A full presentation of the debate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ewp7jGBSlBQ

Mr. Heroux, You did good! You can absolutely count on my vote. It' a tough decision on a personal level only, for I also like Mr. Ross. He has a tough, 'man of few words' personality which I generally allign myself with, but when facts come to facts, and when the heart comes to 'heart', your calm, confident demeanor and thoughtful approach wins out!
We need more thoughtful, problem solving, ethic oriented people as yourself, to weigh decisions in a manner that will not be hindered by personal beliefs, or political dogma.
You have demonstrated to me, during the debate, you posess these qualities.

I bid you the best of all your efforts!

Mr Heroux, I echo what G. Dub said. You were calm throughout Mr Ross's unnecessary attacks. My heart goes out to the veterans that had to listen to Mr Ross's comments about your voting record. You also have won my vote and might I add my wife will be voting for you also. Good luck.

You're a good man Paul and you have demonstrated that you can keep your cool under fire. A very important quality, most likely developed during your work experience and education. I would hope that all those that read this (especially veterans) check into your impressive background before casting their vote.

Sorry, Mr. Heroux is too closely aligned with Kenedy and Warren. I just can't see him working and playing welll with others that are not far left. I may be wrong and I hope I am. Mr. Ross being one of the few Republicans in this area is not the only one that failed to bring jobs.

I'm a Disabled Veteran and will be voting for the best Candidate ~ PAUL HEROUX

Paul,
State Representative Ross would have brought jobs here to Attleboro in the form of the Gateway community proposal if it weren't for the veto of Governor Deval Patrick, a member of your political party. Rep. Ross did what he has promised, to bring jobs and economic development to Attleboro, but it never came to be, instead, we have lost jobs that would have come here and we have Cadillac Deval to thank for that. Representative Ross has my vote.

I think George Ross is a good man and truly cares about our city. I was (actually still am) torn on my vote. I did watch the debate last night. Mr. Ross seemed very angry and offended. I wish Paul had brought his notes to the table. Mr.Ross' comments on voting and veterens got under my skin. I understand about your voting record Paul. When you're young, you're a very different person, you grow, you learn, etc. As a teen I never voted, but now I care, and I care very much. Paul, I wish you would have chosen your words on abortion more carefully, I wonder if you regret today your choice if words. I wish the debate was less about the attack and more about substance. I'm still on the fence.

That statement that you made, "But it is not my place to decide for a woman what she can and can't do with her body. " is what saved you in my head. I just did not like your choice of words (nasty) and the quip that, "you promise you'll never have one" was in poor taste. I agree 100% that every other option should be given before abortion is the result. I have never had to make that decision but I can only imagine what a painful one it must be. I have lived in Attleboro my entire life. I want whats best for all of us.

Lunt, no offense but you seem incapable of any thought beyond Republican = Good, Democrat = Bad. Even my infant son is able to put more thought into his decisions. Is that a graduation photo of you from nursery school? Good luck with Kindergarten, remember the MCAS are coming soon.

Paul you have my vote! After watching the debate I can see Ross has really NOT done anything and tries to take credit for what little has been done! He was angry and had quite a temper when he couldn't come up with answers to your questions. I understand why Ross did not want to debate, his true colors came shining through. Thank You for running, we need someone to look out for us and I believe you will, no matter what the party.

Paul,
On June 4th of this year you wrote an opinion column in the Huffington Post that was titled "The Republican War on an Economic Recovery" In this opinion piece you suggested that in order to improve our current bad economic conditions the Government should spend in the hopes of spurring the economic recovery. If I understand this opinion piece correctly, you are advocating for Government spending. In my opinion, if you are fortunate enough to be elected as our State Representative, you will be just like those big uncontrolled spenders in the Democratic party on Beacon Hill and you would vote to spend right along with them. In my opinion, spending along with high taxes and increased business regulations are ingredients for economic disaster.

Would you apply your spending principles on the State level since you advocate for Government spending??

So you are a big spender just like the Democrats on Beacon Hill who have spent our tax dollars uncontrollably for years which is why Massachusetts is in debt and there is hardly any money for programs. If it weren't for the Republicans such as State Representative George Ross, Massachusetts would be in worse shape than it it is now.

Bear Cat,
Are you implying that I don't have a brain? You are so wrong. All the veterans that I know and there are many, are all voting for George Ross as our State Representative on November 6th. Bear Cat or whoever you are, maybe you should use your real name instead of hiding under a fake one, it would boost your credibility and it would not look so cowardly as you are now.

