Wakefield Town Councilor Ed Dombroski and incumbent Senator Jason Lewis, candidates for election to the state senate seat in the 5th Middlesex District, clashed in a televised debate on Monday. The debate, which occurred at the Galvin Middle School in Wakefield, offered the candidates a chance to respond to questions submitted by local newspapers from all around the district.
Lewis leaned heavily on his record of achievements in answering questions. These achievements include the passage of bills involving tax relief, housing subsidies, paid family and medical leave, and the Student Opportunity Act. Dombroski repeatedly stated his conviction that Lewis has “failed” the district and is out of touch with the concerns of the district’s voters.
Dombroski highlighted the need for greater access to preventative care on the issue of what can be done legislatively to improve health care. He also indicated that the role of community hospitals could be enhanced. Lewis added his belief that health care should be seen as a human right.
Lewis stated his support for returning $3 billion of the state budget surplus to taxpayers as required by the 1986 law and shared that this would begin to be done in November. Dombroski also supports this measure, questioning why the state’s $2.6 billion American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding has not also been allocated in some way. Lewis noted that one moment of the campaign that has stood out for him is a conversation with a young adult who is unsure about the future given mounting student debt, housing costs, and other concerns. Dombroski shared a story about a senior citizen that had to sell her car due to the inability to afford gasoline.
Dombroski indicated strong opposition to ballot question one, sometimes called the “Fair Share Amendment,” which would increase the income tax on incomes over $1 million by 4%. He expressed concern that the measure is “subject to appropriation” and might not be used for education and transportation as promised. He also indicated that the tax could harm small business owners. Lewis supports the amendment. He warned against billionaires who are spreading false information about the measure. He also indicated his belief that if the amendment passes, the wealthy would now have to “pay their fair share.”
Both candidates expressed support for reproductive rights. When asked about projects they would like to see funded in the district, both pivoted to school funding. Dombroski suggested that the formulas for Chapter 70 support are broken and have not been addressed by Lewis, while Lewis pointed to his authorship of bills such as the Student Opportunity Act, which has brought millions of dollars of additional aid to district schools. Lewis added that his relationships on Beacon Hill had influenced the decision for several district schools, including Killam Elementary School, to be included in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) program. Dombroski stated that on Lewis’s watch, the MSBA formula also had not been kept up to date with rising costs.
Dombroski stated that he admires Lewis for his conviction to his beliefs, while Lewis shared that he admires his opponent’s commitment to public service. Lewis declared himself a transparent leader whose positions have been made clear to the voters. He claimed that Dombroski had not taken a public stand on the issues in seven months of the campaign. Dombroski stated that this assertion was false and that his website could easily be referenced.
Dombroski suggested that state ARPA funds could be used to improve MBTA infrastructure, while Lewis indicated a need for new leadership at the MBTA. When asked how local communities would benefit from their leadership, Lewis pointed to his track record, stating that he has delivered results including millions of dollars for schools and a doubling of local aid. Dombroski noted that he has been a part of local government for nine years and understands local communities’ needs.
In closing, Dombroski shared that he has been endorsed by Governor Baker and described himself as a “moderate Republican.” He indicated a desire to send more money to local governments to help moderate the property taxes that “are crushing us.” “I hear you, I am with you . . . your priorities are my priorities,” Dombroski stated.
Lewis concluded, indicating pride at having served in the state senate since 2014, and pointed to his experience securing “millions of dollars for communities” and achieving “major legislative victories for communities and the Commonwealth.” He ended, sharing, “There is a clear choice, a proven track record versus an opponent who in seven months has never stated an opinion on several issues.”
The debate in its entirety can be viewed [Here]. The Massachusetts general election will be on Tuesday, November 8.
