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AUBURN, Mass. – Auburn Selectman Steve Simonian is blaming legislators, including state Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, for a CNBC report that sent Massachusetts tumbling in business rankings, but Moore said these claims are baseless and unjustified.
CNBC came out with a report this week that said Massachusetts suffered the biggest decline in the nation for the “top states for business.” Massachusetts sank to the middle of the nation in CNBC’s latest ranking, falling from sixth to 28th.
Simonian, the Republican candidate for the 2nd Worcester District seat now held by Moore, is trying to take advantage of this negative news in this election year.
“This troubling news is positive proof that Massachusetts needs competent leaders ready to fix the oppressive regulations that are eliminating jobs in this state, and representatives on Beacon Hill who are determined to lower taxes to keep businesses here,” Simonian said. “Costs continue to skyrocket for Massachusetts working families and they deserve better than the same old policies of my opponent.”
But Moore, his opponent, said he has advocated for new economic development programs, in addition to direct involvment in identifying and addressing small business concerns.
“It is unfortunate that my opponent has selectively chosen to highlight a small portion of negative economic data,” Moore said. “He has tried to distort my efforts instead of looking at all of the positive economic data and the many important measures that I have both initiated and voted for to support and expand businesses throughout the Commonwealth.
“Over the last three and a half years, I’ve been proud to play a leadership role in passing some of the state’s most comprehensive programs in efforts to expand job growth and put people back to work,” Moore continued.
In the CNBC report, Massachusetts ranked 49th in cost of doing business, down from 41st, which was one reason for the drop, according to CNBC.
Other factors included a lagging economy, which went from 15th to 21st, and infrastructure, which reflected the state’s biggest decline from 29th to 45th.
“From CEOs to small businesses, the Massachusetts business climate appears to be rather bleak, due largely in part to policies that are not working,” Simonian said.
But despite this negative report, Moore said Simonian is missing the positive areas in Massachusetts.
“What my opponent has conspicuously left out is that Massachusetts has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 6 percent, well below the national average of 8.2 percent,” Moore said. “The same report my opponent cited states that we are seventh in the nation in technology and innovation, we are rated first in the nation in access to capital, and third in the nation in education.”
Comments (8)
It is a shame when a political party recruits someone so that an effective leader from another party doesn't run unopposed. In this case, rhetoric is thin and Simonian's leadership experience parallels his attack on a very successful State Senator, who I might add, has served the Town of Auburn extremely well. VOTE MIKE MOORE AGAIN!!
This guy is a clown, all he does is attack the good Senator. Why don't you tell us what you are going to do? No wait don't bother, I'm gladly voting for the hardworking Senator Mike Moore!
I don't know anything about Mr. Simonian, but there are plenty of reasons why MA voters should want to make this an anti-incumbent year, including, for starters:
- Reduce the one-party nature of this state and all the waste, corruption, and nepotism that has resulted from it.
- Reduce the dominance of the Boston area politicians who know that all elected Democrats outside the beltway must dance to their tune and accept the scraps thrown to them, or face severe consequences.
- Help stop deceiving the voters with so-called reform bills, such as on pensions, transportation, and food stamp cards, which do not solve the core problems.
Sounds to me Simonian is just lobbing grenades and hoping something hits, not much of a campaign strategy. He complains about Senator Moore's "politics as usual"? He couldn't be more wrong. Senator Moore has been downright innovative in working to help small businesses expand and bring new jobs. One of the lowest unemployment rates doesn't happen by accident. Senator Moore works closely with local chambers of commerce to help businesses find new lending so they can grow. He responded directly to our problem of fair share that was fining companies for complying with health insurance laws. You're barking up the wrong tree here Steve.
@harryrbrooks
The only way a do nothing first term selectman can run a campaign is to go negative. He has shown since the very beginning that he has no problem going negative and I am sure will continue until November. I, like you would like to hear what he would do to lead the state back. Will he lead like he lead Mariano's back street cafe?
Steve - The Tea Party bus has long left the station, and you’re left behind holding your misspelled sign and gadsden flag. Your barking up the wrong tree, everyone loves Senator Moore. Please end your campaign now!
Mr. Simonian couldnt be more off-base. Just last week, Senator Moore was featured in a story about alternative lending for small business! He spoke also at my Chamber of Commerce about fixing the fair share issue and relieving small businesses of unfair fines. Senator Moore has done more for job growth and for small businesses than anyone. To blame Senator Moore for the entire state's problems is disingenuous, unfair and untrue. No, he doesnt run the state, but maybe he should!
I just don't get it Steve. Why are you just alway attacking senator Moore? He has done so many positives and you make yourself look like an ASS always attacking the Senator. Instead of always attacking let hear what you will do if you win the seat. You are losing votes left n right with the dirty play. When you were a kid how many times were you kicked out of the sand box?