Interviewed by Samantha, Kenny, Adam and Martin
Lew Finfer is part of MCAN, which stands for Massachusetts Communities Action Network. MCAN is a congregation based community organization that looks at local and state wide issues. MCAN has helped to establish 8 other organizations like itself.
When we visited Lew he gave us plenty of information on the ballot initiative, which is summarized below.
Q: What influential people support and are against the ballot initiative?
A: All the candidates running for governor are against it. However, Baker and Cahill support lowering it to 5% but since the ballot says 2% they do not support it. Other organizations that are against it are major business industries, community organizations, and labor unions. Examples of those who support this initiative are organizations such as the conservative media and the Beacon Hillinstitute. Also Carla Howell who is part of a libertarian group and we have her to thank because she is the main advocate for getting this onto the ballot.
Q: Why is this issue so attractive?
A: Because of recession. People are concerned for their finances and the affects that it could have on their future.
Lew Finfer is part of MCAN, which stands for Massachusetts Communities Action Network. MCAN is a congregation based community organization that looks at local and state wide issues. MCAN has helped to establish 8 other organizations like itself.
When we visited Lew he gave us plenty of information on the ballot initiative, which is summarized below.
Q: What influential people support and are against the ballot initiative?
A: All the candidates running for governor are against it. However, Baker and Cahill support lowering it to 5% but since the ballot says 2% they do not support it. Other organizations that are against it are major business industries, community organizations, and labor unions. Examples of those who support this initiative are organizations such as the conservative media and the Beacon Hillinstitute. Also Carla Howell who is part of a libertarian group and we have her to thank because she is the main advocate for getting this onto the ballot.
Q: Why is this issue so attractive?
A: Because of recession. People are concerned for their finances and the affects that it could have on their future.
Q: What are groups doing to help fight this?
A: There have been campaigns funded by 2 teachers unions and SEIU which have raised a lot of money against this. People have also put things together such as websites to show the affects it would have on local communities. Also
community groups have talked about voting education, and some have even done door knocking.
Q: Are there any areas that would be for or against it?
A: Cities have a tendency to vote more liberally, whereas suburbs vary.
Q: What can we do?
A: Develop a coalition with allies such as school parent groups, other youth groups, municipal unions, groups that tackle issues on schools, environment and housing, as well as calling meetings to talk about this. We could also go out and hand out information showing what could happen to certain communities. We could also go to elected officials of our cities and towns and ask them to be more active on this campaign.
Q: What could be cut?
A: Local aid could be cut to 8-10% and this is significant because local aid is usually the last area to be cut because it is important to communities.
Q: What happened in 2008 with the income tax ballot initiative?
A: It lost 30%-70% because it spent less time and money.
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