By J.J. Huggins
jhuggins@eagletribune.com
September 05, 2008 02:14 am METHUEN — State representative candidate Chris DiBella continued his barrage of attacks on incumbent Linda Dean Campbell's voting record last night, criticizing her for supporting the use of taxpayers' money for a merry go-round and golf courses. Campbell, during a live debate at the Methuen Community Television studio, countered that DiBella is "deceitful" in his remarks and campaign fliers, saying he "has nothing positive to offer." "He is nowhere to be found between elections," she said. Campbell defeated DiBella by 192 votes two years ago in the race to represent the 15th Essex District. They will face off again in the Sept. 16 primary, with the winner running against City Councilor Joseph Leone, an independent candidate, in the Nov. 4 general election. DiBella said Campbell missed nine opportunities to bring more state aid to Methuen and that she voted with the Beacon Hill leadership most of the time. He noted that Campbell voted against a casino bill, which would have paved the way for gambling destinations that supporters say would bring jobs and revenue. DiBella said he wouldn't be afraid to challenge the state's top politicos. "I'm gonna be a maverick that gets in there and shakes things up," he said. Campbell said the casino bill was "not responsible," and she will support casinos as long as they are not erected in "economically depressed" areas and local communities accept them. Campbell, responding to DiBella's accusations of voting for "pork," said lawmakers vote "up or down" on the budget, not on individual earmarks for projects such as creating parks and playgrounds. Campbell said Methuen received a "record level" of funding and that the city is in line to receive state money to help pay for renovating the high school. Campbell repeatedly said she is a "full-time" legislator with no other job — just taking care of her family. "I do not have a law practice to contend with this," she said, referring to DiBella, who is an attorney. Some questions asked during the forum touched on state and national issues. The candidates were asked if they would favor abolishing the state income tax when the question appears on the ballot in November. DiBella said he would, but Campbell didn't answer the questions - submitted previously by viewers - and instead used her allotted time to talk about her opponent. The two candidates were asked if they would support letting the public vote if a group of residents petitioned to create a ballot question asking voters if they want to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Campbell said she supports same-sex marriage and thinks people should be allowed to vote on the definition of marriage. DiBella said he supports same-sex marriage, calling it a civil right that should not be subjected to the opinions of people in voting booths. On abortion, Campbell said the issue needs to be approached with "a sense of compassion." DiBella said he doesn't think the government should tell women what to do with their bodies. Both candidates said they oppose the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana. The debate was hosted by Methuen Community Television's Michelle Houle.
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