View: Jamie Eldridge, Dean Cavaretta Debate
Watch the livestreamed Patch and ActonTV debate between state senate candidates Jamie Eldridge and Dean Cavaretta.
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** Updated: 8:37 p.m. - we're replaying the debate now. You'll have to wait through nine minutes of pre-show sound checks... then it'll be back on.
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Middlesex & Worcester District Democratic state Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Republican challenger Dean Cavaretta will be debating live on Patch at 7:30 tonight. Click on the box above to watch the debate live.
You can also watch the debate on any ActonTV channel (Comcast Channels 8, 9 and 99 and Verizon Channels 40, 41 and 45).
The state senate seat up for grabs in the Nov. 6 election serves the Middlesex & Worcester District, including Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Devens, Harvard, Hudson, Littleton, Maynard, Marlborough, precinct 3 in Northborough, Shirley, Southborough, Stow, precincts 2, 3, and 5 in Sudbury and Westborough.
Charlie Kadlec
6:41 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
One of the questions to the candidates was about their postions on the unfunded liability known as OPEB ("Other Post-Employment Benefits"), which has been recognized for several years as a major financial problem for the Commonwealth as well as for the towns. Senator Jamie Eldridge answered that government employees contributed to their pensions, that this is a commitment that must be honored, and (predictably) suggested "closing loopholes", aka raising taxes, to pay for it. However, OPEB has nothing to do with pensions. Senator Eldridge should know that.
Dean Cavaretta did not mention pensions but it was not clear from his answer that he has a better understanding of the OPEB liability than Jamie.
Homework assignment for both candidates : learn what OPEB is about. It is a problem that will require very difficult decisions, not glib political rhetoric.
Charlie Kadlec
Acton
Dean Cavaretta
12:49 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Charlie: If Im not mistaken it is the other giant
Unfunded pension liability for MA public entities different than the MA 18B in future obligations.
www.DeanCavaretta.com
I support reforms like raising retirement age for NEW state hires entering. My opponent VOTED NO
Charlie Kadlec
1:59 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Dean, I am sorry but I do not understand your comment.
Charlie Kadlec
Acton
Allen Nitschelm
1:31 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
OPEB refers to the future healthcare costs of retirees, whether they are currently retired or will retire in the future.