This is the full text of James F. Munafo, Jr.’s “My View” article for the October 18, 2010 Cape Cod Times

A Fiscal Conservative for Legislature
By James F. Munafo, Jr.

I am running for state representative in the 2nd Barnstable District because we need legislators who protect the voice of the people.

One-party rule has taken over Beacon Hill, and the people’s best interests are no longer being represented.

I have a track record of investigating the issues and forming comprehensive opinions before voting. I am not afraid to be the only person voting for or against legislation, because I am voting my conscience. I do not simply follow the instructions given to me by “leadership.”

As a Barnstable town councilor I have worked under the constraints of Proposition 2½. I’ve fought new taxes disguised as fees. I’ve fought against hidden taxes, no matter how small. I believe in protecting the people’s interests first and I’ll do the same for the people of Yarmouth and Barnstable as your next state representative.

Is it OK to keep your taxes high so politicians can give a little back and say they are “bringing home the bacon”? Unlike the incumbent, I believe it’s your money and you should keep it.

However, that doesn’t mean that good projects can’t be helped. I have experience bringing people together.

When we wanted the new youth and community center, I made sure that the taxpayers’ risk was small and approved a sound business plan that’s working for this beautiful facility.

When we wanted new lighting for the Walkway to the Sea and Aselton Park, we were able to create a plan that did not put the burden on town residents.

When the town manager, the Hyannis Water District and the Hyannis Fire District were at odds over hydrant fees, I was asked to help. I was able to work with all sides and negotiated a deal that was satisfactory for all parties.

Over the past 10 years, we have seen rises in the income, sales and meals taxes, just to name a few. The past two years have seen unparalleled tax increases at a time when many of us have been cutting back. In this district, the incumbent voted to increase the sales and meals taxes, but claims to have changed his mind mere months later.

I am the only fiscal conservative in this race. I believe government has gotten too big and is in the way of our economic recovery. We need to cut taxes, and that’s why I’ve promised not to increase taxes, by taking the Massachusetts Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

While sewer pipes are hidden safely underground, the costs of massive municipal wastewater projects cannot be buried.

Wastewater is the single most important issue facing Cape Cod today. This unfunded federal and state mandate is projected to cost $8 billion over the next 20 years. As a wastewater professional, I know we can protect our coastal embayments, but I believe we shouldn’t move forward with this program until adequate funding is in place.

Cape Cod’s future is bright, and the Cape offers a quality of life that is very attractive. While we have hit an economic crossroad, we can recover. We will be faced with difficult decisions over the next two years that will impact us for decades. You can do your part to implement sound financial policies, remove governmental oppression and preserve our great commonwealth by voting to change the status quo. That’s why I am asking for readers’ votes on Nov. 2.

James F. Munafo Jr., a Hyannis Republican and a member of the Barnstable Town Council, is seeking the 2nd Barnstable District House seat.