In my opinion Paul, the reason why Rpresentative Ross votes no on every spending bill is that the State can't afford to spend, that's the problem, the members of your party have spent our tax dollars like drunken sailors. Spending is an issue along with high taxes. By the way, last night you said that there was no mechanicism in place to fund Attleboro as one of the gateway communities which would have increased economic development and provided jobs for the city; however, you never mentioned what your solution would be. If you are fortunate enough to be elected and if this issue comes up again, how would you vote fund Attleboro as a gateway community, through tax cuts, cutting a budget item somewhere else, or through tax increases? Just want some clarification.

or is the "Gateway" program even an effective way for Attleboro to move forward? With your research abilities and abilities to collaborate with others, I'm sure you will seek for other opportunities. In the past others have advocated for funding for arts centers as a way of bringing tourists into the downtown. Attleboro needs some art galleries to go with the new restaurants.
I once preached at an (all white) church that was holding a art event for the Haitians in the community. The artwork was stunning and very accomplished. There are many, many ways to rebuild community, starting with building a sense of community, especially after such a divisive election season as this had been, locally and nationally.

I am a veteran myself. I served 12 years in the Army. I take zeor offense to Mr. Heroux's voting record. My record is spotty myself. Heck! I'm Voting Heroux, but I'm voting for Brown. But I'm not voting for pres. Everyone has their principles. Everyone has their own valid reason to vote, or not to vote. I swore to defend the constitution when I enlisted back in 1991.
Being a soldier though, and highly respecting Mr. Ross's service to our country, I understand the point in what he was saying, and I know his attempt to convey it was sincere. I take no offense to either.

I'm voting for George . . . and hoping that the entire Commonwealth votes for clearly the superior candidate for U. S. Senate: long-time Mass. resident, strongly experienced in both government and our military: SCOTT BROWN.

Richard W. Lunt, You say "All the Veterans you know are voting for George Ross". ~ All the Veterans I know, including myself are voting for PAUL HEROUX for State Representive, especially after the so called debate. We now know WHY Mr. Ross didn't want to debate.

I believe Mr. Lunt to have valid points! Gunning at each other sometimes does more harm to each as good. I may not agree with the economic solutions the Republicans offer, but most of those reps (which are Democrats) tend to think this state has a 'munny tree' growing somewhere. I have seen some pretty backwards thinking coming out of Beacon Hill, Some wasteful use of tax money, and this is merely my opinion, but I do also think that that with the state's deep pockets, Heroux will find the guy with the shortest arms to wear those pants, and urge he wear them, when it comes to doling out money for things that are redundant, ineffectual, wasteful, fiscally abusive, pose conflict of interest, and/or not in keeping with the needs of his constituency and/or the Commonwealth. Heroux certainly strikes me as a problem solver and one who is determined to get results.

Mac, let's stick to actual issues of the campaign. Thank you.

Paul,
Would you sign a no new taxes pledge?

So you are claiming on your website that you advocate for lower taxes and yet you have refused to sign a no new tax pledge, are we the voters of Attleboro to assume that you would consider advocating for higher taxes? We already know your views on spending, you advocate for that. Maybe you are just like the tax and spenders of your party on Beacon Hill, the voters need to know this. Oh yeah, by the way, I know where Representative Ross stands on these issues, just saying.

Richard
Because someone refuses to sign a no tax pledge doesn't mean they support higher taxes. Your trying to spin this in a way that makes no sense. It's impossible to predict what circumstances could occur, but Heroux made it clear he does not support tax increases. Ross, n the other hand, campaigned on supporting local id, and voted against h whaturricane relief local aid.Wonder

Bill,
Thank you for your comments, Paul Heroux may be saying he dosen't support tax increases at this time; however, if he is fortunate enough to be elected, he may be singing a different tune called tax increase, I highly doubt that he would go against the wishes and orders of the Democrat leadership they are part of the tax and spenders of your party. If he really supports tax increases, he would sign the no new tax pledge; however, because he hasn't, that creates a trust issue at least for me, I can't speak for the other voters in Attleboro. George Ross signed the no new tax pledge and he kept his promise not to vote for raising taxes. I also think you should get your facts straight on the local aid. George Ross as our State Representative did in fact bring local aid to Attleboro: Rep. Ross brought in $348,889 in funding and he also brought to Attleboro $1,212,182 in funding for road and bridge repairs, just saying...

