Lyons, L'Italien Discuss Ballot Questions at Debate

(Editor's note: Due to redistricting, State Rep. Jim Jim Lyons (R-Andover) and candidate Barbara L'Italien are vying to represent the 17th Middlesex District, which will include Precincts 3 and 3A in Tewksbury as of January.)

State Rep. Jim Lyons (R-Andover) and candidate Barbara L'Italien fought for votes at Memorial Hall Library Wednesday and discussed issues such as the death with dignity question and the medical marijuana question, according to an article in the Lowell Sun.

L'Italien, who had served as a state rep. prior to Lyons, was in support of the death with dignity question, saying it leaves the decision up to the people who are terminally ill.

Lyons disagreed, saying it needed more teeth in the area of psychiatric evaluations. Lyons said that one of his major efforts is to roll back the state sales tax to 5 percent.

L'Italien said that local aid, in particular education funding, is a major priority.

Both are vying for the state representative seat in the 18th Essex District.

Read the full article on LowellSun.com.