount of money the Lottery generates for local aid, reducing payments to Massachusetts cities and towns.

On Monday, Polito sent a letter to Grossman, asking him to clarify his position, as follows:

Karyn Polito
11 Coachman Ridge Road
Shrewsbury, MA 01545

September 20, 2010

Mr. Steve Grossman
Former Chairman of the Democratic Party
30 Huntington Road
Newton, MA 02458

Dear Mr. Grossman:

Please accept my congratulations for your primary victory last week. I look forward to meeting you in one-on-one debates where we can discuss the important challenges facing the next generation of political leadership on Beacon Hill. I believe the voters deserve to know the differences I have with you, particularly with regard to the tax-and-spend philosophy you advocated and promoted as a former chairman of the state and national Democratic Party.

There is one issue that cannot wait for our next debate, however. One of the most important duties of Treasurer is to oversee the state Lottery. Cities and towns that receive Lottery revenue to pay for local expenses are counting on it. So, too, are the many Lottery players whose customer loyalty has made us the most successful lottery in the country.

That is why I am extremely concerned with a proposal you made during the state’s last fiscal crisis to cut the prize payouts for Lottery players by $175 million. This would have an extremely negative impact on player participation, leading to a significant potential loss of revenue through lower Lottery sales.

Taking $175 million in prizes away from Lottery players is irresponsible because it would damage the success of the Massachusetts State Lottery. One of the reasons for the Lottery’s success is the generous prize structure, which returns about 70% to the players.

Last year, the Lottery provided over $900 million in unrestricted local aid to cities and towns. We can build on that record by maintaining the current prize structure. For that reason, I hope you will reconsider your position of lowering Lottery payouts to winners.

I look forward to your answer.

Sincerely,
Karyn Polito

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Polito Goes "On the Record" With Her Opponent

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for Treasurer, is on WCVB's "On the Record" show this week to debate her Democratic rival, Steve Grossman.

The half-hour long debate will air on Channel 5 at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning, September 19.

Alternatively, you can watch the video on-line at this link: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/25035089/detail.html

And here is a wrap-up of the debate from the Milford Daily News:

Polito, a Republican state representative from Shrewsbury, said she has stood up against higher taxes and wasteful spending throughout her career. She frequently spoke out against what she described as a culture on Beacon Hill that raises taxes and increases spending.

"We need a whole new approach," said Polito, who ran unopposed in Tuesday's primary for the Republican nomination.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1902483927/State-treasurer-candidates-Polito-Grossman-trade-punches 

Polito draws sharp contrast with Grossman on taxes

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state Treasurer, sharpened the contrast with her Democratic opponent Steve Grossman today, casting Grossman as "a former state and national Democratic Party chairman who has made a career out of defending higher taxes and more spending, and who promises to be a social activist as treasurer."

Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Boston, Polito referred to Grossman as a "Beacon Hill insider" who feels strongly about maintaining the status quo with respect to high taxation in Massachusetts.

According to Polito, Grossman personally donated $25,000 to the "Campaign for Massachusetts' Future" in 2000, which was the campaign organized to oppose that year's income tax rollback ballot question.

Speaking of Grossman's contribution to stop the income tax rollback, Polito said, "This is not the act of a mere activist. This is the action of a person who is personally invested in making sure taxes remain high on the citizens of Massachusetts." She emphasized the point by pointing to a mock check for $25,000 made out by Steve Grossman to "Insiders on Beacon Hill" to "stop the income tax rollback."

Polito also contends that Grossman's contribution is a sign of how she and Grossman differ on the issue of taxation. "Steve Grossman has spent his political career looking out for his fellow Democrats. Steve and the politicians at the State House have a view that they can treat the taxpayers like their own personal ATM machine whenever they need more money to pay for their bigger budgets. By contrast, I have spent my career looking out for the taxpayers. I believe the best way to create jobs is by reducing the state’s tax burden on individuals and businesses so people can keep more of the money they make and spend it on goods and services that will help grow the economy."

Karyn Polito Addresses PERAC Forum

SHREWSBURY – Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state Treasurer, called for an end to pensions for newly-elected state officials and for reform of the state retirement system for future employees in an address this morning to the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC).

