EDITORIAL: Gubernatorial gaffs

As is usually the case, Massachusetts's gubernatorial candidates have found something to disagree on as the primary approaches, with this year's issue a proposal to roll back the state's income tax.

Democratic candidates Christopher Gabrieli and Thomas Reilly are pushing to roll back the income tax to 5 percent to provide tax relief to individuals and small businesses. Republican candidate Kerry Healey even promised an immediate rollback if she is elected.

Democrat Deval Patrick is the only candidate who seems completely opposed to these cuts -- and for good reason.

Income taxes pay for assistance programs including state-run housing projects, food outreach programs, financial assistance, health care and childcare programs. A rollback to 5 percent would mean millions of dollars, some analysts say as much at $700 million, in lost revenue for the state.

Tax losses this large would spell bad news for state services already stretched to their budgetary limits and mean a reduction of some services on which lower income families depend.

Many of the candidates seem to be calling for these tax cuts because they will reach a broad group of voters. They are hoping that lower income families will rally around the candidate that can put the most cash in their pockets, while overlooking the nuances of income tax benefits that impact their daily lives.

While we agree income tax cuts would be a tangible sign to voters that candidates are trying to save them money, in choosing to promise a rollback on income tax, they are misleading the public by simplifying a very complicated issue.

If candidates were serious about cutting taxes, they could have chosen a more progressive alternative. A reduction of the state's 5 percent sales tax, for instance, might not be as apparent to taxpayers, but would fairly and evenly lower the cost of living for all Massachusetts residents.

With this campaign, like every other, candidates make empty promises to put more money into the pockets of taxpayers; this election year is no different.