Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Ted Steinberg

NEEDHAM, MA — There are two candidates running in the Democratic primary for 13th Norfolk District in the Massachusetts Legislature, which includes Needham.

Patch reached out to both incumbent state Rep. Denise Garlick and challenger Ted Steinberg with a series of questions to help introduce voters to those candidates. The first in the series of candidate profiles will look at Steinberg. His campaign website is here.

All of the candidates were asked the same questions. We are publishing their answers to selected questions as they were submitted to us, with some editing for space and style considerations.

Education:

• Needham Public Schools
• Noble and Greenough School
• Connecticut College
• University of Southern California School of Public Policy

Occupation:

• Yardi Systems - 1 year
• US House of Representatives - 1 year
• Jacobson and Zilber Strategies - 1.5 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

• Needham Design Review Board

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is systemic complacency; I will fight against this culture as it hinders the progress we need. Our state government lacks action in key policy areas. The State House failed to vote on the Safe Communities Act - legislation that would protect our immigrant community from Trump’s family separation and deportation policies. Meanwhile, Massachusetts families (as close as Newton) continue to get torn apart. While representatives say they support the Safe Communities Act, the fact that they could not get it passed nor even bring it to the floor for a vote - despite a supportive coalition of elected officials, law enforcement, and public activists - is unacceptable. The Speaker of the House has too much influence, controlling what legislation comes to the floor without facing enough pressure from other representatives. This passive approach to policy-making runs deep; impacting our community every day.

Our representatives on Beacon Hill let another year go by without updating the public education funding formula, marking 25 years since our last reform. They did enact meaningful environmental policy, opting for baby-steps when we need to take giant leaps towards a 100% renewable energy future. They did not even ban the homophobic practice of conversion therapy. We need our laws to reflect true Massachusetts values.

I am the progressive alternative. Informed and experienced, I will be the avid advocate we need, pushing for action and standing up to the problematic culture on Beacon Hill that lacks transparency and accountability. Unless we restore the public’s role in the policymaking process, our calls to action will remain suppressed, allowing the stagnant status quo to continue. While legislators hide behind unrecorded votes, I will lead by example, publishing all my votes with explanations as to what I did and why I did it. You deserve to know where your representative stands on every issue. I will use every tool in the kit to fight for bills that will strengthen our community and enhance public access to information. It’s time for more than just a vote at the State House, we need a voice for change.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a different approach to governance. I believe in results-driven policymaking and recognize that proclaiming support for a bill is not enough. Mere support and hard work did not enact long-overdue education reform; it did not get us the strong environmental legislation we need; and it failed to protect our immigrant communities from Trump’s family separation policy. I will actively advocate for policy solutions, refusing to stand idly by as the stagnant status quo hinders progress. It is why I released a comprehensive policy platform on my website with action items for each issue area.

One of my priorities is challenging the culture on Beacon Hill that my opponent has voted to protect. I would have voted to make committee Roll Call votes published; I would have voted to keep term limits for the House Speaker; and I would have voted against the pay raise that gives leadership control over legislators’ salaries. This centralization of power has serious policy implications; it diminishes the public’s role in the policy-making process.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

I have the utmost respect for Rep. Garlick and appreciate her dedication to our community. I am running to offer our community a progressive alternative with a different perspective on governance. I will bring new, energized leadership that shows the urgency to act that matches the moment. Our State House shows support for the changes we need, but then settles for inaction or temporary fixes to persisting problems. Support does not get laws passed. Meetings do not get laws passed. They are necessary aspects of the job, but it takes a relentless pursuit of tangible progress to bring the changes we need. Representatives have shown where constant calls for action force votes on bills and amendments. It takes the political courage to defy the Speaker of the House, something I will bring to Beacon Hill every day.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Our State House must do more to support our local community. Representatives in the State House have refused to raise revenue for over a decade while we suffer from insufficient services. Our trains routinely malfunction, yet state officials do not make the necessary investments to improve our transportation infrastructure. Our classrooms are overcrowded, yet our elected officials still do not update the funding formula for our schools. The towns should not have to compensate for state inaction - yet with overrides and rising property taxes, that is the reality we live in. There are ways to raise revenue without hurting the taxpayers' wallets. With corporate taxes to offset federal cuts, carbon fees that help the environment and raise revenue, and even tax-deductible donations to the government, we can increase our spending power in responsible ways. It takes creativity and a new perspective. We have too many representatives who say "that can't happen" rather than "let's make that happen." Policymaking requires prudent leadership.

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

With action-focused experience on the local, state, and federal government level, I will be ready to serve on day one. While working as a democrat in a republican-controlled congress, I built coalitions and advocated to successfully pass legislation. After working to pass laws in our hyper-polarized capital, I will translate those skills to Beacon Hill. As a constituent case-worker at the state level, I have experience helping residents navigate through the daunting bureaucracy to get them the support they need. I will bring a constituent services office to the district - you should not have to go into Boston or wait for periodic office hours to get help.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

As Winston Churchill said "To improve is to change; to be perfect is change often."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

In this divided political climate, we need more respectful, civil discourse. We may not always agree, but we should always be able to discuss policy. I sincerely ask you to give me a call at (339) 225-2399. I would love to talk about policy and your vision for the Commonwealth. If you agree with me and want to discuss strategies to advocate, give me a call. If you disagree with me and want to talk through our differences, give me call. Even if you do not plan on voting for me, give me a call. We make our country better when we engage in productive conversation. Right now, people do not always feel comfortable discussing politics, particularly with those who disagree. That needs to change, and it starts with a phone call.

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