State Rep. Steven Howitt accused his election opponent Paul Jacques Wednesday of being “bought and owned by special interests,” while Jacques said he is really an advocate for working families.
During a debate on Norton cable television, Howitt, R-Seekonk, repeatedly noted that Jacques received many campaign donations from unions. He said that would make Jacques “beholden” to those unions.
Jacques, an Attleboro firefighter who lives in Rehoboth, said those donations come from firefighters, police officers, teachers, nurses and people who “live paycheck-to-paycheck.”
In addition to being a firefighter, Jacques, a Democrat, works as a “legislative agent” for a firefighters union, which he said makes him an advocate for working people and public safety.
He said he considers his roles as a firefighter, Iraq War veteran and legislative agent to be public service.
Howitt, however, said being a legislative agent means Jacques is a registered lobbyist. He said Jacques would support higher taxes if elected.
For his part, Jacques said Howitt is a politician who does not hold office hours for constituents and does not deliver for his district.
He said the Seekonk-Rehoboth district is considered part of Rhode Island on Beacon Hill because Howitt does not advocate for it.
Howitt said he has a long history of public service in the area and has not missed a vote in his six years in the Statehouse.
The 4th Bristol District includes Seekonk, Rehoboth and parts of Norton and Swansea.
Despite the jabs, especially during Howitt’s closing statement, most of the debate was amicable.
Asked what they liked about each other, Howitt said Jacques is a good father who likes to talk about his son, while Jacques said Howitt obviously loves his wife.
In response to a question about area candidates ducking debates, both men said it is important that candidates be willing to debate so voters can make an informed decision. Wednesday was their second debate this week.
But, there were plenty of disagreements on issues, too.
Howitt said he opposes a proposal to impose a surtax on millionaires. He said he is opposed to all additional taxes and is convinced the money from a millionaires tax would go into the state general fund, rather than its intended purposes.
Jacques said he supports it because the money is earmarked in the legislation for education and transportation. He said school funding would be a priority for him.
Jacques also faulted Howitt for not being more involved in an effort to oppose a natural gas pipeline compressor station in Rehoboth.
Howitt said he has written letters, meetings and opposed a tax to pay for the project.
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