Polito spoke extensively of her fiscally-conservative philosophy and her concerns related to the sustainability of the Massachusetts retirement system in the face of a $22 billion unfunded pension liability and $15 billion in unfunded retiree health care expenses. "State government has become an increasing drag on the economy," Polito said. "Our politicians have become addicted to spending and borrowing excessively - which has led to higher and higher taxes and fewer and fewer jobs for our residents."

Polito said these issues demonstrate the pressing need for reform of the retirement system, beyond the superficial reforms proposed by her opponent. "Recent efforts at 'pension reform' did nothing to address the bottom line of budget difficulties and our unfunded pension liability. What we need is systemic reform going forward for new state workers. The discussion should be about how we set priorities as a state and how we come up with real solution to the problems we face."

During her remarks to PERAC's Emerging Issues Forum for Massachusetts Retirement Board Members and Administrators, Polito made it clear that she is not seeking to change the benefit structure that is already in place for current state employees and retirees. However, she did set forth a new approach to our public retirement system for the next generation of our state's workforce.

To start, Polito called for an end to the practice of providing guaranteed public pensions to newly-elected state politicians. "We cannot begin a meaningful dialogue; we cannot achieve meaningful reform, so long as politics and conflicts of interest cloud the decision-making of the decision-makers."

For all other newly-hired workers, Polito proposed moving state employees from a defined benefit system to a new, 401(k)-like system that guarantees a rate of return on investment. "We could provide an adequate and secure benefit to state employees, while reducing the state's exposure to a down market," Polito said. She added that the state could reduce its pension exposure by about 1.25 percent each year, saving Massachusetts billions of dollars down the road.

The full text of Polito's remarks is available on her Web site. To download, please click on this link.

Polito Campaign Launches First Television Ad

Karyn Polito today launched her first television ad, just one day after the state primary.



Opening scenes of the ad feature Polito at home with her family and working at the small business her family runs. "I'm a mom, a small business owner, a fighter for my community," says Polito. Later scenes show Polito greeting people in Boston's historic North End neighborhood, which is where her great-grandfather lived.

"I want to keep the American Dream alive with fewer taxes, less spending, more jobs," says Polito. She also refers to her proposal for 'no pensions for politicians', whereby she advocates taking guaranteed state pensions away from newly-elected state officials. The ad finishes with a pledge to voters: "I'm not in this race to help myself, but to work for you."

The ad is running statewide on broadcast and cable television.

Statement of Karyn Polito on Democratic Primary Results

"The treasurer's election offers voters a clear contrast. Steve Grossman is a former Democratic Party chairman who has made a career out of defending higher taxes and more spending, and who promises to be a social activist as treasurer. I am a political outsider and fiscal conservative who will invest our tax dollars with the singular purpose of achieving the maximum financial return."

Karyn Polito Campaign Primary Night Celebration

SHREWSBURY - The Karyn Polito for Treasurer campaign is scheduled to hold a primary night celebration this evening at 7:30 p.m. at Big Papi's Grille (Route 9 East, Framingham).

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Governor Romney Endorses Karyn Polito for State Treasurer

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney formally announced his support of Karyn Polito for state Treasurer today.

“When I was Governor, I could count on Karyn Polito to stand with me when it came to keeping taxes low and cutting wasteful spending. She is a fiscal conservative who’s not afraid to take on the political machine. As Treasurer, Karyn will be a watchdog for the people, and we need more people like her in state government,” said Romney.

"I am honored to have the support of Governor Romney, and I appreciate him joining me in Natick today," said Polito. "Governor Romney was a strong fiscal manager when he was Governor. He balanced the budget, kept taxes low and left behind a $2 billion rainy day fund that has helped us get through the economic downturn. Massachusetts still needs those same fiscally conservative principles today, and I will bring that philosophy to the Treasurer's office."

For more information, please visit www.KarynPolito.com.

Rudy Giuliani Endorses Polito for Treasurer

"America's Mayor" Rudy Giuliani formally endorsed Karyn Polito for state treasurer during an appearance in Boston today.

"I enthusiastically endorse Karyn Polito in her bid for treasurer because of a proven track record of fiscal conservatism, a 'good government' approach to public service and a bona fide independence that uniquely qualifies her to be a fiscal watchdog for the people of Massachusetts," said Giuliani.