Richard. With all due respect, we all know who you're voting for - and your repeated inquiries have taken the form of badgering. Clearly you are only using The Patch at an attempt to make Mr. Heroux look incompetent to the readers - you're not truly interested in his position or in anything he has to say. Please give it a rest.

There was a typing error in my earlier post, I meant to say, if Paul Heroux really doesn't support tax increases, he would sign the no new tax pledge. I'm not the greatest typist in the world.

Furthermore, you're taking advantage of us readers who truly want to take the time to consider both candidates' position and make an equitable decision. Attempting to lure readers into an uninformed decision by classifying all Democrats as 'tax and spenders' is self-serving, mean and in my very humble opinion, unpatriotic. I'm sorry but now I understand why I felt the need to start responding - and now I am done here too.

Autumn,
Thanks for your comments; however, it doesn't matter how I'm going to vote, people already know the candidates that I'm supporting and voting for. The issue is where does Paul Heroux really stand on the issues and the issue is also that the readers and voters need to know where he stands. Am I badgering Mr. Heroux? No, Am I being critical by asking him questions? Yes. When I vote for someone who is going to work for me and of course the voters of Attleboro, I'm not looking for someone who will vote for out of control spending items and tax increases just like the Democrats do, I'm looking for someone who is a true fiscal and social conservative, and you know my voting preferences on this subject.

Richard, thank you for your response. But, your response interesting - because from what I have read, Mr. Heroux requested the opportunity to hold multiple debates. To which, Mr. Ross' response was that one debate was "sufficient". You see, I like to hear candidates challenging one another's position - because quite frankly, it helps me to make a better informed decision. Now, I ask you - in your heart of hearts, you truly believe that Mr. Ross delivered at that debate? Do you truly believe that he thoughtfully reported on his progress? When Mr. Heroux questioned his opponent's views on metrics to measure the effectiveness of public programs, he simply stated that he's not an analyst. The very basis of that question to me is evidence that Mr. Heroux thinks conservatively. Now, I have three direct reports. All three of them have jobs to do and what they do affects the overall direction of the department and ultimately the overall direction of the organization. We are all responsible (albeit some more than others) for the overall welfare of the organization. It's what we get paid to do. Furthermore, I get paid to not only be accountable for their work and mine but to continually be innovative in finding new ways of working better. That's why on most private sector job descriptions - under duties, it always says "And other tasks, as needed." If Mr. Ross worked under me, I would have been sorely disappointed in such a poor attitude.

Signing a "no new taxes" agreement has long required incoming legislators (nationally) to knuckle under to arch-conservative Grover Norquist. He has dominated and bullied Republicans for far too long. This pledge has to irresponsible governance and cuts to needed services.
We have two un-funded wars to pay for and veterans now come back with grave injuries and trauma; they would have died a generation ago. They will need intensive care the rest of their lives. Yet, Republicans recently voted against a funding bill for veterans. A rigid "no new taxes" mandate is irresponsible if it means cutting benefits for vets.

On the local level 'no new taxes' might mean skimping on money for education and teachers, and a host of other cuts. North Attle. plans an outlay of 6 Million to revamp its science labs. Where does that money come from? Why doesn't Attleboro make a similar commitment to science education locally?

Richard, you are making wild assumptions about Mr. Heroux. That more than being "critical" and sounds like you are grasping at straws. It's irresponsible to suggest that Mr. Heroux "will vote for out of control spending times and tax increases," especially given the statements he has made about being fiscally responsible.

As I've written to you before, characterizing Democrats as 'tax and spend liberals is an old, outdated smear that Republicans have used so often that it no longer has any meaning to voters. It's just more blah-blah.

Autumn,
Consider this though, if the State Reps and State Senators for that matter were consumed with metrics that measure the effectiveness of programs, there would be little time for a legislator to actually vote, that is why the State has analysts doing this kind of work. What might be a solution though is that the analysts provide more metrics and in-depth information on various programs and make this information for available for State Reps. and Senators in order to assist them in their reserach before they vote on legislation.

