Editors note: Due to space limitations in last week’s editions, one question answered by state senatorial candidates John Cain and John Velis had to be delayed until this week’s edition. The following is the concluding issue in the interview with both candidates.

How important is it to you to work with people of the opposing party to serve the district?

Cain: Working with those from the opposing party to best serve the people of my district and Massachusetts is of my greatest importance. In order to achieve any end result there must be collaboration in the state house. However, working together does not mean compromising personal moral or ethical beliefs, nor does it mean wavering on the Constitutional rights of Americans. Senators are elected in part for their moral and ethical beliefs and their ability to defend those beliefs.

There are common sense solutions to our problems that require a critical eye for problem solving. I know that I am the best candidate to work collaboratively at the state house and deliver the best results for our people. My experience in business has required me to work with many people whom I did not agree with professionally, politically, or personally; however, there was a job to be done and people relying on us to solve a problem. I believe that my ability to develop clear goals and realistic solutions to work towards positive results, makes me a great asset to the state house, regardless of political affiliation.

My opponent claims to “work across the aisle” and be completely bi-paristan, however, on 9/25/19, he voted no on HB102 (Assuring Sound Multiple Party Representation on Commission to elect OCPF Director) and yes on HB107 (Change Current System to Pick OCPF Director, Squeezing Out Minority Party Input. OCPF is the Office of Campaign and Finance).  This is the organization that oversees donations and expenses from a candidate or elected officials campaigning funds. His votes would allow one party rule over this office.  It is clear to see the disparity in words and actions involving such an important office when his votes actually make it apparent that he wants the minority party to have no say at all.  He has also voted along party lines in many other critical votes.  

The district has many citizens from every part who must be represented and supported. As an elected official it is my responsibility to stand by the set of values and standards that I was elected on. Even when my stance differs from the other side of the aisle

I will maintain the core set of values that my constituents felt most important. On issues that do not compromise values, morals, or ethics I will work closely with legislators across the aisle to provide the best service to the people.  

Velis:   Bipartisanship is paramount to everything I do. In my six years as a State Representative, my record speaks for itself. I am one of – if not the most – independent and bipartisan lawmakers in Massachusetts.

For example, just this past Wednesday every single vote I took – including against the gas tax – I crossed party lines because it was in the best interests of my constituents. This mindset is something I picked up in the United States Army. In the military, when there was a problem to be solved, or an order given, we don’t ask any questions. We get the job done, and don’t care who gets credit.

That is the same thing I do as a State Representative. When an issue comes up, or it is time to vote, I ask myself one question: Is this good for my constituents? If it is then I support it, and if it isn’t I don’t, it’s as simple as that. I don’t care if a Democrat or Republican came up with the idea because I go to bed every night knowing that members of both political parties can come up with good ideas.

If we don’t all start to recognize that, and begin working together to find common sense solutions to the problems we all face, then this partisan rancor that has infected today’s politics at all levels will be the demise of our country.

All elected officials and candidates have an obligation to tell the people how they are going to solve problems. It is easy to say what you are against, but the real work comes in saying what you are for and how we can work together to make that happen.