Giuliani hosted a fundraising event for Polito in the middle of Boston's historic North End neighborhood. Afterwards, Polito and Giuliani walked down Hanover Street and chatted with local business owners and neighborhood residents.

"I have tremendous respect for Mayor Giuliani, and I greatly appreciate his support for my campaign," said Polito. "We had a great talk with people and had a wonderful opportunity to speak about issues that concern them, particularly the need for greater responsibility and fiscal conservatism in government that will result in lower taxes and job growth."

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Governor Romney to join Karyn Polito in Natick on Sept. 10

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is scheduled to host a breakfast in support of Karyn Polito in Natick on September 10.

The breakfast will take place on Friday, September 10th from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1360 Worcester Street, Natick.



For a copy of the invitation, please click here.

"America's Mayor" Rudy Giuliani to join Karyn Polito in Boston's North End on Sept. 9

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is planning a special trip to Boston's historic North End in support of Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state treasurer.

Giuliani will headline a fundraising breakfast for Polito on Thursday, September 9. (For a copy of the invitation, please click here.) Following the event, Giuliani and Polito will tour Hanover Street to meet with local business owners and to greet neighborhood residents.



"I can't wait to visit the North End with Mayor Giuliani," said Polito. "I have tremendous respect for the mayor and for everything he has done in his career. In particular, I am looking forward to welcoming him to the North End on September 9 and to walking along Hanover Street with him. I greatly appreciate Mayor Giuliani's support for my campaign."

Polito is no stranger to the North End. She has made several campaign stops in the neighborhood since announcing her race for treasurer in March, and she has family ties to the North End dating back to her great grandparents. She is also very proud of her Italian heritage, which was recognized last year when she was named "Outstanding Italian" Grand Marshal of the Worcester Columbus Day Parade.

Recently, Polito joined former Governor Paul Cellucci on a visit to the North End for the Italian Religious Festival in honor of Santa Lucia and the Benvenuti Parade.

Web video: Senator Brown endorses Karyn Polito for state treasurer

SHREWSBURY - The Karyn Polito for Treasurer campaign released a new Internet video today showcasing United States Senator Scott Brown's endorsement of Polito this week.




Brown officially announced his support for Polito in Boston on August 25, where he hosted an evening fundraiser for Polito's campaign at the Liberty Hotel.

"I don't give my endorsement lightly," says Brown in the video. "I think very long and hard about it. And based on her track record, her experience, and her ideas to help be a 'watchdog,' Karyn will bring a new energy, a new thoughtfulness to this office, and she really wants to bring common sense and fiscal sense back to Beacon Hill."

"With Senator Brown's election, we told Washington we're tired of wasteful spending, higher taxes and big government. Now we have a chance to send that same message to the State House," said Polito.

"Scott Brown's election to the United States Senate in January signified a new beginning for Massachusetts because it represents a break from the politics of the past, which has given us deficits, high taxes and fewer jobs. I am grateful for Senator Brown's support of my campaign and I appreciate his assistance."

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Senator Brown endorses Karyn Polito for Massachusetts State Treasurer

BOSTON - United States Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass.) is lending his support to his former colleague and Republican candidate for state treasurer, Rep. Karyn Polito.

Brown officially announced his support for Polito in Boston tonight, where he hosted an evening fundraiser for Polito's campaign at the Liberty Hotel.

"With Senator Brown's election, we told Washington we're tired of wasteful spending, higher taxes and big government. Now we have a chance to send that same message to the State House," said Polito. "Scott Brown's election to the United States Senate in January signified a new beginning for Massachusetts because it represents a break from the politics of the past, which has given us deficits, high taxes and fewer jobs. I am grateful for Senator Brown's support of my campaign and I appreciate his assistance."

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Karyn Polito visits New Balance facility in Lawrence

LAWRENCE - Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state treasurer, visited Lawrence on Wednesday, August 25, to tour the New Balance manufacturing facility on South Union Street.

"New Balance is a major employer in our state, and visiting their facility highlights how important it is for Massachusetts to provide a better climate to attract quality manufacturing and design jobs here," Polito said. "As Treasurer, I would work hard to promote a more positive business environment through lower taxes and more commonsense business regulations. People in Lawrence, who face our state's highest jobless rate of 17.1 percent, know all too well how essential it is for our state to grow jobs."

