In this series, Dedham Patch asks the three 9th District Congressional Candidates about certain issues of the day. The November 2 election will be between Congressman Stephen Lynch (D), Vernon Harrison (R) and Phil Dunkelbarger (I).  Do you support Ballot Question 3, which, if passed, would reduce the state sales and use tax rates (which were 6.25 percent as of Sept. 2009) to 3 percent as of January 1, 2011. If so why? If not, why not? Vernon Harrison: I am in favor of any tax decrease. I think our government needs to learn how to spend less. Some solutions can be temporary. Tax increases …

In this series, Dedham Patch asks the three 9th District Congressional Candidates about certain issues of the day. The November 2 election will be between Congressman Stephen Lynch (D), Vernon Harrison (R) and Phil Dunkelbarger (I).  There is an obvious divide between the two major political parties, how would you reach across the aisle to work with the opposite party? And please cite a specific example in your career or life that exemplifies this notion. Vernon Harrison: I think that what needs to be done is to take a look at the issue, or any issue that's up. For example, look at healthcare…

In this series, Westwood Patch asks the three 9th District Congressional Candidates about certain issues of the day. The November 2 election will be between Congressman Stephen Lynch (D), Vernon Harrison (R) and Phil Dunkelbarger (I).  What strategies/techniques would you use in governing if the opposite party is in the majority? Vernon Harrison: That in a sense is what I do in my work. I don't know how to talk to anyone else than how I talk to them. That what's one of the problems in Washington is that incumbents and party members are too aligned with their parties. Stephen Lynch has voted …

In this series, Dedham Patch asks the three 9th District Congressional Candidates about certain issues of the day. The November 2 election will be between Congressman Stephen Lynch (D), Vernon Harrison (R) and Phil Dunkelbarger (I).  How should the government reform Social Security, if you believe it should at all? Phil Dunkelbarger: The easiest way to solve the problem is lifting the cap on the base pay on the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax and making slight changes to the retirement age. There should be no change in benefits, however, and no increase in the percentage for …