Out of the three questions on this year's ballot, Question No. 2 is an interesting one. It's one piece of legislation that most politicians believe should stay in tact. Question 2 asks voters if they want to repeal certain section of Chapter 40B, known as the state's Affordable Housing Law. The law applies to towns that haven't met the state's requirement that all cities and towns have at least 10 percent of its housing dedicated to low and moderate-income residents. "I believe it would be a mistake to repeal  40B," State Representative Jason Lewis said. "There is not enough affordable …

With three questions on this year's ballot, there are a number of different decisions voters are going to have to make. But none may be as divisive as Ballot question No. 1. Question 1 asks voters if they want to repeal the alcohol tax, which was put in place last year when the sales tax was also increased. While the general sales tax went from 5 percent to 6.25 percent, there was previously no tax on the alcoholic beverages. Now the tax is 6.25 percent. "We've definitely seen the effects," said owner of Pairings Wine and Food, Lori Gagne Pollock who just took over the store this past April…

Tuesday, Nov. 2 is Election Day. Be sure you know where to vote and who's on the ballot. Besides the major election for the Governor's seat between Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker, there are plenty of other elections that impact Winchester. Attorney General Martha Coakley (D-Medford) will face-off against challenger James McKenna (R-Millbury). Secretary of State incumbent William Galvin of Breston will be facing two challengers – Republican William Campbell (Woburn) and James Henderson from Stow. U.S. Representative incumbent Edward Markey (D-Malden) has a challenger in Gerry Dembrowski (R-…

Republican candidate Dave Carnevale, a Medford business owner, is challenging two-term Democratic incumbent (and former State Rep., 1999-2005) Pat Jehlen in the race for State Senator for the 2nd Middlesex District. We asked each to talk about what their first two priorities would be if elected or reelected.

Republican candidate Dave Carnevale, a Medford business owner, is challenging two-term Democratic incumbent (and former State Rep., 1999-2005) Pat Jehlen in the race for State Senator for the 2nd Middlesex District. We asked each to talk about what their first two priorities would be if elected or reelected.

On Tuesday, Nov. 2 residents across the country will be flocking to their polling places to cast the vote. And while local politicians, congressmen and governors are the most popular choices this year, in Massachusetts the state has an additional three ballot questions to choose from. The first has to do with the sales tax and the second is on 40B, affordable housing. But it's been Ballot Question 3 that has arguably drawn more attention than the other referendum questions on the Nov. 2 ballot. It asks voters whether they want to repeal the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent. The sales …

Why are you seeking re-election? I'm seeking re-election because I believe that I've been effective in getting results for Stoneham and Winchester during my first time. I've loved working on local economic development, saving the Stone Zoo, flood mitigation in Winchester, funding for commuter rail stations and school buildings. I want to continue the important work that we have under way. Unemployment numbers remain high across the state, what are you going to do to try and increase jobs and encourage businesses to increase their payrolls across Massachusetts? Certainly the biggest challenge …

Supporters of State Representative Jason Lewis gathered together on Tuesday to meet Lewis and to discuss current concerns and ballot issues related to the upcoming election.  The meet and greet was hosted by Winchester residents Terry and David Marotta and Carol Savage. The Marotta's opened their home to neighbors, campaign supporters, activists and others who were interested in meeting the incumbent.   "We wanted to get supporters together to meet Jason, get them excited about the campaign, talk about issues and get volunteers. It takes a lot of volunteers to get a campaign going," stated …

This is your first time entering politics, so why are you doing it? Why now? I tell people when I go door-to-door, I'm just like them, I'm a citizen, I'm a taxpayer and I feel that we need folks like us to run. This is the year is most conducive to that because of the general voter dissatisfaction, the very liberal, progressive, policies that we've seen in Massachusetts the last couple of years. And the truth is, the election of Scott Brown shows that somebody who is not part of the democratic establishment has a shot at winning. Especially in Stoneham and Winchester where Scott Brown took 60…

Michael Rotondi is the Stoneham Town Moderator and is an Independent candidate running for the State Rep. seat against the incumbent Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and George Georgountzos (R-Stoneham) You ran and lost last election, so why are you running again? I just felt that I was greatly disappointed in some of the incumbents votes, especially not getting things done, like the casino, which was the key piece of legislation over the last few years. He campaigned as a new person in change and he immediately votes for Sal DiMasi, the Speak of the House. His approach doesn't benefit the …

Patch asked the three State Rep. Candidates - the incumbent, Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and his two challengers George Georgountzos (R-Stoneham) and Michael Rotondi (I-Stoneham) - for their opinions on Ballot Question No. 2, which would eliminate 40B, that helps to create affordable housing. The candidates will face-off on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 2.  What is your position on ballot question #2 that is seeking to repeal Chapter 40B? Do you think it has worked to provide low income housing in the district? Are there other ways you can suggest to make communities in the district …

Facing competition from a New England Patriots game and sunny skies, the League of Women Voters hosted a Day at the Races Candidates' Forum for a sparse crowd on Sunday afternoon at Winchester High School.  The three candidates for the 31st Middlesex County House of Representatives seat - incumbent Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), George Georgountzos (R-Stoneham) and Michael Rotondi (I-Stoneham) - spoke out on several state and local issues brought forth by voters. They also answered questions from each other - something the candidates were not aware of before arriving at the forum. To see the …

Patch asked the three State Rep. Candidates - the incumbent, Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and his two challengers George Georgountzos (R-Stoneham) and Michael Rotondi (I-Stoneham) - for their opinions on Ballot Question No. 3, the rolling-back of the sales tax to three percent. The candidates will face-off on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 2.  Do you support Ballot Question 3 that proposes cutting the sales tax to 3 percent, if not 3 percent, do you support rolling it back to another number? Lewis: No. I understand wanting to lessen the burden on working families in this difficult economy…

Patch asked the two State Senate Candidates - the incumbent, Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) and her challenger Dave Carnevale (R-Medford) - for their opinions on Ballot Question No. 3, the rolling-back of the sales tax to three percent. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.  Do you support Ballot Question 3 that proposes cutting the sales tax to 3 percent, if not 3 percent, do you support rolling it back to another number? Jehlen: I oppose Question 3. We have already cut state spending by $2 billion because of declining revenue. To recover from the global recession, we need to fund local education…

With the current state of the economy, unemployment continuing to be a concern and healthcare always a hot topic, the environment is one area that has been relatively quiet this election season. On Tuesday night, State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D- Somerville) and State Representative Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) stopped by Town Hall to speak with one of the town's environmental groups – Sustainable Winchester. The two candidates expressed disappointment over the failed bottle bill, which would have allowed people to recycle bottled water, juice and sports drinks. By the time it came to a vote, …