Fifth District debate focuses on local issues

HAVERHILL -- The five Democratic candidates for the Fifth Congressional District seat underscored their varying qualifications for the job at a debate that covered national and local issues last night in City Hall.

The debate, which was sponsored by the Haverhill Democratic City Committee, did not include the two Republicans also vying to replace US Representative Martin T. Meehan in a special primary on Sept. 4. Meehan, who had held the seat for 14 years, has stepped down to run the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

While discussing issues such as healthcare, international trade, and funding for local initiatives during the hour-long debate, they emphasized their experience as accomplished local and state leaders.

During the first 30 minutes, the candidates were given 30 seconds each to answer questions posed by three panelists. During the latter half, panelists read audience-prepared questions.

Thomas Sullivan, vice chairman of the Haverhill Democratic City Committee, moderated.

Panelist Frank Novak, a commentator with Haverhill Community Television, asked the candidates when every American could get the same healthcare coverage members of Congress enjoy. All the candidates acknowledged the healthcare system is broken.

Candidate and Lowell City Councilor Eileen Donoghue said her plan could be accomplished in her first term and would ensure all children are covered and employers could provide affordable coverage to their employees.

"We have to tackle this problem," Donoghue said. "Having the uninsured ranks grow in excess of 47 million [nationally] is unacceptable."

State Representative Jamie Eldridge of Acton touted his plan for universal single-payer healthcare. "The only solution is Medicare for all," said Eldridge, who often repeated that he is a "progressive Democrat."

The candidates also were asked about local issues, such as what action they would take to relieve Haverhill from maintaining Hale Hospital, which, despite being sold in 2001, still costs the city millions each year to cover pensions and healthcare benefits for former employees, the mortgage on the property, and the deficit finance loan.

"The Hale debt and rising costs -- salaries, benefits, and other fixed expenses, such as fuel -- will prevent me from adding patrol officers to our Police Department, but public safety is my number one priority," Fiorentini said. "Drafting the budget is always difficult. The city's revenues go up just 2.5 percent, but it's impossible to hold spending increases at that level, primarily because of rising healthcare costs."

State Representative Barry Finegold of Andover repeatedly said diminishing the hospital's debt was his top priority and he would work to secure federal funding. "It's not fair that the city has to pay $7 million a year by itself," Finegold said.

State Representative James Miceli of Wilmington said he was aware of the problem and would work to push through relevant legislation. "I've got 16 terms in the Legislature," Miceli said repeatedly throughout the debate. "I've got a great ability to get things through the budget."

Niki Tsongas, dean of external affairs at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, said she had spent the day discussing the issue with Haverhill residents. "The Hale Hospital debt is a real one," Tsongas said. "It's a drain on your economy. I would want to be a partner and pursue every avenue."

In a recent poll conducted by SurveyUSA, Tsongas led with 38 percent of respondents, followed by 15 percent for Donoghue, 13 percent for Eldridge, 14 percent for Finegold, and 4 percent for Miceli. Ten percent of respondents chose "other," while 6 percent were undecided. The survey included responses from 1,400 adults who were interviewed between Aug. 11 and 13.

After the debate, Haverhill resident Alexandra Peters-Kakides, 82, said she supports Tsongas for her individual accomplishments and what she learned as wife of Paul Tsongas, a former US senator and presidential candidate.

But Lillie Torrence, 69, said she supports Donoghue because of her work in Lowell and concern for the entire district. "She's come out not just for herself, but for the whole community," Torrence said.

The Fifth District comprises 29 communities, including Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Concord, Wayland, and Sudbury.

April Simpson can be reached at asimpson@globe.com.