Election 2024: Meet Plymouth, Barnstable Senate Candidate Mathew Muratore

MASSACHUSETTS — Early voting begins this week for the upcoming November elections, with many races both national and local for Massachusetts residents to participate in with their votes.

Patch has sent candidate questionnaires to candidates across the state in contested races, and will be publishing them on the site through election season.

In this Q&A, Patch spoke with MA Rep. Mathew Muratore who is running for the Plymouth and Barnstable Senate District.

Candidate’s Name: State Representative Matt Muratore

What office are you seeking: State Senator

District: Plymouth and Barnstable

Campaign website: www.MattMuratore.com

What city or town do you live in: Plymouth

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Northeastern University, Degree in Business Management

Occupation: State Representative for the 1st Plymouth District; Licensed nursing home administrator and member of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association; Owned and operated several early childhood education centers.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government: Just me.

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Former Chair of the Plymouth Selectboard

Age: 63

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing your district, and how do you plan to address it?

We consistently hear three things: the migrant shelter crisis, affordability, and trust/transparency in state government.

On the migrant shelter issue, we need to reform the right to shelter law to be limited to families who are Massachusetts residents and/or veterans. On affordability, we need to build on the tax relief efforts spearheaded by Governor Baker and passed into law by Governor Healey. And on transparency in state government, we need to support the State Auditor's noble efforts to audit the legislature and begin to bring some sunshine to Beacon Hill.

Massachusetts is among the most expensive states in the country, particularly when it comes to housing. What can be done to make Massachusetts communities more financially accessible?

We certainly need more housing as there is simply an issue of supply and demand. However, the best way to slow down this development is to have a heavy hand in state government.

As a State Senator I'll fight for local control so that the townspeople of the 8 communities in our district maintain control over where — and how much — development occurs.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I'm the only candidate in the race with public and private sector experience. As a Selectman and State Representative I have built relationships with local and state officials and I have been an effective advocate for my community, passing over 20 pieces of legislation.

As a business owner, I have built a payroll, paid taxes, and created new jobs.