By Ross Marrinson
rmarrinson@hgazette.com
—
Republican John Thorlin, seeking to unseat incumbent 18th Essex District Rep. Barbara L'Italien, is assailing the Andover Democrat's voting record on economic issues, saying the four-term representative has "needlessly voted against our district's self interest."
L'Italien is vice chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee and represents sections of Haverhill in the Ayers Village and Bradford sections of the city.
"Because jobs are so important, our legislators should follow the Hippocratic Oath when it comes to the economy," Thorlin said. "First, do no harm. Don't pass laws that humiliate, degrade and impoverish our people by destroying jobs."
Thorlin cites L'Italien's vote to increase Massachusetts' state sales tax by 25 percent — from 5.5 to 6.25 percent — as one such example of the representative violating that oath.
"The 18th Essex District is uniquely impacted by our proximity to sales-tax free New Hampshire," he said. "The worst idea for our particular district is thus increasing the sales tax and encouraging shoppers to drive right by us to spend their money in New Hampshire."
Thorlin, a second-year law student, wants to keep residents of the district spending money within the area, and advocates creating a "business-friendly" environment.
"Reduce the Massachusetts sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent," he said, adding that he would also end the double taxation on beverage sales. "Cut the overall business tax rate from 8.75 percent to 5 percent."
Thorlin is one of three Andover Republicans seeking a victory in the state's Sept. 14 primary election. The other two are Peter Cotch and Jim Lyons. The winner will go on to challenge L'Italien on Nov. 2.
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