Finn, Blackie square off at debate
Date: 10/24/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — Incumbent State Rep. Michael Finn faced opponent Lincoln Blackie, Independent, in a debate on Oct. 16 at Town Hall.
The debate for the 6th Hampden District was two-fold: the first half was questions delivered by a moderator and the second half was a Lincoln-Douglas style debate where the candidates directly asked questions of each other.
The impact of a casino in Springfield was the subject of the first question. Finn explained his support of gaming venues. "I voted for the expanded gaming legislature — I did so because it was going to bring much needed jobs to this area."
He credited the Town Council for the formation of the Town Council Casino Mitigation Committee and its intention to study the potential impacts of a casino to the area.
Blackie stated that his senior capstone project at Westfield State University was a casino impact study. In his research he found that casinos "were not a long-term job provider." He said the jobs that are needed aren't just minimum paying ones, there's also middle class jobs where people can live comfortably, with their basic needs supported.
Both candidates support the concepts of renewable energy and wind farms and agree that those services should be provided locally.
Finn stated that he supports renewable energy "100 percent" and is "wholeheartedly against" the idea of giving control of local energy resources to entities outside the area.
"I don't think Boston should decide if we have a wind farm that should be decided locally," Blackie said.
The statewide ballot question regarding the prescription of medication to terminate the life of a terminally ill person was discussed.
"Personally, I haven't come to a decision," Finn said. "We are human beings [and we] are fallible. Many times people are given a time frame and live longer than what they were told."
Blackie gave his opinion. "I'm 100 percent against it. It is against my moral character to support it. I don't trust the government to make that decision. There are other options like hospice and home nursing," he said.
Both Blackie and Finn do not support Massachusetts ballot question three, regarding the legalization of medical marijuana.
"I believe the medical reports are valid, but I am against the measure. The question is very vague; it doesn't define guidelines for the cultivation, transportation or distribution of the substance," Finn said.
Blackie stated, "I haven't fully studied question three, but at this point, I don't think we should go any further [with legislation]."
During the Lincoln-Douglas portion of the debate, Blackie asked Finn to explain his acceptance of money from special interest groups, stating that this practice is "something people are sick of."
Finn responded by saying, "I'm beholden to no one."
Finn, a Democrat, asked Blackie, an Independent, point-blank which caucus he would choose if elected.
"I could caucus with the one willing to do the most for my district," Blackie answered. "I would go to Boston strictly to represent the people."
In rebuttal, Finn explained the caucus process. "Agreed, the people's needs are most important. However, the reality is that it's a two-party system, you have to choose to caucus with a party."
Blackie stated he's "not satisfied with our state's response to our economic situation." If elected, he promises to "be an independent voice that represents the people with new energy and new enthusiasm."
If re-elected, Finn promises to further the work he's already done to create jobs, provide local aid, and increase "fiscal discipline." He vowed to continue to "fight for the best interests of the residents of the 6th Hampden District."
