One of the questions to the candidates was about their postions on the unfunded liability known as OPEB ("Other Post-Employment Benefits"), which has been recognized for several years as a major financial problem for the Commonwealth as well as for the towns. Senator Jamie Eldridge answered that government employees contributed to their pensions, that this is a commitment that must be honored, and (predictably) suggested "closing loopholes", aka raising taxes, to pay for it. However, OPEB has nothing to do with pensions. Senator Eldridge should know that.

Dean Cavaretta did not mention pensions but it was not clear from his answer that he has a better understanding of the OPEB liability than Jamie.

Homework assignment for both candidates : learn what OPEB is about. It is a problem that will require very difficult decisions, not glib political rhetoric.

Charlie Kadlec
Acton

A big thank you needs to go out to both candidates for their cooperation with live debate! Residents should feel proud to have these professionals vying for the right to serve the Middlesex Worcester District.

It seems to me that we need more balance on Beacon Hill. The obvious point is the past, and from news reports apparent continuing, corruption from the Democrats. Less obvious is that when only 20% of the House and 10% of the Senate come from the minority party, what kind of compromise is even possible? There are so few Republicans that roll-call votes are not even required. Where is the accountability with that?

Central Massachusetts is the most conservative part of Massachusetts, as evidenced by voting patterns in prior elections that gave Scott Brown a majority vote in this District and helped double the number of Reps in the House. Given that, why should we be subjected to what many say is the most liberal Senator to represent our interests?

Folks, we need more Republicans to provide more balanced/better government. They are not going to come from Boston or Cambridge or Amherst or Springfield - they must come from our District. I am very eager to vote for Dean Cavaretta and urge Unenrolled voters to do the same.