Weld Stresses Crime, Jobs, Welfare in Re-election Bid

Massachusetts Gov. William F. Weld '66 plans to stress crime, welfare and the state economy in his bid for re-election this year.

In formally announcing his candidacy last month at a Faneuil Hall rally, Weld stressed his administration's successes during his first term.

"[We] are encouraged by what we've done so far--balancing four budgets, cutting taxes five times, abolishing the early release of inmates, getting our economy growing again, reforming our public schools, trying to protect the state's space and rivers," Weld said.

At the heart of Weld's plans to fight crime is his proposal to reinstate the death penalty and a "Three strikes, You're Out" bill for repeat offenders.

The governor would like to see the death penalty used in the state for a number of select offenses, including the murder of a police officer. The February slayings of Boston Police Officer Wayne Anderson and Paxton Police Chief Robert Mortell prompted Weld's call for the restoration of capital punishment in the state. The death penalty was last carried out in Massachusetts in 1947.

"These were good men, and they were taken from us by men gone bad. These cop-killers are walking advertisements for why we need to bring the death penalty back to Massachusetts," Weld says.

Weld adds, "Too many children...too many police officers...too many innocent bystanders are being shot and killed. It's time to stop talking tough. It's time for action. On the death penalty. On life sentences for three-time losers. On building more prisons."

Weld proposes to overhaul the entire welfare system and to "end welfare as we know it."

"The real scandal in welfare isn't the bad apples who break the law and abuse the system. The real scandal is the system itself," Weld says. "Welfare in Massachusetts is bankrupt. It is corrupt. It is messed up. And we're going to tear it apart and make it work."

The governor wants to replace the cash grant and instead give able-bodied welfare recipients day care and health care.

"Welfare does play a vital role in helping many women and their children through short-term crises," Weld says. "But welfare as it currently exists also subsidizes some of the most destructive behavior in our society."

Weld believes that cutting taxes is essential for job creation and economic growth. While the state's unemployment rate has decreased during his administration, Weld says he still is not satisfied with the state's economy.

"I'm encouraged that Massachusetts has created 110,000 jobs [since 1991]," Weld says. "But more must be done. I know that thousands of families are still struggling, and that we need more jobs in Massachusetts, and more jobs in Boston."

Weld says that Massachusetts will suffer if one of his three Democratic challengers wins the general election in November.

"This upcoming election isn't about whether [Lt. Gov.] Paul [Cellucci] and I get re-elected," Weld says. "It really is about whether we keep moving Massachusetts forward or whether we revert to the terrible, misguided mistakes of the past."