Welcome to politics Paul

Love to know what this guys problem is. Talk about "negative politics". Paul is simply stating what his plans are & this guy can't wait to shoot him down. Seems like anything Paul says, Ross is right there with a negative comment. Talk about record... being "part of the fabric of our community" means more than donating cash. Here, we can turn to Paul's countless hours of community service. RELAX ROSS! No one is attacking but you.

I would like a straight forward answer fom both candidates:
How do you feel about Massachusetts residents - most who are struggling to get by - having to pay for a sex-change operation for a cold blooded killer who is in prison for murdering his wife? Not only that - we now have to pay for his attorney's fees, as he sued the state from prison. We also have to support him in prison for the rest of his life. We have good human beings unable to afford cacer treatment, but we are forced to pay for a sex-change operation for this loser.
How do you both feel and what will you do to see that this never happens again?

Heroux seems to have a soft spot for those who are incarcerated. I too am curious what his view is on that issue.

However, sticking with the topic of announcing his plan to donate with stipend, I only have 1 thing to say. I donate to charities because I feel its thet right thing to do. I give to charities not because I want recognition or praise for doing so. I find it hard to believe someone is genuine when they announce their plan to be so generous.

I do give Heroux credit for doing some serious campainging. Can't say the same for Ross.

I felt it fair to report that I just recieved a phone-call from Representative George Ross, in respose to my earlier question about the taxpayers having to pay for the sex-change operation for an incarcerated man who killed his wife.....Representative Ross has signed on to a letter along with other elected officials to send to our Governor - requesting that he do everything in his power to overturn this outrageous mandate. Representative Ross stands against this forced payment.
Now I would like to know where Paul Heroux stands. As a person who struggles every week just to pay for groceries, I think that this is a fair question that deserves an answer. A debate is not the only forum that lends itself to questions from our residents. Both men are asking for our votes and both men have a responsibility to answer the question....Mr. Heroux?

Paul....
Just read up on the 8th Amendment.................do you consider it to be cruel and unusual punishment for the taxpayers NOT to pay for the sex-change operation for a cold blooded killer? Who will pay for the surgery that my good friend, Marilyn, needs to end the pain of her disease? Marilyn is a good decent person who worked hard her entire life to help people and to support her family. Should she kill someone so that she could get the medical attention that she needs to end her pain? I would think that an answer to my question would be spontaneous. I need to know that you would NOT use what little money that I have for "charity" to this monster that took the life af his wife.

I am not really crazy about these election gimmicks. Such practices may not be technically unethical, but in my mind they are highly questionable.

Not only that, I think these tactics may discourage qualified people from running. I don't know what the salary is for a full time legislator, but it must be a consideration at some point during the decision making process. The travel stipend for some could make all the difference. To give it away after the election is admirable. To promise before the election is quite different.

some Republican Reps don't put in for the stipend and it has been so noted in the Sun Chronicle. In the interest of equity, do you see it as a 'gimmick' when Republicans do it??
Can we just get to the issues. I'd like to hear our State Rep. candidates talk about the economy, crime (including the hot button issue of the day), education, transportation, etc. etc. Let's not prejudge either candidate but let's also not settle for one piddly debate.

No where in the 8th Amendment does it state that a prisioner has any rights. Only that the prisioner not being treated with cruel and/or unusual punishment for a crime (or crimes) committed and found guilty of.
Personal interpertation by members of the Supreme Court have turned this amendment on it's ear to the point that we are at now where a convicted murderer has a "right" to have a sex change, (oops have to be PC here: "sexual re-alignment" ) paid for by the taxpayers of the state.
The order of the Federal judge UNCONSTITUTIONAL since he has no authority to tax the citizens of any state.

Here is the latest opinion on the 8th Amendment by the Supreme Court: Latest as it was last challenged and argued infront of the justices...look at any opinion from the Supreme Court and you will not find sexual re-alignment or a prisioner seeking such in any opinion.

Harmelin v. Michigan, 501 U.S. 957, 994 -95 (1991) (''severe, mandatory penalties may be cruel, but they are not unusual in the constitutional sense, having been employed in various forms throughout our Nation's history'').

ps. If this murderer has sucidal tendancies so be it. He will not be the first nor the last to have them, nor will he be the last to act upon those tendancies if he so chooses.
Fingers crossed he does!!

