Candidate Spotlight: Josh Mason
All year long, we’re introducing you to our most creative and dedicated 2020 candidates in our new Candidate Spotlight!
Say hello to Josh Mason running for Massachusetts State House of Representatives, First Barnstable! Josh has been a tireless advocate for curtailing the decline of the youth population on Cape Cod and creating year round opportunities in a tourist based economy. Through his work as a Democratic Committee Chairman, local committees, and as a candidate, Josh has developed an intimate understanding of the challenges that young people and families encounter everyday in Cape Cod’s seasonal economy, especially in regards to affordable housing. Learn more about Josh’s campaign below!
Hi Josh, tell us: What’s the most pressing in your community and how do you plan on remedying it?
We must build a year-round economy, to do that we’re proposing a merger between Cape Cod Community College and an off-Cape, nationally accredited University. One which would attract students from all over the world. This project includes the construction of additional facilities and dormitories — the latter of which has already been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Not only would the campus expansion bring construction jobs during the build and numerous service and supportive jobs once the university is up-and-running, the addition of a full-time year-round student body would stimulate local commerce, increasing demand for businesses to stay open all year thereby fortifying the local economy.
In addition to the University, we plan to create a fund focused entirely on providing for the needs of our Cape Cod communities. A significant part of the program would be financed through two revenue streams: 1. A taxation on non-resident second homes and 2. A bridge toll whereby non-residents would be charged $3.00 while locals and business owners would pay nothing. Initial studies estimate, for the toll alone, annual totals would reach well over $10 million. This, as well as the income from the tax, would be used to A. strengthen our education system by raising teacher salaries, hiring more teacher aides, adding social workers and support staff, B. expand the affordable and middle income housing sector, C. assisting small businesses with things like debt forgiveness and low-interest loans, and D. helping finance local infrastructure projects.
What’s surprised you the most about being a candidate?
It’s one of the loneliest experiences. Interestingly enough, while candidate’s have the support of friends, family, and members of the community, you’re still on your own. The silver lining in this is that through meeting people all over the community, you can have wonderful moments of introspection that giveaway to profound community insight.
As you’ve been meeting with voters in your community, what is something new that you learned?
It’s become increasingly clear, through knocking on doors and meeting people through the community that many of our constituents have never had anyone visit them. People really enjoy when a candidate or an elected official makes a personal visit. In a world of internet connectivity and social-media bubbles, perhaps old fashion in person communication is what most people prefer. For the sake of electing the best candidates, in person discourse is also what is needed.
If you could change one thing in politics today what would it be?
Term limits, full stop.
How has the COVID-19 outbreak affected your campaign and your community? What have you been doing in your community as a candidate?
We’ve moved to exclusively digital, and have been doing our best to be conduits of information and guidance to help constituents with DUA claims, SBA Loans, CARES ACT information, and errands for the most vulnerable. We also put a pause on campaign fundraising until the economy reopens due to the sensitivity of many people’s economic situations amidst the pandemic.
Final Question: What would you say to someone who is thinking about running for office someday?
Logic aside, If your heart and your gut are telling you to go for it, then go for it.
Candidate Info
Website: www.electjoshmason.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/electjoshmason
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thejoshmason
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshmason2020
