Kerry, Weld Hold Debate At Stonehill

Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) and Gov. William F. Weld '66 were grilled by ordinary citizens last night on issues including drugs and taxes in a debate at Stonehill College in Easton.

The panel of determined citizens re-asked and re-directed questions throughout the hour-long "town meeting" as each candidate veered off course to level bitter attacks against his opponent's record.

Andrea Botticelli, a Wakefield resident and president of Stonehill's sophomore class, asked the candidates to lay out specific plans to reduce marijuana use among minors.

"You need massive education," said Kerry, who reiterated his support for after-school programs in public schools to keep kids off the streets.

In response, Weld went after his opponent, accusing Kerry of funding welfare payments to drug users.

"You're not doing the addicts any favors if you're giving them cash," the governor said.

Kerry denied the charge.

"That is the last time I want to hear you say something like that in this campaign," said Kerry, who rose from his seat to stare down his opponent. "You know that is not true."

Weld said his solution to the state's drug problem includes tougher sentences for drug offenders and education programs aimed at seven- to nine-year-olds.

Other questions focused on tax policy, a long-standing source of disagreement between the candidates.

Weld reminded voters of the 15 tax cuts he has signed as governor.

"They aggregate more than a billion dollars," said Weld, who supports the across-the-board tax cuts proposed by Republican presidential candidate Robert J. Dole. "I don't see why the government should have it instead of you."

Kerry painted a markedly different picture of Weld's tax policy, saying his opponent has helped mostly large businesses and the rich.

"Republican tax cuts go to wealthy people," Kerry said. "I want you to get the tax cuts."

Quincy resident Judy Roberts pressed the candidates on term limits, an issue mostly untouched in the campaign so far.

Weld, a supporter, said he is as an example of fresh blood that came into politics and made a difference.

Kerry, who opposes term limits, said the real issue involves reforming campaign finance laws.

"The problem is money--the average person can't run," Kerry said.

Yesterday marked the sixth time the two faced off in a debate, with two more scheduled for Oct. 23 in Springfield and Oct. 28 in Boston.

The two have been locked in a tight race for months, with most polls still showing a statistical dead heat.

In a humorous interchange, Beverly resident Jim Muse asked the candidates why voters should send a popular governor to Washington rather than keep him closer to home.

"Keep the governor, and keep me, and everybody is happy," quipped Kerry.

But Weld said voters can not logically keep both men in office.

"We are the opposite in terms of the great issues of the day," said the governor. "Give me a chance.

Other questions focused on tax policy, a long-standing source of disagreement between the candidates.

Weld reminded voters of the 15 tax cuts he has signed as governor.

"They aggregate more than a billion dollars," said Weld, who supports the across-the-board tax cuts proposed by Republican presidential candidate Robert J. Dole. "I don't see why the government should have it instead of you."

Kerry painted a markedly different picture of Weld's tax policy, saying his opponent has helped mostly large businesses and the rich.

"Republican tax cuts go to wealthy people," Kerry said. "I want you to get the tax cuts."

Quincy resident Judy Roberts pressed the candidates on term limits, an issue mostly untouched in the campaign so far.

Weld, a supporter, said he is as an example of fresh blood that came into politics and made a difference.

Kerry, who opposes term limits, said the real issue involves reforming campaign finance laws.

"The problem is money--the average person can't run," Kerry said.

Yesterday marked the sixth time the two faced off in a debate, with two more scheduled for Oct. 23 in Springfield and Oct. 28 in Boston.

The two have been locked in a tight race for months, with most polls still showing a statistical dead heat.

In a humorous interchange, Beverly resident Jim Muse asked the candidates why voters should send a popular governor to Washington rather than keep him closer to home.

"Keep the governor, and keep me, and everybody is happy," quipped Kerry.

But Weld said voters can not logically keep both men in office.

"We are the opposite in terms of the great issues of the day," said the governor. "Give me a chance.