Coletta and Sweezey Clash on Key Issues

Immigration, MBTA Zoning, and Ballot Questions Spark Debate in 6th Plymouth Forum

MARSHFIELD, MA - The race for the vacant 6th Plymouth District state representative seat heated up as Democratic candidate Becky Coletta and Republican Ken Sweezey squared off in a WATD political forum, revealing stark differences on several key issues.

Immigration emerged as a major point of contention, with Sweezey calling it "the number one issue" he hears about from voters. He criticized the state's handling of the migrant crisis, arguing that Massachusetts has become "a magnet for this issue."

"This right to shelter in this migrant crisis... is really an unfunded mandate, putting kids into schools when towns aren't prepared," Sweezey said. He advocated for a residency requirement for the right to shelter program.

Coletta, while acknowledging the strain on local resources, focused on expediting work permits for migrants. "I would work as hard as our governor has been working to get work permits and get people to work," she said. "It doesn't cost money if we have these people working."

The candidates also clashed over the MBTA Community Zoning Act, which requires certain communities to zone for multi-family housing near transit stations. Sweezey strongly opposed the measure, stating, "This directly changes, and I would say ruins the character of our towns."

Coletta, while disagreeing with the Gov Baker signed law and preferring the more recent Gov Healey Housing Bill, tied it to the problem at hand, the affordability crisis. "I look at Duxbury. The median household income is $130,000. The median house price is $863,000. To buy into Duxbury today, you'd need about a $250,000 income." she said.

On ballot questions, the candidates diverged on several issues. Regarding the state auditor's proposal to audit the legislature, Sweezey expressed enthusiastic support. "We have one of the least transparent state houses in the entire nation. The legislature needs to be much more accountable for what they're doing," he said.

Coletta, while ultimately supporting the measure, expressed reservations about its legal implications. "I think it's going to be very legally complicated because it's unclear what her authority is to audit beyond financials," she noted.

The candidates also split on Question 2, which would eliminate MCAS as a graduation requirement. Sweezey opposed the measure, arguing, "Standards are really, really important." Coletta supported it, stating, "I don't think it should be the one test for whether or not someone is ready and has the skills and information they need to move on in life with a high school diploma."

Both candidates agreed on opposing Question 5, which would change how restaurant workers are paid. "If you talk to workers, if you talk to your local mom and pop restaurants here in the district, nobody wants this," Sweezey said. Coletta concurred, citing concerns about tip pooling.

On affordable housing, both acknowledged the severity of the issue but differed on solutions. Coletta emphasized the need for state-level initiatives, while Sweezey focused on local control and reducing regulatory burdens.

The candidates also addressed mental health and addiction issues, with both praising Plymouth County's programs but differing on funding priorities.

As the race enters its final stretch, voters in the 6th Plymouth District face a clear choice between two candidates with distinct visions for addressing the region's challenges. The election is set for Nov. 5.

*editors note: this is part of a series of articles based on recent Candidate Forums hosted by WATD. Early in-person voting began in every town October 19.