State Sen: 40B Housing

As a way to inform our readers about the candidates, Patch asked the two candidates for the state Senate five questions that focused on topics affecting Marblehead.

Where do you stand on the proposed law that would repeal the existing law allowing qualified organizations that want to build government-subsidized housing to apply for a single comprehensive permit from the town's Zoning Board of Appeals instead of separate permits from each agency?

Sen. Thomas McGee (D)

Massachusetts has some of the highest housing costs in the nation, making affordable housing one of the biggest problems facing the commonwealth. Middle class families deserve the opportunity to have access to affordable housing.

Excluding its major cities, Chapter 40B has been successful in providing 80% of all new affordable housing in the state since its passing. We need to continue discussing ways to make Chapter 40B more effective for all communities. Voting to repeal Chapter 40B at this critical time would make it much harder to provide needed opportunities for affordable housing. I will be voting " No" on Question 2.

Christopher Dent (R)

I am opposed to this proposal. The existing law provides for a streamlined process with ample opportunity for public participation and appeal. The proposed change to the law would complicate the process immensely by necessitating several different permits from various municipal agencies.

Check back later for question 4 -- where the candidates stand on the sales and alcohol tax.