After the tour, Polito spoke highly of New Balance, its employees and particularly its management style. "New Balance provides a unique working environment where each associate is valued and integral to the company overall," said Polito. "I was proud to meet the hardworking people who contribute to the success of the operation. New Balance is an example of a company that really gets it right."

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Senator Brown endorses Karyn Polito for state treasurer

BOSTON - United States Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass.) is lending his support to his former colleague and Republican candidate for state treasurer, Rep. Karyn Polito.

Brown will officially announce his support for Polito in Boston on August 25, where he will host an evening fundraiser for Polito's campaign at the Liberty Hotel.

"With Senator Brown's election, we told Washington we're tired of wasteful spending, higher taxes and big government. Now we have a chance to send that same message to the State House," said Polito. "Scott Brown's election to the United States Senate in January signified a new beginning for Massachusetts because it represents a break from the politics of the past, which has given us deficits, high taxes and fewer jobs. I am grateful for Senator Brown's support of my campaign and I appreciate his assistance."

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Karyn Polito Visits Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce "Coffee With The Candidate" Program

PLYMOUTH - Karyn Polito spoke to members of the Plymouth area business community at this morning's Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce "Coffee With The Candidate" program.

Polito discussed her candidacy and discussed current hot topics on Beacon Hill.

Karyn Polito is the Republican candidate running for the office of state treasurer. A former selectman and lottery commissioner, she currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development and resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children ages 5 and 7.

Letter from Karyn Polito on Federal Financial Relief

Attached, please find the text of a letter Karyn Polito sent to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, House Speaker DeLeo and Senate President Murray today requesting that no action be taken on federal financial aid legislation unless the Legislature returns to formal session and there is a debate on the matter.

Earlier today, Polito released the following statement regarding such aid:

"It is good news that the Commonwealth is on the verge of receiving a $655 million windfall from the federal government as part of a financial aid package for the states. Since the Legislature and Governor have already put in place a balanced budget for the current fiscal year, I believe the fiscally responsible course for us to take is to deposit the payment into the state’s Rainy Day Fund. The last thing we should do is to restore spending cuts that have already been made, especially at a time when we are still faced with a weak economy and enormous budget-balancing challenges next year. Adding $655 million of spending to our budget this year will only add that much more difficulty to dealing with the $2 billion shortfall expected next year.

I also believe it would be wrong to make spending decisions of this magnitude without a full debate involving all the members of the House and Senate. Therefore, I request that the Speaker and the Senate President call the Legislature back into formal session so we can discuss this important matter. We should not add spending in an informal session with no debate."

The full text of Polito's letter follows below:


August 5, 2010

Steven T. James, Clerk of the House
House of Representatives
The State House, Room 145
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Mr. Clerk:

According to published reports, the federal government is nearing final passage of legislation that could release $655 million of federal funding to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Reports further indicate that it is the intention of the Governor to file legislation to spend these funds if received, presumably in the form of a supplemental spending bill.

I am writing this letter to formally record with your office my objections to this legislation, if it is filed. I firmly believe that the Legislature should not add spending to the FY 2011 budget in an informal session without a full debate involving all legislators. With this in mind, I am requesting that no action be taken on such legislation unless the session is called back and there is a debate on this important matter.

As for my personal preference, I believe that the last thing we should do is to restore spending cuts that have already been made, especially at a time when we are still faced with a weak economy and enormous budget-balancing challenges next year. Adding $655 million of spending to our budget this year will only add that much more difficulty to dealing with the $2 billion shortfall expected next year. Instead, we should be rebuilding our Rainy Day Fund in preparation for more difficult times next year.

Whereas the time for formal sessions of the House and Senate has currently expired under Joint Rule 12A, I am requesting that your office notify the members immediately upon the filing of any legislation relative to this matter. I further request that the members be provided with at least 24 hours of notice if such legislation is scheduled to be considered by the House.

Thank you for your cooperation in this regard.

Sincerely,

Karyn E. Polito
11th Worcester District

cc: Robert DeLeo, Speaker of the House
Therese Murray, President of the Senate

Statement of Karyn Polito on Federal Financial Relief

"It is good news that the Commonwealth is on the verge of receiving a $655 million windfall from the federal government as part of a financial aid package for the states. Since the Legislature and Governor have already put in place a balanced budget for the current fiscal year, I believe the fiscally responsible course for us to take is to deposit the payment into the state’s Rainy Day Fund. The last thing we should do is to restore spending cuts that have already been made, especially at a time when we are still faced with a weak economy and enormous budget-balancing challenges next year. Adding $655 million of spending to our budget this year will only add that much more difficulty to dealing with the $2 billion shortfall expected next year.

I also believe it would be wrong to make spending decisions of this magnitude without a full debate involving all the members of the House and Senate. Therefore, I request that the Speaker and the Senate President call the Legislature back into formal session so we can discuss this important matter. We should not add spending in an informal session with no debate."

Polito to Speak at SBANE Political Roundtable Series

WALTHAM – Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state treasurer, is the featured guest at the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) Political Roundtable Series tomorrow, August 3.

The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will take place in the Edgartown Room at SBANE’s offices, located at 1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 212, Waltham.

A former selectman and lottery commissioner, Polito currently serves as a state representative for the 11th Worcester District. An attorney by trade, she helps run a century-old family business that specializes in commercial real estate development. She resides in her hometown of Shrewsbury with husband Steve and two children, ages 5 and 7.

“I am looking forward to this opportunity to speak with some of the small business owners who make our state’s economy tick,” said Polito.

Statement of Karyn Polito Regarding the Final Expanded Gaming Bill

"It is unfortunate for Massachusetts residents that the Legislature could not find a way to look past special interests to come up with an expanded gaming bill that puts Massachusetts first.

The bill before us is a giveaway to racetracks and a disappointment to taxpayers.

Since the beginning of this debate, I have consistently said that the only right way to bring expanded gaming to Massachusetts is through an open and competitive bidding process that maximizes return for taxpayers. Sadly, this bill fails to deliver. What the authors of the bill call 'competition for slot machines' is actually a rigged system that closes the door to everyone but the tracks. Although I support the enhanced revenue, job creation and local aid possibilities expanded gaming represents, I can't approve of something that hands one of the most lucrative licenses our state has ever awarded to a favored special interest.

I encourage Governor Patrick to return the bill to the Legislature with an amendment establishing a real competitive bidding process for slot machine licenses, one that is open to everyone and that will generate the best deal for the Commonwealth."

Karyn Polito Sends Letter to Gov. Patrick on Senator Kerry Tax Payments

Karyn Polito sent a letter to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick yesterday asking him to direct the state Department of Revenue to immediately investigate whether there is any sales and use tax or excise tax due the Commonwealth from Senator John Kerry’s purchase and ownership of the yacht "Isabel."

The full text of the letter follows below:

- - - - -

July 26, 2010

His Excellency Deval Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
The State House, Room 360
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Governor Patrick:

Last week, the Boston Herald reported that United States Senator John Kerry has engaged in a scheme to avoid the payment of taxes on his deluxe, 76-foot New Zealand-built Friendship sloop called “Isabel.”

According to the report, Kerry has chosen to berth the boat in Newport, Rhode Island, even though he is a coastal resident of Massachusetts and maintains homes in Boston and Nantucket. As a result, Senator Kerry did not pay sales or use tax to the Commonwealth when he purchased the yacht, nor does he pay local annual excise taxes. Based on the reported purchase price of $7 million, Senator Kerry will save almost $500,000 in sales tax and another $70,000 in local excise tax.

I am writing to request that you direct the Department of Revenue to immediately investigate whether there is any sales and use tax or excise tax due the Commonwealth from Senator Kerry’s purchase and ownership of the Isabel. There are two important reasons that this investigation be carried out immediately.

First, nobody is above the law. In order for the public to have confidence in the fair administration of our tax system, the law needs to be applied evenly, without regard to status or position. For you to look the other way, or minimize this issue, would do serious injury to the notion that we are all equal before the law. Second, Massachusetts is in the midst of a financial crisis where deep cuts in services have become commonplace. The nearly half-million dollars that Senator Kerry potentially owes the Commonwealth can be used to restore cuts to worthwhile programs that provide healthcare, shelter and clothing to the poor.