As a side note the 2012 legislative session for the House began on Jan 4th 2012 and ended on July 31st, Roughly 140 business days, 20 days per month without the state and federal holidays, so for arguement sake lets say 130 days.
Per Rep Ross he put in for 70 days...Where were you Rep Ross for the other 60 days? As "our full time" rep that sure is a tad light on the full time and more on the PART TIME

I do wish that people had to post their real name/full name. I mean this as a general statement throughout PATCH.

Hey Paul, I don't take the train what do you have for me? If you want me to vote democrat I might as well put my hand out for something....

Paul, when I opened up the Patch page I saw a picture of you with the beginning of a comment by you in the "What People Are Saying" section that said: "Denying someone medical treatment is considered cruel and...." When I clicked on the comment to read the rest of your post it brought me to this article. I see the exchange regarding the Kosilek situation and am wondering if the Patch deleted your comment for some reason? I'd be very interested in hearing the rest of your opinion on the subject. I have a printscreen of it if you'd like a copy. Thanks!

It seems to me that Paul Heroux is doing some political grandstanding. I worked in Boston for 6 years and I recieved a discount on my commuter rail pass. Companies give discounts on commuter rail passes as part of their benefits programs,and it has been regular practice for them to do so. I was fortunate in the sense that back in 1999 to 2004, I recieved this type of help. Mr. Heroux's idea of claiming he would use stipend money to pay for commuter rail passes in my opinion, is an example of trying to buy votes, a handount if you will, just saying....

Paul,
I'm looking forward to the issues being discussed in the debate. All you need is one debate, not four.

A few things that stick out to me:

#1 Ross didn't use the whole stipend allotted to him. That is a biggie in my book.

#2 At $291 each, $3150 would buy less than 12 one-month zone 7 commuter rail passes which would be the most economical use of the funds. Small dollars, or at least a smaller impact than I think is being portrayed.

In addition, as mentioned by another commenter, most folks who commute have this pass paid for by payroll deduction and a percentage of those folks get a discount for paying by this method or the employer can subsidize a percentage of the cost in order to encourage the use of public transportation and receive other tax breaks. Again, not sure how much of the intended positive impact this will have for commuters or the working poor.

#3 Not sure how ethical it is for money earmarked for a specific purpose to be somewhat repurposed and distributed. Although I would appreciate a free ride to Boston to check out a museum or a ball game or just spend the day in the city with the family, the cost of the ride is small compared to what would be spent while in the city for the tickets or meals, etc. Carpooling would likely be more economical and about as green as taking public transportation.

#4 I think we as taxpayers and voters deserve more than one debate.

@ Richard Lunt- "Swipe"? I dont remember Paul saying anything about George Ross, OR his contributions to the community, cash or otherwise. I said it. From what I understand, Paul was simply letting the voters know what his plans were in a press release. George Ross then "swiped" back. And I dont doubt for a minute George Ross has made his charitable contributtions, and believe public service, in and of itself, IS community service. I never questioned George Ross, or his service. I simply stated that Paul was being attacked by Ross commenting on Paul as "not even scratching the surface" and that is just not true. They BOTH have contributions. So WHY are we going around & around on this?? Lets ALL just stop the negativity and finger-pointing and get to the issues!! Geez...

Lauren, you can call Paul's announcement regarding donating the stipend for MTA passes "letting the voters know what his plans were in a press release..." however that doesn't change the fact that it was done as a political move and therefore it's subject to criticism as such. I don't see any problem with that. I presume Paul checked into the ethics aspect of it and it was ok however I must say that I do find the concept unseemly. That's my personal opinion and it's certainly subject to debate. I also find the response by George Ross a little bit of a knee jerk reaction and beneath his usual standards. People know what George has done for the community, he shouldn't have to defend it because of what comes off as a cheap politcal stunt by his opponent. I also believe that Paul's intentions were good, just a little misguided from a PR/political standpoint.

Anyone who announces charity ahead of time is motivated by self interest. Those who conceal charity and keep it private are motivated by the interest of those in need.

disagree. If you meet and talk to Paul Heroux, you would see a person of integrity and decency. Other representatives, including Republicans, have publicly declined their travel expenses. Don't prejudge people's motivations and intentions before finding out more about the candidates.

