State Senator Eldridge

Among the heroes in the Senate, Senator Eldridge was willing to conduct his own due diligence and oppose leadership for the good of the Common Wealth, and frankly, I find myself envious of the voters in his district to have a person of his character and common sense.

There are better options available than the "Something for Nothing Scheme" of SLOT BARNS.

State Sen. Eldridge backs tax changes over casinos

State Senator Jamie Eldridge speaks to editors at the MetroWest Daily News yesterday.

By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff
The MetroWest Daily News
Posted Sep 23, 2010 @ 12:00 AM
MARLBOROUGH —
Massachusetts should stop gambling with casinos and start discussions on altering the income tax structure for revenue, state Sen. Jamie Eldridge said yesterday.

Eldridge, an Acton Democrat, is running against challenger Republican George Thompson in the Nov. 2 election for his second two-year term.

Eldridge is an advocate for a progressive income tax that would reduce payments for the middle class and increase taxes for the wealthy, possibly earners of at least $500,000 per year.

"It would be a long-term effort" requiring a constitutional amendment, Eldridge said in a Daily News editorial board meeting.

Legislators could discuss changes to the income tax if voters pass Question 3, which calls for decreasing the sales tax to 3 percent. But Eldridge said he opposes the question because cutting the sales tax from 6.25 to 3 percent could lead to a budget deficit of billions of dollars. Slashing education funding would drive down property values, while cuts to police and fire personnel would make communities less safe, he said.

If Question 3 passes, the state could also review how much it gives out in tax breaks, such as large incentives for film studios, Eldridge said.

Eldridge, who previously served three terms as a state representative, is also an opponent of any expanded gaming.

"The social costs often outweigh the revenues raised," he said. "I don't think it's good economic development. ... I don't think casinos would bring in that much revenue."

Thompson, a Westborough selectman, endorsed Eldridge in 2008. But Thompson said on his campaign website that the senator has been "more passionate and interested in representing his political point of view, and blind to the real life consequences of his decision-making."

Eldridge shot back yesterday by saying he is concerned with the Middlesex & Worcester District's priorities, such as local aid. The senator said he has gone door-to-door and called voters during the campaign.

"I feel I have a good idea of the feelings of the people," he said.

Eldridge also talked about the need for transparency in state government spending. For example, he said the Legislature should make its budget public. The senator also supports successful legislation that will make business tax break figures public.

Gov. Deval Patrick recently appointed Eldridge as chairman of the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission. The commission, created by legislation that Eldridge sponsored, will analyze less expensive methods to treat sewage and ways residents can decrease waste.

The Middlesex & Worcester District includes Marlborough, Hudson, Maynard, Stow, Southborough and Westborough, as well as parts of Sudbury and Northborough.

(Paul Crocetti can be reached at 508-490-7453 or pcrocett@cnc.com.)

Copyright 2010 The MetroWest Daily News. Some rights reserved