Senator Kerry should not be allowed to exempt himself from paying taxes in Massachusetts by moving high-value property he owns out-of-state. I hope you order the investigation into this matter, and speak out on the need to assure we all play by the same rules.

Sincerely,


Karyn Polito

Statement of Karyn Polito on Senator Kerry Tax Payments

"In the interest of fairness to all taxpayers, and in order to collect the revenue it may be owed, the state Department of Revenue should undertake an immediate investigation of whether Senator Kerry sought to avoid the payment of Massachusetts sales and excise taxes in the purchase of his boat, 'Isabel.' No person is above the law. For people to have confidence that the law is being applied equally, they need to be reassured that Senator Kerry is not receiving favorable treatment."

Statement of Karyn Polito on Recent Massachusetts Bond Ratings

“The recent bond rating by Moody's shows that what's good for Wall Street isn't necessarily good for Massachusetts taxpayers living on Main Street. While Beacon Hill politicians want to pat themselves on the back, the fact is they achieved that rating by taxing Massachusetts residents and raiding the Rainy Day Fund. That isn't something to celebrate. Ratings don't tell the whole story. What's more important to taxpayers is that we cut back on the excessive spending and borrowing that costs them too much money.”

Statement of Karyn Polito on Municipal Legislation Considered by House

"The 'municipal relief' bill passed by the House today is a sham. It does not contain the real money-saving measures that Massachusetts cities and towns need.

Most notably, the bill does not give city and town managers the ability to implement health care savings outside of collective bargaining. That change would save substantial taxpayer dollars. Without it, the bill is essentially meaningless."

STATEMENT OF KARYN POLITO ON COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR GAMING LICENSES

“Earlier this year, I took the lead in pushing for an open and competitive bidding process for the award of any expanded gaming licenses, including licenses for slot machines. That's the only fair way to ensure we take full advantage of the opportunity before us. Racetrack owners should not get any automatic license, preference, or inside advantage. I am pleased that Governor Patrick realizes the importance of competitive bidding in the context of expanded gaming, and I will strongly urge House-Senate conferees to include a competitive process for all licenses in the final gaming bill.”

KARYN POLITO TALKS ABOUT REAL PENSION REFORM ON FOX-25

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state treasurer, appeared on WFXT Fox-25 tonight to discuss the issue of pension reform, and specifically her 'no pensions for politicians' proposal.

Please click below to watch the video.

STATEMENT OF KARYN POLITO CALLING ON THE LEGISLATURE TO SUSPEND SUMMER RECESS AND RETURN TO WORK ON BUDGET

"The state budget Governor Patrick signed into law yesterday is a ticking time bomb for the taxpayers of Massachusetts. It relies on too much borrowing and one-time gimmicks. It is almost completely lacking in any serious structural reform. These are critical times. For that reason, I am calling on House Speaker DeLeo and Senate President Murray to suspend legislative rules and hold formal sessions of the General Court throughout this summer dedicated solely to the budget. We need to evaluate every spending program in the budget. If a program is not working, it should be eliminated. If it is not a core service, it should be re-evaluated. The last thing we should do is to ignore the obvious problems in our budget and pretend that we've solved them."

STATEMENT OF KARYN POLITO ON THE STATE BUDGET

"The budget is held together with baling wire and bubble gum. Instead of dealing honestly with our fiscal problems, this budget puts off the hard and necessary decisions that confront us until after the next election. The truth is the spending cuts aren't big enough and there's too many one-time gimmicks and accounting tricks. The majority party is obviously backing themselves into another major tax increase next year by not cutting far enough. We need deeper, across-the-board spending cuts, and we need them now or we risk a much larger debt burden, higher taxes and even bigger cuts down the road."

Karyn Polito goes "On the Record"

Karyn Polito appeared on WCVB Channel 5 this morning on the "On the Record" show.

She had an opportunity to speak about her campaign and different policies she has announced, including her call for 'no pensions for politicians,' and her plans for debt management, ethics at the treasury and investment of pension funds.

Please click on the links below to view the video:

"On the Record" - Video Segment One

"On the Record" - Video Segment Two

POLITO APPEARS ON "GREATER BOSTON"

Karyn Polito appeared on WGBH's "Greater Boston" this evening to discuss the race for State Treasurer and her policy proposals.

