Barry Richard: Why I'm Voting For Shortsleeve in the Primary

The views expressed are my own and do not represent the views of WBSM or Townsquare Media.

Here is why I've decided to vote for Brian Shortsleeve in Tuesday's Republican primary for Governor of Massachusetts.

Economic Anxiety Grips Massachusetts Voters

Massachusetts is at a crossroads. There is significant uncertainty regarding the future of our state. A recent UMass Amherst/WCVB TV poll found that 62 percent of respondents believe the state is on the wrong track or are uncertain about the direction we are heading.

Another 63 percent told the poll the state of the Massachusetts economy is only fair or poor, while 58 percent describe the state of their own economy the same way. Many told the poll their greatest concern is the cost of living.

Friends worry that their children will join the growing exodus from Massachusetts in pursuit of a more affordable and less regulated future. Those left behind, particularly the elderly and those on fixed incomes, worry about high property taxes, soaring health insurance costs, and unmanageable utility bills.

Why I Am Voting For Brian Shortsleeve For Governor Of Massachusetts — Courtesy Shortsleeve for Massachusetts

Shortsleeve Tackling Affordability, Taxes, and Accountability

Brian Shortsleeve has campaigned all over the state offering detailed plans for addressing these concerns and more. Ways to make Massachusetts more affordable for all through lower income, sales, and property taxes.

Shortsleeve has also vowed to veto legislative funding until the fat cats on Beacon Hill agree to the audit that 72 percent of voters demanded.

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He will put the rights of hard-working Massachusetts citizens ahead of those who have come to our state illegally by amending the Right to Shelter law, Home Base, and revisiting the granting of driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

Shortsleeve is committed to Bristol County. He has selected New Bedford's Shawn Oliver to be his running mate. They have unveiled an economic revitalization plan for the SouthCoast region, and they are committed to fighting for increased local aid so that communities in our area won't have to grapple with closing fire stations, public safety cuts, and reductions in education spending.

Shortsleeve has stood up to the leadership of his own party in demanding election integrity and will not be timid about calling out Maura Healey on a debate stage and on the campaign trail.

Barry Says There's a Clear Choice in Tuesday's Republican Primary

Shortsleeve has articulated a plan and is unafraid to defend it, but his Republican challenger Mike Minogue has declined to debate Shortsleeve and, in my view, has not released a plan as detailed as Shortsleeve’s.

Mike Minogue is a good and intelligent family man, and like Shortsleeve, he's an American patriot. I thank him for his service. Minogue, however, is untested and ill-prepared for the battle that lies ahead between now and November 3.

Shortsleeve is prepared to lead, and with Oliver at his side, has the best chance to defeat Maura Healey and set Massachusetts on a new path to a better future.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent the views of Townsquare Media.