Evan grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts and is a current resident of Westport. He attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst as well as the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Working at a number of local businesses, he has seen and discussed the negative impact of a heavy tax and regulatory burden, bolstering his strong belief in fiscal responsibility.
The residents of the 8th Bristol District need an advocate for fiscally responsible policies at the State House. Amid significant budget surpluses in recent years, Massachusetts residents deserve relief. Evan supports the Governor’s budget proposal that would provide $700 million in tax breaks for many individuals, including seniors, renters, and low-income taxpayers. Additionally, Evan supports the suspension of the gas tax to ease the burden of record high prices.
At the State House, Evan will promote public safety and support our local law enforcement who work hard every day to keep our neighborhoods safe. He has met with many law enforcement officers, firefighters, and union officials to discuss the negative effects of underfunding and short-staffing that is currently taking place in many departments.
Evan plans to work with public safety officials to address funding issues for much-needed equipment, gear, vehicle, and building infrastructure updates.
As state representative, Evan will work with local and state organizations to provide solutions to environmental issues facing our district and our Commonwealth, including supporting the continued growth and development of the clean energy industry. Here in the 8th Bristol, it is especially important that we address algal bloom problems in the South Watuppa Pond and invest in drinking water infrastructure in our cities to help clean out contaminants.
The South Coast has great potential with regard to economic development opportunities. Evan will work with local leaders to find ways to increase revenue and promote the growth of small businesses, the backbone of our economy.
Our district should take advantage of increased tourism opportunities, particularly as the South Coast Rail project nears completion. This would involve conversations with local stakeholders in the public and private sector to identify opportunities for growth and development.
Despite large budget surpluses in recent years and funding from ARPA, local aid has seen relatively small increases. Our cities and towns rely on this money from the state to supplement local tax receipts, fund improvement projects, and fund the many services provided to residents every day.
As state representative, I will be a strong advocate for the cities and towns in the 8th Bristol. It is important that local aid adequately allows municipalities to provide education services, maintain infrastructure, and ensure public safety without increasing the local tax burden.
It is important that our state delegation works with local high schools, vocational schools, and colleges and universities to expand training programs that create jobs in our region.
The 8th Bristol District has seen the creation of new schools in recent years, with others currently in the initial stages. It is critical that we have a substantive workforce development plan to make the South Coast a better place to live and work, and to ensure that there are local job opportunities for college, high school, and trade school graduates. Evan will bring together employers, school districts, students, and educators to create a conversation regarding needs and how to grow the local job market.
Early college programs have also helped shape students’ education and futures, and we have seen success with this in our region. Additionally, it is important that we expand continuing education programs and work with employers to better understand training needs.
Providing services to the veterans in our community is a priority for Evan. He has had the opportunity to meet with many veterans groups and listen to their concerns and ideas. The Veterans’ Service Officers in our cities and towns do important work delivering essential services, conducting outreach, and assisting with benefits programs. Evan will partner with our VSOs to ensure they have the funding to provide resources to those whom they serve. He will also work to address equity barriers and accessibility issues.
The Commonwealth’s residents face a heavy tax burden. Lower tax rates would ease this burden and attract businesses, driving additional investment in the state. Taxes should not be indexed to the rate of inflation, such as with the proposed automatic gas tax increase.
In order to have a government that works for the people, we must increase accountability. Elected officials should be held to a high standard, and our institutions must work to increase transparency.