13th Worcester state rep debate; Economic, social issues.

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Date: 16 October 2010

Byline: Jacqueline Reis

WORCESTER - The three candidates for the 13th Worcester state representative seat met for their first debate this week, staking out ground on economic and social issues as part of Peter Blute's radio show on radio station WCRN-AM.

Republican Paul J. Franco, independent Ronal C. Madnick and Democrat John J. Mahoney each pledged to bring a different type of change to Beacon Hill, and they each claimed they could "stand up to power."

Mr. Mahoney, business development director for Advanced Cleaning and Restoration and owner of Mahoney's Pub on Park Avenue, said he would promote transparency in government and require legislation be online for 48 hours before politicians vote on it.

"I would be an independent mind, speak my own truth," Mr. Mahoney said. "I have already stood up to power. I have taken on an incumbent who I believe had lost the trust of the people," he said, referring to his 2008 sticker campaign against incumbent Robert...