Let's face it. We are a very cynical society. The politicians are to blame for that.
Whether Paul intentions were pure or not, isn't the issue. All politicians should be put on notice. The perception by many is that these "offers" at election time are suspicious. I cringe every time I read of one. Especially when it comes from some one I like and/or support. I think the "donor" unfairly puts the opponent on the defensive
If folks representing the See-Attleboro area want to do us a favor, they could start by rolling back the sales tax to 5%. If the commonwealth is worried about losing revenue, put the sales tax back on alcohol. Nothing seems to phase that industry.

In reading these comments I felt I needed to weigh in.

Back in June my wife and I headed a fundraiser for the Coelho Middle School PTO. We held our first annual Golf Tournament for the specific purpose of increasing the technology integration in the classroom instruction, something we had done, in working with the former Principal at Hill-Roberts, Matt Joseph, for years. We rasid over $4500 for this purpose with the help of the players, those who donated items, and those who sponsored the event.

I feel it is very pertinent to inform those here that Representative George Ross was one of those who sponsored the tournament. Representative Ross did this on his own accord after I had run into him and mentioned the tournament. In fact, he has, in the past, donated to the Hill-Roberts Elementary School in a similar fashion.

I think this truly speaks to what Mr. Ross was explaining in that he is, and has been, for many, many years, giving back to Attleboro. In fact, Mr. Ross was the only member who is running for, or is currently serving as an elected official, to donate to this cause, which I think says a lot.

Mr. Ross didn't ask me to write this, nor did he ask for some sort of acknowledgement that he has given to causes of this nature. All I know is that he cares deeply about Attleboro and he has my support and vote!

So truthfully, I respect any person who wants to give back to their community, but it shouldn't be done in such a political manner.

et's focus on what's really going on on this page. I think this discussion needs to be about issues. Lets consider the issues with as much fairness and insight and maturity as we can muster.

Often we judge before we know and we make assumptions. And then our assumptions become our reality. I'm asking people to look at the debate and then look at all they've taken in and think what's best for Attleboro. Use our considered judgment rather than a common human tendency to be judgmental.

Paul never even raised the issue of charity. Ross has shifted the debate off of the issues at hand--and ma it out to be about charity. The issue Heroux talked about was giving some of our hard-earned tax dollars back to us. Charity is a completely separate issue.

I say let them debate! One, two, three or four debates whatever it takes! I want to see each candidate tell the people of Attleboro what are they going to do and I want to know what has not been done that should have been done! From a personal standpoint all I have seen Ross do is cut ribbons and play dirty politics. I am also concerned with Ross's health and how long (if) he is elected he will he be able to carry on. One more term, no matter how short, we (the tax payers) will be footing the bill for his early retirement. Let Ross and Heroux speak for themselves, then the people of Attleboro will decide.

Ellen,
George is more than up to the task of continuing to be our State Representative, he's as active and vibrant as you and me, and maybe even more. He's been to more ribbon cutting ceremonies, community events, office hours and constituent events and State House duties than you could ever count. You are not telling the truth Ellen!

are you accusing Ellen of lying? She just expressed an opinion, just as we all do. Your defense of George Ross is 'just' your opinion too. As is this question of mine.

Gretchen,
Yes Ellen is a liar when she says that George Ross isn't doing his work as our State Rep. He attends numerous events in the district, speaks to organizations, holds office hours, and is in session voting on legislation even during the summer months when there are semi-formal sessions. Ellen's statement of George not doing his work is an absolute lie!

No Richard, It is what is what us called as Gretchen says (my opinion). Quite franky I have a right to it, as do you. I could say (but I won't) that you are a lier if you don't agree with me.
Grand on the ribbon cutting. I dont think Geroge Ross is great Rep. If that makes me a lier..so be it...Look up the word in the dictionary.
Btw..How many.ribbon cuttings was he attending from LifeCare. The Sun Chronicle reported that he went to the state house to vote from LifeCare, to keep up his perfect voting record..that is a fact

The point is Ellen is that George still did his job and called constituents, held meetings and yes he voted on legislation. You are inaccurate claiming that he wasn't doing his job. You aren't telling the whole story. Oh by the way, did Bill feed you that mis-information about George not doing his work??

