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Norton Mirror, October 27, 2006

Howitt,D'Amico, seek Rep. seat

By Cathy Gilbertie Knipper/ Staff Writer

The state income tax roll back and gay marriage on the ballot are a sample of the issues that bring 4th Bristol District representatives, Democrat Steve D'Amico and Republican Steven Howitt to a crossroads in the coming election.

Howitt and D'Amico, who will vie for outgoing State Representative Phillip Travis's 4th Bristol District seat, will serve constituents in Precinct 1 in Norton. 4th District also includes all of Rehoboth and Seekonk, as well as Precincts 1,3,4 and 5 in Swansea.

D'Amico, born and raised in Seekonk, attended college at University of Massachusetts in Amherst. After graduation he worked as a community organizer in Providence. Upon his marriage to wife Ann Marie, the couple moved to Boston where they remained until the birth of their first child. While in Boston, D'Amico worked in utility reform and then for the American Red Cross.

Since he and his family relocated to Seekonk in 1985, D'Amico works in sales with the Allied Group Locally, D'Amico says he was instrumental in obtaining state funding to renovate the Martin Elementary and Seekonk High Schools. He also said worked to prevent Attleboro sewage disposal in Seekonk. D'Amico is also an active member of the Town Democratic Committee.

Howitt, also born and raised in Seekonk, attended Boston University. He lives in Seekonk with his wife of 16 years, Pam Tesler Howitt. A self-employed business owner, Howitt holds licenses in many areas, including, real estate, CDL driving, construction and septic system installation.

Civically, Howitt has served on the planning and selectmen boards in Seekonk, as well as the Cable Commission and Recycling Committee. He also serves as a volunteer with the Save-a-Pet Society and A Wish Come True organization. He is actively involved in alumni relations at Boston University and serves on various boards at Temple Beth-El and the Ledgemont Country Club.

The state income tax and its current rate are areas where Howitt and D'Amico differ greatly in their approach.

Howitt supports an immediate roll back of the tax, stating that 68.6 percent of the 4th District voters in 2000 voted to move the rate back to 5 percent.

"We have over a billion dollars in surplus tax money," said Howitt. "We need to put that money in the hands of the taxpayers. A couple of hundred dollars in someone's pocket goes a long way."

Howitt, endorsed by Citizens for Limited Taxation's 2 1/2 PAC, said he supports the No New Taxes Pledge. He said he believes many towns south of the Rte. 128 belt are losing funds due to special interest group pressure on Beacon Hill.

"My opponent has numerous special interest groups up in Boston," said Howitt.

D'Amico said he believes the current 5.3 percent is needed to maintain the state budget surplus and restore services lost since 2000.

"If you roll it back right now, you are not going to have the money for school aid," D'Amico said. "After we restore critical aid, then it is time to roll back the taxes. Last year there was not a dime in the budget for dam inspection, and we almost lost Taunton."

D'Amico said Massachusetts has lost more jobs percentage-wise than any other state and he is hearing the concerns of workers over health care, education and state aid to our district as he goes door-to-door.

While taxes remain a hot button for voters, the issue of gay marriage and the ballot vote to define marriage have constituents and candidates equally divided.

D'Amico said believes the issue is one of civil rights, and should not go to ballot.

"I do not support writing discrimination into our constitution," he said.

Howitt said, "I support gay marriage, I have no problem with gay marriage-I don't necessarily think it should be a constitutional issue. I believe the voters should have a chance to vote on it. They went to a lot of trouble to get it on the ballot."

The liquefied natural gas terminal project in Fall River is a project that both Howitt and D'Amico believe should be banned from residential areas, yet they vary in their views for the ultimate location of the site.