GateHouse Media - Voters Hear from Candidates

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By Robert Burgess

GateHouse Media

Last Sunday morning, a local synagogue was buzzing with activity. Smiles, handshakes and laughter were mixed with breakfast and politics. With the chance to meet those vying to serve as the next congressman to represent this town, the room was packed with people of all faiths eager to ask tough questions and hear well thought out answers.

Four of the six candidates running for U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan's seat offered views on issues ranging from health care to education to the Iraq war at the event held April 29 at the Congregation Beth Elohim on Prospect Street. It was not a formal debate, but rather a chance to introduce oneself and hit on key ideological issues. The Democrats never strayed far from what their opponents had to say, but each emphasized his or her own priorities.

Acton state Rep. James Eldridge, Lowell City Councilor Eileen Donoghue, Andover state Rep. Barry Finegold, and Niki Tsongas, the widow of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Tsongas, all Democrats, participated in the Acton forum. All agreed the Iraq war should end, though different approaches became evident as the candidates spoke to a room of more than 80 people.

"The U.S. presence in Iraq is causing the conflict," said Eldridge, who billed himself the progressive candidate in the race. "That's the problem. … The time for non-binding resolutions is over."

Donoghue said a peacekeeping solution would need to be in place as American forces pulled out. Tsongas emphasized engaging the international community, while Finegold said he believes Iraq will eventually be divided into three states.

For Finegold, the Iraq war represents the need to rethink the role of the United State in the Middle East. He said the United States should stop relying on foreign oil to fuel its energy needs, to reduce conflict with countries like Iraq and Iran. To reduce foreign disputes, he would push for cleaner fuels, such as hydrogen fuel cells, that would also help curb global warming.

"In 20 years from now, it's OK if we were wrong," he said about climate change. "But we're not OK if 20 years from now Exxon was wrong."

He also reflected on a recent trip to Israel to visit family when everyone seemed to be "on edge." A two-state solution with Palestinians would help ease tensions in the Middle East, he said.

Beyond the urgency to end the war, Donoghue spoke about the need to treat soldiers returning from Iraq better.

"It's more important than ever to take care of our troops," she said. "The greatest country on earth — we could do better."

Soldiers coming home deserve better access to education, jobs and health care, according to Donoghue. With many soldiers suffering from head injuries from explosives in Iraq, the country should do more to support them, she said.

The candidates also referred to issues close to home they believe need to be addressed.

Eldridge spoke about the need for a universal single-payer health care system. He said the plan would help 45 million uninsured Americans while also helping keep community hospitals in business.

Tsongas, a Lowell resident who has been a dean at Middlesex Community College for 10 years, told audience members she would help improve the education system, from preschool to college.

"Education is fundamental," she said. "It is the access ladder in American society."

Organizers were pleased with the forum and the candidates. Sal Lopes, a member of the Congregation Beth Elohim Brotherhood, said he decided to set up the event because he didn't know much about the candidates beforehand. He said events like the forum help keep voters informed.

"I wish I could vote for all four of you at the primary," he told the participants. "I'm impressed."

The other candidates, Democrat state Rep. James Miceli of Wilmington and Republican James Ogonowski, an Air Force lieutenant colonel from Dracut and brother of a Sept. 11 victim, were not present at the forum.

Meehan, a Lowell Democrat, is stepping down this month after 14 years in Congress to become chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. A primary election will likely be held in early September and the general election in October.

Robert Burgess can be reached at 978-371-5732 and rburgess@cnc.com.

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