Parker saves money with drug reimportation

Alderman Ken Parker, who is running for Mayor of Newton is touting his ability to save the city money as a major selling point for his candidacy. His campaign issued a press release last night regarding the candidate's Canadian Drug Reimportation program that in 2008 saved the city $491 thousand. The release states that in the four years that Parker has worked this program the city has saved $950 thousand.

The idea behind the program is to cut costs on prescription drugs, without shirking on quality. With Canada offering the same drugs for a lower price, yet maintaining a rigorous quality control, Parker believes that Newtonites can save money without risking their health.

“I am delighted that we have been able to save our employees and retirees more than half a million dollars in prescription drug co-payments, while helping the City’s bottom line,” wrote Alderman Parker in his press release. “This is the kind of innovative program Newton residents can expect to see more of in a Parker Administration."

The idea was also endorsed in the press release by School Committee member Geoff Epstein.

"This is what Ken Parker does very well: bringing sound new ideas and practices to Newton, changing the way we do things to improve city services step by step,” Epstein was quoted as saying in the release. “The citywide dollar savings are very significant in this case but also have a specific school system budget impact, equating to $150,000 or three teacher salaries for just last year alone.”