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By Paul Caruccio, Chair
Winthrop Republican Town Committee
State Democrat Party Chair Steve Kerrigan was quoted as saying, “We look forward to putting Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll’s record for the last four years up against what Donald Trump has been spewing in Washington and what Mike Minogue has been talking about.”
First, Donald Trump isn’t on any state or federal ballot. But let’s compare records. The best way to promote your accomplishments is to defend them in vigorous public debates. When policies have failed, however, the easiest strategy is to avoid the debate altogether.
That is what I believe Maura Healey will do: run.
At best, Healey may agree to a token debate after early voting has already begun. That could limit her losses if voters take a hard look at her record. But no debate can make that record disappear.
Can you name a single major Healey accomplishment? I can’t. So let’s examine what has happened during the Healey administration.
Utility Costs
Massachusetts residents face some of the highest utility costs in the nation. Healey has touted her role in stopping two natural-gas pipelines, but residents continue to shoulder the resulting energy costs and burdens.
Out-Migration
Massachusetts continues to struggle with out-migration. Citizens are leaving because of the state’s high costs and expanding government burdens. Many are younger, educated professionals and established, financially successful residents—people who contribute substantially to the state’s economy and communities.
The loss of these residents carries a significant economic cost, including an estimated $1.4 billion in lost state income over the last five years.
Taxes
Massachusetts already ranks among the highest-tax states in the nation, and a new 4% high-earner tax was added. Yet spending continues unabated. At the same time, reductions in state support have placed additional pressure on cities and towns, forcing many municipalities to increase local taxes.
Immigration
Healey has committed billions of dollars in state resources to assisting illegal immigrants. Those costs include housing, food, transportation, medical and dental care, education, and other services.
Meanwhile, many Massachusetts citizens struggle to make ends meet while facing rising taxes and living expenses. We should be able to discuss honestly how these policies affect both taxpayers and the people receiving assistance.
Crime
Call me names, but I am glad when dangerous criminals—including sexual predators, rapists, murderers, gang members, embezzlers, and others who have committed serious crimes—are removed from our communities. Maura Healey is doing everything in her power to prevent the federal government from removing these dangerous criminals.
And if someone has been convicted of murder and sentenced to prison, shouldn’t that sentence mean something? Massachusetts residents deserve a criminal-justice system that protects the public and applies the law consistently. Stop the early release of convicted murderers Governor.
The Audit
Again, can we please have the audit?
If Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly demanded an audit through a binding election, shouldn’t the Governor and state officials respect that mandate and provide the public with the results?
Drugs
Let’s keep illegal drugs out of our communities—and especially out of positions of public trust, including the governor’s office. It is the Governor who hired LaMar Cook. Cook was arrested for allegedly importing 26 pounds of cocaine directly to the Governor’s western Massachusetts office. Cook got $31,000 on his way out of the door.
Contracts and Appointments
Did the Healey administration award a $2.1 billion contract through a disputed bidding process to a convicted criminal with no development experience who is married to a Massachusetts Democrat member of Congress? Yes she did.
And what about the appointment her romantic interest to the judiciary? Critics have questioned whether that appointment created the appearance of a personal favor.
These are legitimate questions. The public deserves straightforward answers.
Fraud and Waste
Healey has opposed or resisted federal efforts to reduce fraud and waste. Her administration has also faced criticism from the Biden Administration over welfare spending and allegations of excessive errors and waste.
Every dollar lost to fraud or waste is a dollar unavailable for legitimate programs and services that Massachusetts residents depend on.
State Police Management
The governor oversees the Massachusetts State Police, yet serious questions remain about the management of this troubled organization.
There have been allegations involving a two-year cover-up surrounding the death of a handicapped man in an automobile accident involving a trooper, the death of a State Police recruit during self-defense training, and alleged corruption involving officials connected to the Karen Read investigation, among other controversies.
The governor has a responsibility to address serious problems within an agency under her authority. Massachusetts residents deserve transparency, accountability, and corrective action.
Let the Voters Decide
If Healey is confident in her record, she should welcome the opportunity to defend it.
Effective leaders do not hide from scrutiny. They explain their decisions, defend their accomplishments, answer difficult questions, and face their opponents before the voters.
Instead of running from a debate, Healey should face the public whose votes she is asking for. Don’t let her run.
Tell Healey to debate Mike Minogue. Now.
Originally published on September 17, 2026
