Massachusetts primary election: State Senate candidates Anne Gobi and Steve Hall on the issues

The Sept. 1 primary for the Massachusetts Senate’s Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire & Middlesex District features two uncontested races: incumbent state Sen. Anne M. Gobi, a Democrat, and Republican Steve Hall are both running unopposed.

The primary will formalize the matchup in November’s general election.

To give readers a chance to learn more about who they’ll see on their ballots in September and November, The Republican / MassLive asked the candidates to respond to a questionnaire about issues in the district. Their answers are below, with the candidates listed alphabetically.

Anne Gobi

Party: Democrat

Age: 57

Address: Mechanic Street, Spencer

Current job title or elected office: State Senator

Why are you running?

This is a time, more than ever, that steady, competent leadership is needed. I have consistently put people above politics and it is an honor to serve. There are a number of ongoing issues I am involved in and want to see action on including the Holyoke Soldiers Home and getting answers for the families and making sure that our Veterans receive quality, compassionate care. The Crumbling Foundations Commission that I helped establish and co chaired has made recommendations that I am working to get implemented now and into the next legislative session.

What is the most important issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

Trying to balance the public health concerns of COVID and bringing back a robust economy is the main issue. While I do not envy the Governor for the decisions he has made I am not in complete agreement with all of them. It is necessary to open the economy up. I am addressing this by first working within current Massachusetts laws to make sure the Governor is not overstepping his authority. The legislature must be part of the decision making in consult with our local boards of health, municipal officials, community leaders and the business community.

In July, Gov. Charlie Baker authorized free COVID-19 testing sites at eight locations. The locations were based on statistical “hot spots,” and the furthest west was in Marlborough. Do you agree with the governor’s choice of locations based on data, or should one or more sites have been located in Western Massachusetts or elsewhere in Central Massachusetts?

Western Massachusetts needs to have the same services available that other areas in the state have. The Governor based his decision on low Covid numbers but did not take in to account the rates of underlying health conditions , racial or economic disparities that are high in Western Mass. Regional equity continues to be a major focus of mine.

Should the state take an active role in the funding of police departments, or is that entirely a municipal matter? Should police funding be affected by the current outcry regarding police brutality, or is public safety funding purely a fiscal decision based on need and available resources?

Our local and State Police are vital to the safety and security of our communities. I voted against the recent Police Reform bill and I do not support defunding the police. The State has funded various programs to assist police including community policing and establishing a permanent funding mechanism for training. State funding should continue and while local and national issues certainly have an effect, changes made to funding because of those should not be done in a purely reactionary way but by evaluating the needs of the community while balancing public safety and police safety.

Is the creation of an East-West rail line a priority of yours and something you would actively pursue?

West-East Rail has been a priority and continues to be for me. Recently the Senate approved $50 million towards the project. There is no question that rail service will be a major economic catalyst for the entire region. It is also critical that there be a station stop in Palmer with connecting regional transit. I have been glad to partner with so many on this including Senator Lesser who has been a champion.

Steve Hall

Party: Republican

Age: 58

Address: Old Farm Road, Sturbridge

Current job title or elected office: Nursing Home Administrator and Consultant

Why are you running?

While seniors and working families are struggling to make ends meet, Beacon Hill officials, including our current Senator, are plotting, yet again, to raise taxes, toll, and fees.

As a Healthcare Administrator, I see seniors forced to choose between high priced medications or putting food on the table. As a small business owner, I see other small businesses struggling to survive with dreams shattered. And, as a family man, I see parents losing hope that their child will have a better life than them. When elected, I will be the voice for these forgotten souls.

What is the most important issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

Most recently, safety and security has taken center stage. Simultaneously, Beacon Hill Democrats are pushing for unprecedented restrictions on our local police forces while, at the same time, are pushing for further limiting a family’s ability to defend themselves against an intruder. Over the past months, I’ve spoken to many local police officers who are demoralized and angry that our Senator has attended and spoke at anti-police rallies, and I’ve spoken to many men and women who have signed up for their first gun class as a means to protect themselves and their family.

In July, Gov. Charlie Baker authorized free COVID-19 testing sites at eight locations. The locations were based on statistical “hot spots,” and the furthest west was in Marlborough. Do you agree with the governor’s choice of locations based on data, or should one or more sites have been located in Western Massachusetts or elsewhere in Central Massachusetts?

I am sorry to say, but Beacon Hill is out of touch. This district, is one the most rural Senate districts in the state. Marlborough, can be an hour or maybe two hours away. Yes, Western Massachusetts should not have been overlooked. It’s time we had a Senator with the courage to loudly speak up for our district. I will be that voice when I get to Boston.

Should the state take an active role in the funding of police departments, or is that entirely a municipal matter? Should police funding be affected by the current outcry regarding police brutality, or is public safety funding purely a fiscal decision based on need and available resources?

The safety and security of Massachusetts citizens the responsibility of all. With our Democratic Attorney General encouraging lawlessness by stating that “cities are burning, but that’s how forests grow;” with our current Democratic Senator attending anti-police rallies, and with a terrible law enforcement bill sitting on the Governor’s desk (brought forth by the Democrats in the House and Senate), communities are going to have difficulty holding onto, and recruiting new, police officers. As such, Beacon Hill has a responsibility to correct their wrongdoing by subsidizing law enforcement budgets in these small towns.

Is the creation of an East-West rail line a priority of yours and something you would actively pursue?

I am in favor of an East-West rail line if there is a benefit to Western Massachusetts and a return on investment for the taxpayer. My concern is we are proposing spending billions of dollars on this project with no clear-cut cost/benefit analysis. Yes, I want Western Mass to have an opportunity to work and travel East, but I also want to see a focus on bringing more businesses and jobs to our district. The latter has sadly been lacking. On day one, I will begin a renewed focus on this task.

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