Kim, what will you do about job creation?

That is the number one question I am asked on the campaign trail and this MUST be the number one priority of the incoming Legislature in January. An unemployment rate near 10% (even higher in Westminster) is simply unacceptable and taking a toll on the citizens of our state which is immeasurable. I will actively support Charlie Baker’s plan to reduce the income tax, sales tax and corporate tax. As they say “It is time to put the government on a diet and grow the economy”. The days of inaction are over.

Why should we vote for you?

To download the top 10 reason why you should vote for me  please click here

What endorsements have you received?

I am pleased to have received the endorsement of

Citizens for Limited Taxation

NFIB – National Federation of Independent Business, Massachusetts

The Telegram

The Boston Globe

The Westminster Vine

State Representative Lew Evangelidis

Where do you stand on benefits for Illegal Immigrants?

Frankly, I find it fairly unbelievable that this is even a question. Legal immigration has contributed so much to our Country since its inception, and its benefits can be seen today in the recent immigrants that have entered our Country legally. Illegal immigration is just that – illegal. Period.

Yet, in the tortured logic of some of the Beacon Hill politicians they find this to be a legitimate question. I’m disgusted when you hear elected officials say “Technically, it is not illegal to be illegal in Massachusetts”. On Election Day we need to stamp out this kind of thinking.

I appreciate the work of Representative Perry on this issue and I look forward to continuing his fight as he heads to Congress. He filed a bill this spring which would have required anyone who applied for benefits to provide proof of citizenship. Unfortunately, this bill failed in the House of Representatives. It would have returned millions to our budget – money that could have been spent on local aid and things such as education, public safety, and libraries. I would be happy to co-sponsor another version of his bill, and I would be a strong advocate for fighting to restore desperately needed money to our cities and towns by requiring proof of citizenship for those applying for benefits. Illegal immigration is costing this State millions, and we simply don’t have these resources. The Perry Amendment simply required those applying for benefits to show documentation before receiving benefits. This is hardly unreasonable.

How can a Republican get anything done in a Legislature with so many Democrats?

Rep. Evangelidis has shown how to work across party lines to get the job done. I am honored to have his support and look forward to continuing his advocacy for the people of our district. I believe that, even in tough times, Lew has delivered for this district and would put his record up against anyone’s. To me, one party rule leads to an increase in corruption. We need to restore the “checks and balances” that a healthy two party system provides. Republican Alaska and Democratic Massachusetts have had some of the highest instances of corruption in the Nation, and a legislature with a healthy balance of the two parties provides the voters with the strongest safeguards against the extremes of either party. I have a reputation as someone who listens well and can work cooperatively with people on all sides of an issue. This is one reason why I have earned the support of many area leaders and board members. If I am honored to be elected, I look forward to bringing these skills to Beacon Hill.

Kim, why do you mention the importance of stellar attendance?

I have a near perfect attendance record on the Board of Selectmen. I feel that, at a minimum, a public official needs to show up on time and be prepared. This is a show of respect to your colleagues, and to your constituents. I have been troubled by my opponent’s attendance record and pure disregard for others, by being late or absent 62% of the time over the last year. We cannot afford this behavior on Beacon Hill.

What’s happening with local aid cuts?

I find it very interesting that the State budget has risen every year for decades. Yet, during these tough economic times, the first place they cut is local aid! This harms our children, seniors, and public safety. Local aid should be the LAST place cut, not first. This requires a change of philosophy among Beacon Hill politicians. The days of simply cutting local aid and raising taxes are over.

What is your Four Corner Commitment Plan?

Kimberly N. Ferguson  – ( R )  of Holden, candidate for State Representative, has announced her “4 Corners Commitment Plan” to the voters of the 1^st Worcester District.  The 1^st Worcester District consists of Holden, Hubbardston, Oakham, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling (pct 1) and Westminster.

Kimberly’s “4 Corners Commitment Plan” focuses on the following:

Jobs:  Over 70% of all new jobs are created by small businesses.  Kimberly strongly believes that in order to stimulate business and the economy, Massachusetts must become more business friendly and supportive.  Consequently, Kimberly has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business Massachusetts who stated that she “will be committed to the needs of ten thousands of Main Street small businesses and their more than one million employees in Massachusetts…”.

Economy:  Leading economists agree that you do not raise taxes in a recession.  Accordingly, Kimberly is the only candidate to take the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and has received the Citizens for Limited Taxation endorsement, indicating her concern and desire to protect the taxpayers and businesses of this State.

Reform and Wasteful Spending:  Kimberly has asked the Republican leadership to allow her to adopt and propose the “Perry Amendment” in the next legislative session.  This legislation was proposed last spring by Representative Jeff Perry ( R – Sandwich), and sadly, it failed.   Kimberly has pledged to continue this fight for reform and accountability in regard to illegal immigration.  The legislation simply requires an individual to provide documentation prior to receiving any state benefits.  Illegal immigration is costing the state millions of dollars each year – while municipalities are continually forced to make difficult choices such as cutting police, fire, or teachers, while benefits for illegal immigrants continue to increase year after year.

Local Aid:  Kimberly is totally committed to retuning the desperately needed local aid where it belongs – in the hands of the towns.  All savings from wasteful spending and 100% of all lottery proceeds, as required by law, should be returned to the cities and towns in a timely manner.  Unfunded mandates, such as regional transportation and the Quinn Bill must be fully funded.  The State must honor its commitments.

Kimberly is currently in her third term on the Holden Board of Selectmen and is a former member of the Wachusett Regional School District Committee.  She is a private practice speech/language pathologist and has taught and the graduate and undergraduate level at Framingham State and Fitchburg State University.   She and her husband have two sons and reside in Holden.