OCTOBER  19TH  FORUM

Candidates Jason Lewis, Brian O'Connor and Chad Riley are welcomed by WLWV member Marilyn Mullane

On October 19th at the Stoneham Town Hall, the  League of Women Voters of Winchester welcomed candidates for State Representative Jason Lewis, Brian O’Connor and Chad Riley for  a lively hour and a half debate moderated by Winchester's Town Moderator, John Sullivan.

The economy took precedence over most other local issues with most questions asking the candidates to explain specific plans to maintain and/or increase local aid. Candidate O'Connor said he would vote for Question # 1 (to repeal the state income tax) as a protest vote,while both candidates Lewis and Riley opposed,  noting that the loss in services would be devastating and the resultant burden would rest on property owners, businesses and fees.

Stoneham residents are clearly concerned with the long delay in settling the New England Memorial Hospital land development problem. Mr. O'Connor favors a local solution such as the Hamilton Farm decision which balances development with open space considerations. Mr. Lewis noted that an eight-year process has been unnecessarily onerous with Mr. Riley suggesting that Stoneham should be compensated by the state for its extensive state-owned open land (the Fells).

All three candidates oppose the death penalty with two, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Riley, noting that they are "pro-choice" and Mr. O'Connor "pro-life".

Audience at Forum which took place in Stoneham Town Hall

The second half of the program provided a time for the candidates to ask each other questions. 

Mr. Riley asked Mr. O'Connor why, given the local demographics, he was running if he couldn't expect to win. Mr. O'Connor pointed out his record as a Winchester Selectman of voting for issues, not party. Mr. Lewis saluted Mr. O'Connor, noting that it is always valuable to have good people running for office.

Mr. Lewis asked Mr. O'Connor how Winchester and Stoneham should manage building and/or renovating schools.  Mr. O'Connor said he would propose a debt-exclusion override for the Vinson Owen school. He felt Stoneham school buildings are in good shape -- it's the educational cuts that have hurt their system. Lewis asked Mr. Riley to explain actions to reform education. Mr. Riley supports the governor's plan for pre-kindergarden programs.

Mr. O'Connor asked Mr. Lewis how he would manage, if elected, the 1.5 billion dollar shortfall which may become much greater. Mr. Lewis responded that officials  must look at closing corporate tax loopholes and consolidating the state's multiple transportation agencies. His second question referred to ballot Question # 2 (replacing criminal penalties for possession of one ounce of marijuana with civil penalties) and why Mr. Lewis took so long to express his position. Mr. Lewis noted that he spent much time talking to law enforcement personnel and the courts re: reforming the CORI law. He supports having the law reformed by agencies, not by vote and feels first- offending juveniles must have some protection. Mr. Riley noted that he was against Question 2 -- "Leave it to the law".

Candidates Brian O'Connor and Chad Riley are welcomed by WLWV members and Moderator, John Sullivan

In closing statements,  Mr. Lewis emphasized his experience in the business sector which he would use to foster job growth policies, protecting local business and supporting schools.

 Mr. O'Connor reiterated the need for a real two-party system with many more Republicans in the house to balance the overwhelming number of Democrats and the bloated budget presided over by Representative Sal DiMasi.    Mr. Riley noted that this is a tough race in which he is running as an Independent since Paul Casey dropped out late in the campaign cycle. He supports looking for a new way forward.

The debate was taped and will run on cable TV in both Stoneham and Winchester several times before November 4th.

- Judie Muggia