Democratic gubernatorial candidate Warren Tolman discussed ideas for campaign finance reform before a small audience of Tufts students and faculty Thursday evening. The former Massachusetts state senator talked about his trials as the only "clean election" candidate, as well as what he calls the need for leadership in the Governor's Mansion.
Tolman focused on Democratic policies that he says Massachusetts will need in order to get "its priorities right." These included opening more full-day daycare facilities, reforming drug coverage and prices, and improving auto insurance.
"Wouldn't it be great if we had a system where decisions were made on what was right, not on where the money was?" Tolman asked the audience. "We need to try to make Massachusetts a better place to live."
Though Tolman spoke informally, occasionally joking with his audience, he argued strongly for financial and political reform.
"I believe the system is broken," Tolman told the crowd of around 20 students and faculty. "And I believe that I have the passion and intelligence to fix it."
Tolman said that the large amount of money being put into the political process by health and insurance lobbyists is preventing the state government from acting independently of special interests.
To pay for his suggested programs, Tolman argued that additional funds can be gained by reconfiguring the wasteful practices of the current system. He cited the $4.5 million it takes Governor Jane Swift to maintain a staff of 75 press secretaries as well as tax exemptions that have been made for racetracks and airplane construction companies.
If these cost-saving measures were not enough, Tolman said he would not be opposed to raising taxes, adding that tax cuts are not worth cuts to social services.
The gubernatorial campaign has been challenging for Tolman, who has promised that he will follow the recently passed Clean Elections Law, which prevents candidates from receiving more than $100 from each contributor. In exchange, Massachusetts will provide matching funds for whatever a clean election candidate raises.
"People feel they don't have an impact on the process anymore," Tolman said. "We need to take money out of the system in Massachusetts."
"The special interests have had their day," Tolman added.
Tolman congratulated United Leaders -a national non-profit organization founded by Tufts students to encourage today's youth to look toward careers in public service- saying that they are doing an important job teaching young people the need to get involved. He mentioned that only 18 percent of 18-24 year olds voted in the Federal election in the fall of 2000.
"We need to convince people that we can really make a difference," Tolman said. "By removing money, students can have a bigger influence than anyone else because of their enthusiasm and energy."
One student questioned Tolman about his position on switching from a minimum wage to a living wage in Massachusetts.
"I like the notion of going to a living wage," Tolman said in reply to the question, but he shied away from promising that it would be possible to attain.
A living wage is a minimum wage that rises or falls based on the cost of living at the time. It is a standard for which some groups on campus, such as Student Labor Action Movement (SLAM), have lobbied.
Those who attended were impressed by Tolman's speech. "Warren Tolman has been projected as an energetic candidate, dedicated to the people he's working for, and he definitely showed it in his speech."
Event attendees included Tufts President Emeritus John DiBiaggio and Trustee Emeritus John Baronian. DiBiaggio commented on the nature of Tolman's candidacy. "I think that Warren Tolman has a refreshing view," DiBiaggio said. "He's a fine person but he has a tough road ahead."
Baronian was very supportive of the Democratic candidate, calling him "a man of his word".
"I don't know of another man in the area who's worked so hard for his constituents," Baronian said.
United Leaders organizer Jon Gold, who coordinated the event, believed it was a success despite the small turnout. "He talked on important issues," Gold said. "You can tell that he's one of the few honest politicians."
