Cusack, Collins Discuss Economy, Covid-19, Schools, Housing, Race at Braintree Chamber Forum

​The Braintree Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum for the candidates for 5th Norfolk District on October 15.
 
State Rep. Mark Cusack (D) and challenger Frank Collins (R) are vying to represent Braintree and portions of Holbrook and Randolph in the state’s legislature.
 
Braintree Chamber Chair Kim Kroha queried the candidates on their views regarding economic recovery, revenue sources, reopening public schools, housing and racial equality. 

​Here is the recap from the Braintree Patch:

​Cusack, Collins Talk Coronavirus, Schools In State Rep. Debate
Rep. Mark Cusack and challenger Frank Collins disagreed on key issues including the coronavirus response, schools and racial inequality.
 
BRAINTREE, MA — The debate Thursday between state Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), and Republican challenger Frank Collins saw the 5th Norfolk District candidates disagree on key issues including the coronavirus response, schools and racial inequality.
 
Collins, a 22-year U.S. Marine veteran, went on the attack early by arguing he'd be a better advocate for businesses in Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph.
 
He said he will advocate for federal relief for businesses and accused Cusack of wanting to get "rocking and rolling" on taxes at the expense of local businesses.
 
“When a small business calls me, I'm going to return their calls," Collins said. "We have to resign in spending.”
Cusack disputed Collins' claim saying he wasn't calling for taxes to get “rocking and rolling,” but wanted the Legislature's revenue committee to "do its business and hold hearings."
 
Cusack said the state passed local aid to extend liquor licenses, allowing for outdoor seating at restaurants, pushed back tax deadlines and expanded unemployment. With the pandemic forcing the closing of businesses and other public gatherings, Cusack said the state has lost $3.6 billion in revenue this current fiscal year.
 
"That is obviously going to affect things going forward," Cusack said. "It's not just this fiscal year. It's going to be painful for a while."

Though revenue is going to be a challenge, Cusack said the state is fortunate to have a $3.5 billion rainy day fund to help. He said there's over 550 bills on the table for relief and ways to raise additional revenue, and all of those need to be explored, especially with the growing unlikelihood that more federal relief will come anytime soon.
 
"We're resigned to the fact that the feds aren't coming up with a solution anytime soon to help cities and towns, so everything is on the table," Cusack said.
 
Read more at Patch

Sign up to receive Braintree Chamber news at braintreechamber.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook.