We are in an economic situation comparable to the Great Depression, says Democratic incumbent state representative Lori Ehrlich of Marblehead. She adds, however, "There are signs that we're coming out of it. ... The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is doing far better than most states."
In two separate interviews, it proves to be only one of several areas where her views vary from Kate Kozitza, her Republican opponent in the 8th Essex District, including Marblehead, Swampscott and part of Lynn.
Kozitza, a Swampscott resident, also invokes the Great Depression, but sees little room for optimism. "We're in dire straits. ... People are losing their jobs left and right. Small businesses are closing. People are worried about losing their homes."
Close to the same age (Kozitza is 45, Ehrlich is 47), the two women are mostly a study in contrast. Ehrlich is married, the mother of two daughters with strong local roots and a career as a certified public accountant behind her. Kozitza is unmarried, grew up in California and is a practicing psychiatrist, treating patients at an office in Lynn.
Ehrlich went into politics, winning the seat in 2008, after involving herself in environmental activism as a member of HealthLink. Kozitza was drawn into her support for small government principles out of frustration with state and federal red tape in the health field.
In some cases, their differences are just about what you'd expect.
Kozitza plans to vote in favor of the referendum question pushing back the state sales tax to 3 percent. It might not be the best solution, she acknowledges, while blaming Beacon Hill for putting voters in this position. "It was very arrogant of the Legislature to vote against the will of the people and increase our sales tax from 5 to 6.25 percent in the middle of a recession."
Ehrlich, who voted in favor of the increase as an alternative to doubling road tolls, says, "I'll vote no on that. Along with the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation and all three gubernatorial candidates."
On dealing with public union health plans and a recent, unsuccessful effort to give municipalities more power to roll back some benefits, Ehrlich is less clear. She points out that the GIC, a statewide system, can be accessed by some towns and others, like Marblehead, have been able to deal with workers and keep health costs low without further legislation.
Kozitza asks for more time to research the question and replies via e-mail, urging that localities have more tools for dealing with unions. She writes that if elected she will "work to pass such legislation so that cities and towns are able to elect options that will be beneficial to all of their residents, rather than just beneficial to the union."
Reacting sharply to a question about state pensions, Kozitza says, "This is why taxpayers can't pull the wagon anymore." She advocates increasing the retirement age. "I think it's part of reforming state government."
Ehrlich explains that she's already voted for a pension reform measure that addresses some of the worst abuses. "Probably other measures could be added," she says.
On some issues the split between the candidates does not come where some might expect. For example, a question on the Marblehead ballot this November will ask about legalizing marijuana.
"I'll vote no on that," says Ehrlich. "I would be in favor of seeing us adapt something like the laws in California or Washington, D.C., where marijuana is legal for medical purposes."
Kozitza asks for time to think before e-mailing, "Certain substances pose more harm to society at large than other substances." She will vote yes and notes that legalization will save a fortune in policing costs.
Also on the ballot is a question about the Chapter 40B law, which allows developers to bypass local zoning by including low-income housing in their projects.
"The 40B law has been instrumental in allowing hardworking families to get housing," says Kozitza, who will vote to keep it.
"I need to look into that a bit more," Ehrlich says. "I'm leaning toward a yes vote." ("Yes" would eliminate the law.)
Both candidates support some kind of casino gambling.
Ehrlich supported the measure when it came before the Legislature "for jobs and economic development." She wants to see the type of casino that becomes a recreational destination. "Clearly there's a social cost to gambling. But we already have the lottery." Gambling addiction can be addressed, she adds.
"I would have voted in favor of a casino," Kozitza says. "The recent failure ... to pass the casino bill lies squarely at the feet of the House leadership." (An impasse between Gov. Deval Patrick and the Legislature over slot machines at the race tracks is often blamed for killing the bill.) As a doctor, she realizes the harm to vulnerable people, but says, "It's a free country."
Of Mexican-American and Polish heritage, Kozitza wants the flow of illegal immigrants into the country stopped. She would have voted in favor of the failed Perry Amendment, limiting state services to legal residents.
Ehrlich's position looks similar. She voted to keep the Perry Amendment alive and says she agrees in principle with its aims.
Where they stand
IssueEhrlichKozitza
Legalize marijuanaNoYes
Roll back sales taxNoYes
Casino gamblingYesYes
Benefits for illegal immigrantsNoNo
Eliminate 40B lawYesNo
Control state pensions Ehrlich: Has voted to stop worst abuses Kozitza: Increase retirement age
Control health care costs Ehrlich: Some tools already there Kozitza: Help towns, not unions
Raw Video: Hail Storm Batters Oklahoma City
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
On Thailand Trip, Suu Kyi Visits Migrants
Raw Video: Pink Diamond Auctioned for $17.4M
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
