Three Questions for Barney Frank

A. In Newton I have been working with (State) Rep. Kay Khan to get the Commuter Rail station in Auburndale to be handicap accessible. I have been approached to get some federal earmarks (for the project) and we're making some progress. I'm not sure of the timetable, but the project is underway.

I have also worked on housing and affordable housing projects in both Newton and Brookline as well as protecting Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in both communities. In Newton, the CDBG is very important and used creatively for various housing (projects). A few year's back they tried to change the formula and cut down on Newton's money, but it would be unfair as the city uses it for affordable housing.  

In Brookline, I've been working hard to try to fix up and reclaim the Muddy River as well as working with CDBG programs to help fund the project. 

I am also working to help get funds for naturally occurring retirement communities and providing (money) for people who don't have to go into nursing homes as they age and the services those aging residents need.

 

A. I don't just campaign at election time; I am in constant contact with my constituents throughout the year. But, you always learn new things from people (on a campaign). There not any major changes this year, people don't radically change, but there are new issues to learn about with the unemployment crisis and how complex the mortgage system really is.

 

A.  First, we need to make sure the financial reform bill that passed stays in place. Financial services is an important part of our economy.

We also need to reduce our military spending. America is way over-extended and spending money to protect every other country when they don't spend money to protect themselves. We need to scale back America's world-wide military footprint.