Please click below to watch the video:



WGBH "Greater Boston" Web site

POLITO CALLS FOR MORATORIUM ON NEW NON-EMERGENCY CAPITAL PROJECTS

BOSTON—Citing Massachusetts’ growing dependence on borrowing and its status as a state with among the highest per-capita debt loads in the nation, State Treasurer candidate Karyn Polito called today for a moratorium on new, non-emergency capital projects.

“We need to get our priorities straight and stop adding to the mountainous pile of debt we are amassing for our children and grandchildren,” Polito said. “There are always certain emergency repairs that need to be made, and we should honor those responsibilities. But we must hold off on borrowing money for other projects until state leaders can agree on a borrowing plan that’s sustainable and affordable.”

The Patrick administration’s five-year capital investment plan increases debt-related spending at a 7.5 percent compound annual growth rate. Meanwhile, personal income has only risen at 3.3 percent over the past five years.

In a policy paper released today, Polito calls for a complete assessment of state non-transportation capital needs before additional non-emergency debt spending is approved. She also calls for senior state officials to meet regularly for the purpose of deciding the appropriate amount of debt for the state to take on. And, she vows to stand in the way of issuing any debt whenever she disagrees with the terms of the borrowing, as a way to protect Massachusetts taxpayers.

Currently, Massachusetts is rated by Wall Street as having the second-highest debt level of any state on a per capita basis and as a percentage of personal income, respectively.

Polito’s call comes one day after a statement in which she encouraged Governor Patrick to cut deeper into this year’s state budget as a way to prepare the state for difficult financial times ahead, regardless of whether additional federal aid to state governments is forthcoming.

Please click on the following link to review Polito’s policy paper in its entirety: Polito Policy Paper.

STATEMENT OF KARYN POLITO ON GOVERNOR PATRICK'S PLAN FOR SPENDING CUTS

The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that will provide additional federal financial aid to state governments.

Until the Senate acts, this potential relief is merely speculative. As a contingency, Governor Patrick has proposed a three and one-half percent cut to this year's state budget, exempting local aid and debt service payments. My advice to the Governor is to go ahead and make the budget cut whether or not additional federal funding is forthcoming. I make this recommendation because next year's budget is going to be the worst we've seen in recent memory, with an opening deficit of more than $2 billion. It will make our current budget difficulties seem like a walk in the park. Making cuts now will prepare us for the necessary and hard decisions that are sure to follow.

POLITO ANNOUNCES PLAN TO CLOSE “REVOLVING DOOR” AT THE TREASURER’S OFFICE

BOSTON - Karyn Polito today announced a plan to close the “revolving door” at the state treasurer’s office as part of a broader policy initiative to impose higher ethical standards at the state treasury.

Polito says she will prohibit treasury employees from leaving employment and returning to lobby or solicit business from the treasury for the entire length of her term of office.

“It’s time for Beacon Hill to clean up its act,” Polito said. “In some cases that means we will have to go further than what the law requires to reassure people that decisions are made based on sound objective reasoning and not politics as usual. This is the good government approach I brought with me to the Statehouse and it’s the same good government approach I will bring to the treasury.”

To view Polito’s policy proposal in detail, please click here to download.

POLITO CALLS ON GOVERNOR PATRICK, TREASURER CAHILL AND PRIM BOARD TO DELAY FULL SEARCH FOR NEW PENSION DIRECTOR

Karyn Polito issued the following statement today:

"The selection of a new executive director at the state pension fund should not be made in a hasty manner in the last few months of the retiring Treasurer's term. The next Treasurer, as chairman of the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, should have the opportunity to put together his or her own team, in consultation with fellow board members, which includes the Governor’s designees.

There are critical issues at the pension fund that need to be addressed relating to investment performance, asset allocation and adequate compensation levels for administrative staff. Having the right personnel to carry out a thorough evaluation is imperative. The next executive director of the state pension fund must have the full confidence and support of the state’s next Treasurer.

The public interest will not be served if the executive director's job is filled on a permanent basis ahead of the next election. Instead of conducting a full-fledged search and entering into a long-term employment contract, the Treasurer, the Governor and the entire PRIM Board should allow the current interim executive director to continue serving on a temporary basis until the new Treasurer arrives and can lead the search for a replacement."