RWL: I think that you can make your points without insulting and mischaracterizing someone's comments. We can make these discussions more civil but everyone has to keep it on that level, or at least to try. Then we might just learn from one another.
At first on Patch I was often not civil but I'm learning how to communicate without putting others down. Not perfect but it's a practice and I'm learning.

Gretchen
That is hard to accomplish when some people on here aren't completely honest and are telling mis-truths and giving mis-information about a candidate, just saying....

Richard: again, that is your opinion. Whether people are completely honest or not--or deliberately giving mis-truths or misinformation is something that becomes clear to everyone over time. We can have discussions here and in time people will learn who to trust and who not to. That means we can discuss things past this election and learn from one another's worldview and opinion. But only if we are civil (not saying you were uncivil--and as I said, I've had my moments of incivility).

Richard,
You keep saying people arn't being honest on here. The fact seems to be that if they don't agree with you they arn't honest. Nothing on here I have said is not accurate in my opinon. If he held meetings in Lifecare, fine, that's great...
It's just my opinon..I dont have to agree with you about his competancy. I do not think he has been a good Rep... MY OPINON only!
I like like the way he handled the MBTA or Bath Salts to name two. just my opinion... have your own..that's what makes this a great country

I don't think any of the regular contributors to Patch need payoffs to motivate them to post comments. I believe you both are capable of a more advanced conversation. Attack the issues, not the people. Thank you.

My mind was made up when I saw Heroux signs with Kennedy and Warren. No thank you. If that little group wasn't bad enough, he seems to be all about the giant debt sink hole called the MBTA.

Mac,
To answer your question, I'm not getting paid to blog on here; however, I will say that as a conservative Republican which I'm proud to stand up and say that I am, I'm passionate about my conservative beliefs and the candidates that I support, including George Ross and sometimes my passion can be viewed as being negative when I feel that the those on the left are attacking or not telling the truth when it comes to the issues. We are all entitled to our opinions and I thank you all for voicing your opinons, that is what makes this a great nation, the fact that we can debate the issues. I must admit, I do find alot of mis- truths and lies in politics, such as our President when he said that he would not tax the middle class, and Obamacare turned out to be the biggest tax increase on the middle class.

It is a smear against Paul Heroux, his candidacy, and to voters to say that someone who comments here is somehow in league with Paul Heroux. I expect rebuttal not smears out of you.

In particular, "yerkillin me" needs to clean up his (?) act! He(?) attacks three women at once, none of whom (I presume) he knows. You need to know that women won't be silenced anymore by such nonsense. You need to get over yourself.

'This woman (me!) has a mind of her own, a strong voice, a social witness, and an intellect. And I am going to use it to the best of my ability. And if you don't like the effectiveness of what I write, write comments that are effective yourself. Don't pick on other writers (bully?) and smear and go negative and repeat the same points and charges that have been made a hundred times already. Boring!

For the record, I am drawn to Heroux's stands on some issues. I like the way he wants to stick with the issues. Mostly, I'm fed up with George Ross' smugness and assumption that he owns the Rep's job and I find his disdaining of more than one debate baffling. Ross' refusal to debate more than once won't resonate well, methinks, with voters.

Gretchen,
I've known George Ross for years and one thing he is not is smug, and that's just my opinion. He cares deeply about the issues facing our city and I think that will resonate with the voters.

Okay, I retract the 'smug' remark. That was uncalled for on my part. Thank you for correcting my opinion with your witness to his character.
I think he cares about issues our City faces but this election for City Rep. is for who can best serve the community. That is why voters get to choose who will speak and advocate and serve the community and Commonwealth. Who will make the best leader?

My opinion, he hasn't done a whole lot. He rides on the Poirier wagon. Bath salts and a sprinkler, really? Lots of ribbon cutting and showing up for anything he thinks will get his picture in the paper. As I talk to people in Attleboro I hear more and more how they had called Ross for one reason or another with no results. Yes, I believe Ross cares, but only for himself; not the people. I believe a vote for Ross is a vote to pay his large pension when he resigns for health reasons.

Better not to debate & thought to be incompetent than to debate & remove all doubt.