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VOTE411 Voter Guide

2024 State House Seventh Norfolk District

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is comprised of 160 members, each representing a district of approximately 40,000 people and each elected for a two-year term. As required by the Massachusetts Constitution, the House meets year-round in either formal or informal sessions to consider legislation. The Massachusetts House is led by the Speaker of the House who is elected by the members of the body at the beginning of each two-year legislative session. Base salary for each representative is approximately $66,256.

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    Clinton Graham
    (I)

  • Candidate picture

    Richard Gerard Wells
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

Do you support election day voter registration? Why or why not?

What actions should the legislature take to address the climate emergency?

What should the legislature do to increase the supply of affordable and middle-market housing in Massachusetts?

What measures would you support to deal with the needs of the large number of immigrants coming to Massachusetts?

What are your priorities for dealing with transportation statewide and in your district?

Yes, we need to encourage voting, and we have the technology to do it. Our democracy is in danger when people don’t or aren’t allowed to participate. People are busy and this will help anyone who forgets or can’t make it to register to vote. Participation should be the goal here and we should do anything we can to get more voters is welcomed.
We must confront climate change, as severe weather impacts us daily. Legislation should empower cities and towns to create plans that reduce energy consumption and promote alternative technologies. State-funded incentives can encourage sustainable practices at home, which will extend to local communities. Given our coastal vulnerability, we need to address flooding and shoreline erosion. New buildings must be designed to withstand climate challenges, such as incorporating rooftop gardens that mitigate extreme heat and provide food. These initiatives not only combat climate change but also foster business opportunities, ensuring that all community members benefit.
Collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial for effective housing solutions. It’s essential to involve developers, city officials, and residents in discussions. We should review existing regulations to streamline processes and explore underdeveloped lands and new housing types, like tiny houses and multiuse buildings. Co-housing projects can support individuals on fixed incomes, fostering homeownership and community integration. We must challenge the stigma around affordable housing, recognizing the contributions of hardworking residents. These initiatives can also create job opportunities and offer training for local youth in the housing trade, promoting economic growth.
As a state, we need to follow the examples of Milton and Randolph and welcome Haitian immigrants to our towns by supporting them with community efforts, providing food, housing, jobs, and medical facilities. Immigration is what makes America the greatest country on earth. My partners were born in Jamaica, so I know what can be accomplished when people are allowed and encouraged to participate in the American dream. For 40 years, we have passed reform along without taking any action. I will also work with our federal and state partners to come up with reasonable immigrant solutions. I do not support or will tolerate any hate speech towards immigrants or any citizens.
Transportation is a primary concern for Milton and Randolph residents, impacting roads, trains, and the airport. Poor road conditions lead to lengthy commutes, affecting quality of life and increasing stress. We need to enhance road infrastructure and improve connections to the MBTA, including wider sidewalks leading to train stations. Affordable, timely trains are essential to ensure commuters aren't penalized for delays. Expanding parking options outside Boston for airport travelers can alleviate highway congestion, with fuel-efficient buses reducing the number of cars on the road. Making public transportation cost-effective is vital for encouraging its use.
Campaign Phone 617-433-8483
Twitter @@rwellsmpd
Campaign/Contact Email ElectRichardwells@gmail.com
This is the question, i have not had a gresat deal of time to research. its seems like it might work , but I i would like to spend some time reviewing this. In Milton, where I am currently Chair of the Selectboard, I have been a strong advocate of early voting as it is come into reality during my tenure.
Climate change is upon us. The Legislature must to continue to prioritize and enact laws that encourage and intensify initiatives that address commercial, governmental and personal impacts/reductions on our climate. Climate change begins with each one of us.
This is clearly an important issue. Even affordable housing in much of the Commonwealth in NOT affordable to many residents. The state must look at diversifying this important need geographically across the state while also supporting/creating public transportation infrastructure to support these residents.
This issue clearly begins with the Federal Government. This issue is going to take some hard work, visionary outside the box ideas and a commitment from the legislators to address.
You probably dod not have enough space for my answer. The Commonwealth needs to look long and hard, not just at the fragile and unrelibale services that exist, but also at how to to get pour public transportation system out of "crisis mode" into an arena where citizens of Massachusetts can have faith in the reliabilitiey and safety of public transit. I also belive that we need to continue to look at and expand modes of transportation such as water ferry service. This one alternative mode to buses and trains, can do more to alleviate the existing daily pressure, especially in the Boston/North/South Shore regions.