Democrats Oppose New Runway

The Democratic candidates for governor all strongly opposed both the construction of a new runway at Logan Airport and the allocation of public funding for Fenway Park last night during a debate for affordable housing at the Old South Meeting House.

Treasurer Shannon O’Brien, former state Democratic National Committee chairman Steven Grossman, former lieutenant governor nominee Warren Tolman and former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich agreed the focus of the debate should be a shift from the new runway to improving regional transportation within the state.

Tolman said if the new runway is built, “I am convinced that there will be additional hardships on communities.” He specifically mentioned an increase in noise pollution.

O’Brien said rather than building a new runway, the airport in Worcester could be used to handle part of the traffic.

“We need a better regional approach,” she said.

Grossman said the city needs a collaboration group to come up with the new options to utilize these other airports. He said the Massachusetts Port Authority needs to approach communities and “to stimulate the use of other airports.” Reich agreed examination of the regional transportation plan was needed, adding the state should look at ways in which other forms of public transportation, such as trains, can be promoted more.

However, noting the lack of funds for such initiatives, the candidates disagreed on the methods to improve the transportation.

“Let’s build on what’s working,” Grossman said, referring to projects such as a $100 million biotech facility in Worcester. This facility established new jobs and is also expected to decrease the number of commuters using public transportation and roads.

Reich again stressed the importance of public transit, saying the state needs to “invest in the people and the infrastructure.”

He added the state needs to cut down on sprawl so that it does not need paved infrastructure.

O’Brien and Tolman both listed options for improving the management of the funds. O’Brien said a “boom/bust mentality of how to manage the budget” needs to be implemented, also noting the need for honesty concerning the handling of the funds.

“I am proud of blowing the whistle on the cost overruns on the Big Dig,” she said.

O’Brien also said points should be given for projects that enhance public safety or that benefit the economy.

Tolman, however, said improvements need to made in the areas of planning, oversight and federal dollars.

He said regional transportation planning has to be created, passing legislation that will enforce strict financial supervision over projects such as the Big Dig.

“We need to make sure that we get every dollar that’s on the table for federal revenues and use it,” he said.

Addressing public funding for Fenway Park, Tolman said the Fenway bill was a “disgrace,” saying it shows “if you have the right people that you get what you want.”

Tolman and Grossman said they do not support public funding assistance if it goes beyond the public infrastructure and into the private sector.

Reich also opposed public funding toward professional sports.

“I am very leery of handing out money to teams who say, If we don’t get what we want, then we’re leaving,” he said.

O’Brien agreed with the other candidates on this issue.

“There is limited money, and we need to set priorities,” she said. “I don’t think supporting a sports stadium is a priority.”

She said funding should be supported if a pubic sector can be created around the private infrastructure.

The candidates all disagreed on how to encourage small business ventures throughout Boston.

Grossman said the city needs to have well-educated and trained employees, calling for a 50 percent skills-building tax credit. This would send an employee back to get higher training to become more productive.

“It would create a public/private partnership,” Grossman said.

Tolman said he would “utilize every resource to focus on the educational system” for employees of these small businesses. He said he also wants to help small businesses address costs, particularly with healthcare and workers’ compensation costs.

O’Brien agreed the education system needs to be improved. She said she would offer small businesses more health insurance options and supported passing a cigarette tax increase, which would provide additional healthcare benefits.

Moderating the event was former City Councilor Thomas Keane, who was joined by Boston Globe Editorial Page Editor Renee Loth and Community Newsletter Company State House reporter Mike Kunzelman as panelists.

Senate President Thomas Birmingham, also running for the Democratic ticket, was not present at the debate.