Debate for 5th, 6th Worcester Districts

By Bradford L. Miner, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

October 13, 2006

SPENCER— “I wouldn’t expect to be hired for a job if I didn’t show up for the interview. I hope you remember this when you go to the polls Nov. 7,” David M. Singer told a gathering of 40 people at the Gaudette-Kirk American Legion Post last night.

Mr. Singer, Republican candidate for the 6th Worcester District, and Stephen J. Comtois II, Republican candidate for the 5th Worcester District, were present for the Spencer Taxpayers’ Association candidates debate.

Geraldo Alicea of Charlton, Democratic candidate for the 6th Worcester District and state Rep. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, candidate for re-election to the 5th Worcester District had prior commitments but sent representatives to the forum.

Tim Gagnon read a statement on Mr. Alicea’s behalf and encouraged voters to call him or contact him through his Web site with questions about the issues and his candidacy.

Amber Start, Ms. Gobi’s campaign manager, also read an opening statement and said the Ms. Gobi was in Hardwick, attending to constituent matters.

Even before the forum began, supporters of both Mr. Singer and Mr. Comtois stood on the sidewalk in front of the legion post greeting westbound commuters on Route 9.

Mr. Leahy said he was disappointed that all of the candidates who had been invited to participate were not there.

Mr. Gagnon, in his statement on behalf of Mr. Alicea, said he was committed to working cooperatively with all representatives and senators and was not going to Beacon Hill with the idea that “one size fits all” for the 6th Worcester District. He cited the district’s diversity, noting that the needs of Southbridge and East Brookfield were likely to be different. He also cited his 20 years in the field of public safety.

Ms. Start apologized for Ms. Gobi’s absence, noting that she attends as many events in the district as possible and noting the representative’s accomplishments in Spencer, working on the Depot Rail Trail and the rehabilitation of the old David Prouty High School for housing.

Ms. Start also said Ms. Gobi has the endorsement of the Gun Owners Action League and the Massachusetts Environmental League, and had received the 4-H Century Award.

Both Mr. Singer and Mr. Comtois cited their backgrounds as small-business men; they said their service in Boston would represent a stark departure from “business as usual.”

Stating that he would be both accessible and accountable, Mr. Singer said there was nothing more important than working on behalf of the residents of the 6th Worcester District and making their voices heard at the Statehouse.

He spoke on behalf of an immediate state income tax rollback, health and automobile insurance reform, increased local aid and putting dollars back into Chapter 70 reimbursements for schools and Chapter 90 programs for roads and infrastructure.

Both he and Mr. Comtois criticized what they termed frivolous spending the Legislature had approved for projects that had little if any benefit for the voters of the 5th and 6th Worcester Districts.

While drawing contrasts between himself and his opponent, Mr. Singer said that the 6th Worcester District, as an “open seat,” represents an opportunity for voters of the district to make a difference and be heard on issues that matter most to them.

Mr. Comtois said he was running against the record of Ms. Gobi, and stated the Citizens for Limited Taxation had dropped her approval rating to 10 percent. “What does it say that 96 percent of Rep. Gobi’s votes are aligned with those of Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi?” Mr. Comtois asked.

Citing a record state budget surplus, he said, “The time is definitely right for the rollback of the state income tax to 5 percent. If not now, there’ll never be a better time.”

Both Mr. Singer and Mr. Comtois said they believe that voters of the Commonwealth, and not the Legislature or the courts, should have the final word on definition of marriage — both men adding that they believe it to be a bond between a man and a woman.

Both also stated their opposition to the over-the-counter sale of hypodermic needles, Mr. Comtois noting that a contaminated needle is now the weapon of choice of some criminals.

Mr. Singer said he had signed a “declaration of representation” and was ready on Nov. 8 to return government to its rightful owners.

Mr. Comtois, chairman of the Brookfield Elementary School Committee, said the Ware school system’s loss of $700,000 in Chapter 70 money and the layoff of 11 teachers in North Brookfield spoke volumes about just one of many problems that needed to be fixed.

“I’m running to make a difference in the quality of the lives of the people of the 5th Worcester District,” Mr. Comtois said.