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Candidates' Night: Donnelly, Hurd seek defining moments |
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Written by Bob Sprague
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Thursday, 11 September 2008 |
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Page 1 of 3
Democratic candidates for Senate sought to sharpen the differences between them on Candidates' Night, but those moments during the Sept. 11 Town Hall forum were few. John Hurd and Kenneth Donnelly answered 14 questions before about 150 people at the event sponsored by the Arlington League of Women Voters and Vision 2020. On just two of the questions -- their positions on casino gambling and legalization of marijuana -- did they clearly differ. The answers to one, use of police details, left room for debate.
 Donnelly  Hurd
Donnelly said he is "seeking to make meaningful differences in people's lives," and he emphasized that "we need to invest" in the state's future. "The social cost is too great to let some [residents] fall behind," he said.
As to the clear differences, Donnelly supports the governor's casino proposal; Hurd does not. Donnelly backs the ballot question aimed at lessening penalties for marijuana use in certain circumstances; Hurd does not.
On a series of other questions -- including those on Question 1 (which would eliminate the state income tax), state aid, caps on charter schools, alternative energy, MBTA debt, restricting police details at construction site -- both candidates were in substantial agreement.
Introduced by Elizabeth Thompson of the Arlington LWV and moderated by Deborah Strod of the Lexington LWV, the forum observed a moment of silence on the seventh anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
In opening remarks, Donnelly emphasized his Arlington connections -- his children who went to town public schools and his wife, Judy, born here. The retired fighter (35 years) said he has "spent a lifetime building coalitions." Noted support of progressive Democrats in the Bay State as well as endorsements of key newspapers.
Hurd's opening statement also emphasized his Arlington ties, his marriage of 32 years and his three children who graduated from Arlington public schools. He said his background in local government is the "cornerstone" of his candidacy.
Here is a summary -- not a transcript -- of each questioned asked and the candidates' answers:
Question No. 1: Of the MBTA budget, 27 percent pays for debt, termed the highest in the United States. Should the T be relieved of its debt?
Hurd said the MBTA needs a changed structure as well as state assistance for its debt issues, worsened by Big Dig costs. He said he favors extending the Green Line to West Medford.
Donnelly said he favored the removal of the T's "legacy debt," he expressed support for good public transit so that "we can rid our dependence on foreign oil." For him, that includes the Green Line extension and making the T affordable.
Question No. 2: Position on casino gambling in Massachusetts?
Donnelly said he supports the plan Gov. Patrick proposed in 2007. He said he backs a destination resort and said he wants to see more of the $1 billion going to the Lottery used for education.
Hurd was clear. "I did not support the governor's casino plan." He noted that he believes the projected casino revenue is "highly overstated" and added that he has concerns about the social impact of gambling.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 16 September 2008 )
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