Protecting school funding & local aid

As the parent of a young child, Josh knows there's nothing more fundamental than the promise of a quality education. Continued state budget cuts imperil that promise. Even in difficult economic times protecting local aid will always be Josh's priority. He also believes the state must stop penalizing regional school districts by disproportionately cutting transportation aid and passing more unfunded mandates.

A fiscally-responsible state budget

Massachusetts has the second highest debt burden in the nation; that means tax dollars which could be paying for better schools, roads and public safety are instead going toward interest payments.  Over-borrowing and an over-reliance on capital gains taxes combined with "supplementary budgets" and corporate tax loopholes for special interests are pushing our state budget to the brink. Josh will be a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and work collaboratively with legislative leaders to address these shortcomings to help prevent or minimize future budget deficits.

Preserving the character of our communities

Historic homes and neighborhoods, scenic beaches, ponds and cranberry bogs are part of the fabric of our communities. The Sixth Plymouth District is one of the most naturally beautiful in the Commonwealth and we must work hard to keep it that way. As a legislative aide, Josh worked to help create an innovative "land bank" to preserve dwindling open spaces on Cape Cod. He is committed to preserving our open spaces, recreation areas and historic landmarks.

Josh also supports major reform of the Chapter 40B zoning law to prevent developers from taking advantage and instead advocates for smart housing solutions such as "recycled" home programs and inclusionary zoning to provide much needed affordable housing in a way that is in harmony with our existing neighborhoods.

Focusing on a green economy

As a member of the Duxbury Planning Board and the Alternative Energy Committee, Josh worked to create a town bylaw to encourage renewable energy research and permit municipal wind turbines. He also led an effort to use thermal imaging technology in town buildings to help save on energy costs. Before moving back to Duxbury, Josh was a selectman in the town of Hull, where he chaired the town's recycling committee and worked to reduce costs for trash collection and implement pay-as-you-go waste removal. During his tenure the town erected one of the first municipal wind turbines in the state. As your next state representative Josh will be a staunch advocate for a "green" future in Massachusetts. He understands that renewable energy isn't just an environmental issue, it's an economic issue.

Sticking up for our neediest citizens

Josh believes in the words of Hubert Humphrey: The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the aged; and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.

Better communications with town leaders

As a planning board member and former selectman Josh knows that local government is where the rubber meets the road. Often town leaders are hampered by a lack of communication from the state. Josh will work closely with municipal leaders to keep them informed –– and not just when the news is good as most politicians tend to do.

A representative who delivers top-notch constituent service

Whether it's organizing a food drive when area pantries ran low on supplies or helping raise money for a memorial to honor our war veterans,  Josh delivers a pro-active, can-do approach. He'll bring that same attitude toward constituent service because he knows that whatever issue motivates you to call your representative is probably the most important issue in the world to you. Promptly returning phone calls, personal attention and attendance at community events are the least we should expect from our state legislators, but too often they are the first things to go.