ANDOVER — Republican challenger Lawrence Brennan last night took more swipes at Gov. Deval Patrick than he did at his opponent, state Rep. Barbara L'Italien, D-Andover.

"I don't see why our governor needs to have a Washington office," Brennan, of Georgetown, said several times during an hour-long question-and-answer forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Andover/North Andover.

"I would cut Deval's office for $500,000," Brennan said when asked about where he would make cuts. He said he would look at cutting the capital office before reducing spending in other areas, particularly when programs affecting children and the elderly are being cut.

The candidates' stands on fiscal affairs and the questions on Tuesday's ballot were the dominant themes during the forum, which was attended by about three dozen people. Many of them submitted questions to the moderator.

When the question came up as to where each candidate stood on Question 1, to abolish the state income tax, L'Italien took issue with what she considered Brennan's ever-changing stand.

"I've remained pretty much resigned and undecided on the issue," Brennan said.

"He's publicly stated he's been in favor, he's public stated he's against and now he's publicly stated he's undecided — and that's not the kind of leadership that we need," L'Italien said.

She said such a measure would be the equivalent of cutting 40 percent of the state budget — but probably much more.

When L'Italien called the measure "reckless," Brennan said the only reason why the question is on the ballot is because of "the reckless spending that took place on Beacon Hill" under the Democrats.

There was a sharp difference on their stands on Question 2, which would decriminalize marijuana.

L'Italien said she opposed it because "it sends the wrong message to our young people that smoking marijuana is no big deal."

Under that proposal, civil penalties would replace possible jail time for offenders under 18 convicted of possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.

The question provides for a $100 fine to be imposed, with parents being notified and the teenager being required to complete a drug awareness program. If they don't, the fine is raised to $1,000.

Brennan seemed inclined to support the measure, stressing he was "enticed ... by the money aspect of being able to fine kids and begin some enforcement which really isn't taking place now."

"I like the idea of putting a little revenue in the towns. I'm against drug use. I don't see it showing up in vending machines," he said.

The 18th Essex District district includes portions of Andover, North Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Haverhill and Methuen.