Grace Ross is the Green-Rainbow candidate for Governor. Of the four candidates, this is the easiest decision for me to make: she doesn’t get my vote. Check out her short position descriptions or go deeper.

I tried to find a position where Ross didn’t think that government spending was the answer, and I couldn’t find one. Specifically: The answer for affordable housing is “funding the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MVRP) state housing subsidy program” and “increased government support for soft second mortgages.” I’d argue that putting more money in the hands of consumers increases the demand for housing, but it doesn’t really increase the supply – the prices go up more than anything else. She’d be using our money more efficiently if she actually made buildings and increased the supply. And, it would be even more efficient if she just made it easier for private sector builders. I’d challenge Ross to work more on making it easier to build homes and apartments, not subsidize rent.

I’m no fan of this position either: “We support the establishment of one standard of health coverage, paid for through the government by progressive taxation and corporations paying their fair share – a universal standard which covers all residents. . . . We are all equals in healthcare – not first, second, third, and fourth-class citizens.” This sounds like one of those George Orwell short stories where everyone has to be exactly the same. I know I’m exaggerating, but the idea is there. If someone has the means to pay for “extra” healthcare, would Ross really tell them that they can’t?

In debates she seems like a nice person. But she has to do better than that to get my vote. I’m looking for someone who will limit the role of government, not someone who will demand more of my wallet to fund inefficient government programs.