POLITO FILES PAPERWORK TO GET ON THE BALLOT

Karyn Polito, Republican candidate for state treasurer, officially turned in the paperwork necessary for her to appear on the ballot at the Office of the Secretary of State today.

Thousands of signatures were collected from all across the state by campaign volunteers. Special thanks to all of those who helped out!

STATEMENT OF KARYN POLITO ON STEVE GROSSMAN'S SUPPORT FOR BONUSES FOR PENSION FUND ADMINISTRATORS

"Steve Grossman's support for bonuses for pension fund staff highlights what's wrong with the current system. Our pension fund employees are well compensated with average salaries in excess of $100,000 a year to perform administrative and clerical tasks. It also sends the wrong message when a bonus is awarded in a year the fund loses money. This is one of the reasons why the people of Massachusetts have lost faith in their government. The bonus system at the pension fund is unnecessary and as Treasurer I will end it."

Yesterday, Karyn Polito released a policy paper saying she will not approve bonuses for pension fund staff. To read the policy paper, please click here: Eliminating Bonuses for Pension Fund Administrators.

POLITO ANNOUNCES POLICY TO ELIMINATE BONUSES FOR PENSION FUND ADMINISTRATORS

Karyn Polito, candidate for Massachusetts State Treasurer, released a policy paper today saying that, if elected Treasurer, she will not approve bonuses for pension fund employees.

Please click here to read the paper: POLICY TO ELIMINATE BONUSES FOR PENSION FUND ADMINISTRATORS.

Senator Scott Brown offers his support to the campaign

Thanks to my former House colleague and current US Senator Scott Brown for sending an e-mail to his supporters today, encouraging them to help me become the next State Treasurer.

Here is what he said:

Friend,

A true revolution is taking place in Massachusetts this year, led by Republicans who are committed to changing business as usual in this bluest of states!

My history-making victory for the U.S. Senate special election was just the beginning. We are on the way to a healthier two-party balance in Massachusetts. This would represent a major transformation in the politics of the New England region. As I travel around the state, I sense the people of Massachusetts feel newly-empowered to bring an end to the one-party monopoly on Beacon Hill that has given us nothing but chronic deficits, corruption at the highest levels and endless tax hikes.

Republicans can provide the fiscally conservative leadership that Massachusetts needs to turn around our state. Right now, I am the only statewide Republican officeholder here. If we can elect more, we will send another shockwave around the country.

One of our best chances for victory is with Karyn Polito, a dynamic Republican candidate who is vying to become our next State Treasurer. Karyn is a mom, a small business owner and a five-term legislator who has been a fighter against the tax-and-spend culture on Beacon Hill. She will be a true watchdog against the excesses of the Democratic political machine. She's not afraid to stand up to Governor Deval Patrick or the other powers on Beacon Hill. .

As Treasurer, Karyn will fight for meaningful pension reform and blow the whistle on the inside deals. Karyn has one of the most intriguing proposals of any candidate running this year - a proposal to ban pensions for politicians, on the grounds they are too self-interested to decide benefits for themselves.

Karyn is committed to bringing accountability and transparency to state government. She believes public service is a privilege, not a right, and she will work tirelessly to restore public confidence in state government.

Before Karyn even announced her candidacy, a Suffolk University/Channel 7 poll put her in a statistical tie with her likely opponent, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Steve Grossman. It is remarkable that a Republican candidate is tied with the Democrat this early in the race. It proves Karyn's viability as a candidate and the opportunity we have to claim this seat in the name of everyone who is fed up with high unemployment, high taxes and high spending.

Let's send a message to the tax-and-spend Beacon Hill insiders who think they run this state. I am helping Karyn with her campaign and I'm hoping you will do the same.

Will you contribute $25, $50, $100, $250 or event the maximum $500 to Karyn's campaign?

As one of my supporters, you know how important your money was to my election. So, donate what you can to help my friend Karyn Polito continue the work we began during my own special election. Thank you for your past support and for helping elect Karyn Polito the next State Treasurer of Massachusetts.

Sincerely,

Senator Scott Brown