PrintOct. 26--NORTH ANDOVER -- The four candidates for the Methuen state representative's seat yesterday tangled in a wide-ranging debate that prompted several, sharp exchanges over issues ranging from illegal immigrants to global warming.
The forum, taped in the newsroom at The Eagle-Tribune and airing on eagletribune.com, featured incumbent Democrat Linda Dean Campell, Republican Al DiNuccio and independent candidates Hector Montalvo and Phil Lahey.
A question about whether the candidates favor the use of flagmen or police to direct traffic around road-construction sites escalated into a spirited political discussion over union influence in the campaign.
"We can use flagmen, but under the prevailing wage law, you have to pay $35 an hour to a flagman, which is the rate police get," said DiNuccio. "The prevailing wage needs to be lowered or eliminated. Two people making $15 an hour is better than one person making $35 an hour."
Democrat Linda Campbell said the prevailing wage law actually prevents companies from hiring illegal aliens, who work under the table and don't pay taxes.
"We have to guard against illegal immigrants," she said.
DiNuccio retorted that illegal immigrants have nothing to do with the prevailing wage, but that Campbell is against changing it because she has been endorsed by labor unions, which support the prevailing wage law.
"Linda doesn't want to upset the unions," he said. "That's why she's against it."
Campbell responded: "Unions aren't endorsing me. Al, your facts are wrong."
"You take money from the unions," he shot back. "It's in your financials. I only give facts. I don't make things up."
The two independent candidates struck a more conciliatory tone.
Lahey said police should be used on main roads, and flagmen could be used on side streets. Montalvo agreed.
But both of the independent candidates stressed that the partisan bickering between Republicans and Democrats is to blame for the problems on Beacon Hill and in Washington D.C.
"Politicians and diapers have one thing in common," Montalvo said. "The have to be changed often."
Fahey noted that Republicans and Democrats have been going after each other for years.
"While they are fighting, the real losers are us," he said.
While the major-party candidates disagreed over the prevailing wage law, they also disagreed over climate change and what needs to be done about it.
DiNuccio said he hasn't been convinced that climate change exists, but he did say a huge problem for Massachusetts businesses is the high cost of electricity.
"I'm in favor of solar panels, electric cars, and anything else we can do for businesses in Massachusetts," he said, adding that he's also in favor of wind farms.
Campbell responded, "We can see it (climate change)," adding that the state is one of the most aggressive in the country at offering tax credits and other incentives to encourage the development of the green economy.
"It's a large part of our economy," she said. "We have to make sure these jobs don't go overseas."
The candidates also had a spirited debate over Question 3, and whether the ballot initiative to drop the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent would cause too much damage to the economy by forcing state and local governments to trim payrolls and services.
"Government created this mess," Montalvo said. "We need to teach government a lesson. If they are short-staffed, hire taller people. We need to cut wasteful spending."
Lahey said Question 3 was "too much too quick," adding, "I don't trust politicians. They'll stick it to local aid just to make a point."
DiNuccio said that the ballot question would allow the Legislature to vote to cut the sales tax to 5 percent, something he favors.
"If you vote 'no,' it stays at 6.25 percent," he said, noting that's why Campbell is going to vote against it.
Campbell replied, "I consider Al's position on Question 3 very irresponsible. You have to do it gradually or it will cause mass unemployment."
The candidates also argued over the bill passed earlier this year allowing Lawrence to borrow $35 million to pay its debts and balance its budget under the watchful eye of a state fiscal overseer.
"Lawrence should be held accountable," Montalvo said. "The state should come in and take over."
Campbell, who voted against what's commonly called the "bail-out bill," said she's been in favor of receivership since the start.
"We owe it to the surrounding communities," she said, noting that public safety problems in Lawrence are spilling over into neighboring communities. She took the question as an opportunity to bash her opponent for his support of the bail-out bill.
"Al claims to be a fiscal conservative, but wants to supply money to Lawrence," she said.
DiNuccio, whose business is in Lawrence, said the city has become an "incubator for small businesses" and is home to a number of success stories, including Sal's Riverwalk, the New Balance athletic shoe factory and a new campus of Northern Essex Community College.
"Companies are moving to Lawrence," he said.
Lahey noted, "It's wonderful you're so passionate about Lawrence. If you were running for state rep in Lawrence, I'd vote for you."
Campbell added: "Pouring millions more into Lawrence won't change anything. Companies are not moving into Lawrence. Violence is increasing in Lawrence."
DiNuccio remained bullish on the Immigrant City, despite the criticism.
"The way Lawrence goes, the Valley goes," he said. "Lawrence is creating jobs. You don't need to bring in the state to slow things down."
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