State Rep. Steven Howitt touted his constituent service during a debate Monday night, while Democratic challenger Paul Jacques called for more action to put the 4th Bristol District “back on the map” on Beacon Hill.
The face-off was taped at TV9 studios with Ron Devine as moderator.
Howitt, R-Seekonk, is seeking his fourth term. He is a third-generation Seekonk resident who owned a local business for more than 35 years. He is also a former Seekonk selectman and planning board member.
Jacques, a longtime Rehoboth resident, has served as an Attleboro firefighter for 20 years. He is an Iraq war veteran and a legislative agent for the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.
The district includes Rehoboth, Seekonk and parts of Swansea and Norton.
Howitt said his biggest accomplishment is constituent service. He said he attends hundreds of local events every year, sends letters to graduates and other students in the district, and solves many problems for residents.
“My commitment is to work hard every day. Being present as your voice is essential to being an effective representative,” Howitt said.
Jacques accused Howitt of not doing enough for the district, saying “we need more action and leadership on Beacon Hill.”
He said his priority is to make the district a priority at the Statehouse.
“I want to put the 4th Bristol District back on the map,” Jacques said.
Howitt said he’s brought money into the district, including funds to resurface Route 44, repair the Wheeler Street bridge in Rehoboth, reconstruct a dam in Swansea and put in a new traffic light outside the Seekonk public safety building.
Jacques said his work at the statehouse has taught him how the legislative process works and he has established relationships to benefit the district. He promises to hold local office hours to listen to residents’ concerns.
Howitt and Jacques clashed on a number of issues, particularly their views on the four Massachusetts ballot questions.
On Question 1 to expand casino gaming, Howitt thinks we should wait and see what happens with the “full-fledged casinos.”
Jacques supports the question because he says it will bring jobs and revenue to the state.
On Question 2 to expand charter schools, Howitt is in favor and Jacques is against it.
“It’s about educating those students who want to learn who through no fault of their own are finding that the schools are not doing what they are supposed to be doing,” Howitt said.
“It takes a hit on our public schools. It’s going to drain about $450 million,” Jacques said.
The candidates also take opposing points on Question 3 to prohibit the sale of eggs, veal and pork from farms that confine animals.
Howitt said although he loves animals and supports local shelters, he doesn’t see the need for it. He said the small cages and crates are not used in this area and it will increase government spending.
Jacques said he also loves animals and will vote yes because the voters and constituents in the district want it.
On Question 4 to legalize recreational marijuana, Jacques is in favor and Howitt is against it.
“The reason I am in favor of this is for revenue and taxation,” Jacques said. He added that if the question passes in Maine, people will cross the border and we should keep the revenue here.
“The issue is not the smoking of a joint, it’s the edibles. A marijuana cigarette has 12 to 17 percent THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. The candies have 95 percent,” Howitt said.
The election is Nov. 8.
Meet The Candidates will air on TV9 in the weeks before the election.
LAURA CALVERLEY covers Rehoboth for The Sun Chronicle. She can be reached at lacalverley@gmail.com.
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