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Ninth Hampden candidates square off

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD The candidates for the Ninth Hampden District demonstrated to voters last week their differences in a public forum sponsored by Reminder Publications.

Incumbent State Representative Sean Curran, Independent Megan Anzalotti and Libertarian Robert Underwood answered questions from this writer, Tammy Landon of "The Chicopee Register," and Mike Plaisance of "The Republican."

About 20 people attended the forum, which was originally scheduled for the Indian Orchard Neighborhood Council, but had to be moved to the dining room of the Solmar Restaurant due to a last minute scheduling conflict.

In introductory statements the candidates described their backgrounds. Curran, a Springfield-born attorney who has worked in the District Attorney's office, said he ran two years ago because "I felt our city needed a new direction. I felt our state needed a new direction."

He noted as his accomplishments as helping turn the city itself around by working to secure 50 percent more in state aid and getting State Police assistance for the city.

Anzalotti, who described herself as a fifth generation Springfield resident, said she entered the race because she was discouraged about the direction of the city and believed it had a "profound need for change."

Anzalotti is a former aide to State Representative Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and works as a teacher at Putnam Vocational High School.

Underwood, who had run for the seat in the election two years ago, noted the same issues were being discussed crime and unemployment as they were two years ago.

Calling Democrats and Republicans "Republicrats" "because they are almost indistinguishable" Underwood said members of both parties simply throw money at problems rather than examining real solutions.

He charged that the "de-industrialization" of the United States has caused Springfield's problems and both major political parties were to blame for the condition.

Curran and Anzalotti had an exchange concerning the House approving a pension for a retired state representative. Anzalotti said the vote was an example of wasteful spending, while Curran said the facts were mis-represented. He said The former state representative died three weeks after the vote and in reality the measure provided some money for health care for his window. The state has placed a lien on her home and will recover the money the House allocated when she passes.

When asked about their thoughts on a movement to repeal Proposition 2 1/2 all three candidates were unanimous in their opposition to such an effort.

Anzalotti said she supports the state income tax rollback to five percent, although Curran indicated such a move would probably force an increase in local property taxes.

Supporting legislation for increased commuter rail in the region also was a dividing point between the candidates.

Underwood is not for commuter rail expansion and stated the area already has mass transit systems linking Springfield to Boston and Springfield to New Haven. Underwood is not in favor of the use of fuel taxes to build either system.

"If you want to go to Boston you should pay for it yourself," he said.

Curran clarified his support for just the proposed Hartford to Springfield line. He said that increased commuter rail isn't the only solution but it is one solution to "our economic doldrums in Springfield and western Massachusetts."

Anzalotti said commuter rail is a good idea but is not appropriate now for Springfield. She cited there is little demand for such a service at this time and the funding would be better used to fight crime.

Curran charged that Anzalotti was changing her position on the issue.

On the issue of same sex marriage, Curran said he was opposed to same sex marriage, but did support civil unions.

Anzalotti said she supports same sex marriage and wouldn't do anything to reverse the present situation.

"This candidacy is not about hurting people and discrimination in this state is wrong," she said.

Underwood said he also supports gay marriage but thinks it's a diversion from real issues such as unemployment.

When asked about how an independent could work with the established political parties, Anzalotti said she would be able to work with both sides in House and the governor. She's "not married to any party line" and takes issues as they come.

Underwood reiterated that he doesn't see all that much difference between his two opponents.

The Ninth Hampden District includes a ward in Chicopee and when asked about that city, Anzalotti said she has not yet been able to schedule an appointment with Mayor Michael Bissonnette to learn more about the city's issues. During her door-to-door campaigning she said voters commented on their displeasure with property taxes. She said that she was ready to learn about Chicopee's needs and to represent them.

Curran said that he wants to see the completion of the city's river walk project, as that is a major part of economic re-development for Chicopee.

Underwood said with a laugh, "The thing I noticed is people in the Springfield side of the district are much more interested in the outcome than the people of Ward 5A in Chicopee. Typically in Ward 5 A a lot of people didn't want to talk with me."