Richard, I'm sure you're familiar with the voting process. I don't want to minimize your experience. But, I have been on the floor while votes were taking place. From my experience being there, voting doesn't take that long. Second, I have witnessed both sides scratch eachother's backs via a vote... I'll vote no on if you'll vote yes on". It happens and it's devastating. But I assure you that this is commonplace on both sides - hence my straight middle of the road stance. Furthermore, how can a Representative and Senator make an informed decision on any matter up for vote if they don't understand what's happening? Richard, when making serious decisions on any matter (personal or professional) - don't you want to be aware of what's happening?

You also never responded to my comment yesterday... do you sincerely believe that democrats are the sole reason we are in such dire straights?

I'll add an analogy - Do you think it's good practice to use your debit card without ever checking the balance in your bank statement?

Autumn
Republicans and Democrats have gotten into the habit of blaming and scapegoating the other side for all their own mistakes and incompetencies. Blaming Mr. Heroux for not voting is one example. Making a stupid flap about Elizabeth Warren's heritage as part Native American and making up hateful names for her is another. I even did it earlier this summer by describing Sean Bielat as a carpetbagger. (I don't think I would post that kind of thing now, having learned better ways of posting here).

The thing is Mr. Heroux, as far as I can see, doesn't play that game. He represents a new generation of educated, committed young people entering legislatures who want to see an end to the extreme partisanship that has harmed this nation.
When we fight about everything, we are really fighting over nothing. We have been fighting just to fight. The electorate are the losers. You can look back at Mr. Heroux's earlier postings and see that he is non-reactive, informative, and calm in his responses. In this he is not like candidates of the past.

I'm sorry. I failed to see the second half of your response. We're now headed down the right path, Richard! That's all Mr. Heroux was suggesting.

Gretchen, I completely agree with you. You were more eloquent in explaining what I failed to. My intention was not to uncover any incompetencies with the process (and I, in no way am accusing of Mr. Ross or any one person of this). My intention for even speaking of it was to make the point that it is unfair to label a candidate based on affiliation. Because neither side is perfect or always 100% correct. And my argument (that may not have been apparent) is that Mr. Heroux would in fact be a phenomenal man for the job because his ideas, which are very richly educated as well as his hopes for our local government is to resolve issues in an innovative, organic way. My point in even entertaining this posting is that those kinds of people you are referring are desperately needed to represent our needs and interests.

Richard. Honestly, I believe that both Democrats and Republicans tax and spend. It's just what they spend our money on that we disagree about. Wouldn't you agree? There are people out there that say the war in Iraq was useless. No weapons were ever found and if they did in fact have them, why not use them when he knew we were coming rather than ditch them? Many disagree with healthcare reform. But as you argued - the wars were a result of our need at the time to protect ourselves, wouldn't you say that the intension of healthcare reform is to do the same thing? Everyone in the country deserves affordable access to healthcare just as we do our security. Some would say the bailout was the only option we had to protect our country's future. I am not smart enough to know whether that is true. And I am not trying to sway your vote - I only ask that you assess these candidates with an open mind. You don't have to vote for the Democrat - but both have valid arguments we can all learn something from.

Autumn, I've talked to Paul a couple times and he would definitely be an asset to Attleboro as it moves forward, or tries to. I voted for our mayor (Dumas) even though he's Republican. I voted for Richard Conti ( and he's Republican, too ). I agree completely that it's wrong "to label a candidate based on affiliation."

My intention here is to be part of a group conversing after the election, when people, as good Americans, need to put partisanship aside and get to work cooperating and collaborating. That's why I voted for the two Republicans (above). I saw evidence of their willingness to work with all segments of the community and not make it about personalities and (the sad) politics as usual.

I'm still trying to figure out the best use of this forum for building a sense of community in Attleboro and this area. Something I've worked on in other ways for decades. Now retired, I want to see this and other forums succeed in being a resource for people who want to engage in effective discussions.

Gretchen. That is a fabulous idea. I've learned a ton these last few evenings.

I've never known a Republican that would even consider the notion of tax and spend, that's a Democrat agenda at least in my opinion. If there are valid arguments among the candidates, I would say less taxes and less waste are valid arguments. The issue then becomes who has the best experience to represent Attleboro and work on legislation that would reduce taxes and waste? In my opinion, that man is Representative Ross.

the problem with having a 'no new taxes' pledge is that it can get draconian. Right now on the national level it's become a test of ideological purity and forcing the Republican party further to the right (if possible!!!). I've always been a pragmatist. If my elementary school way back Needham hadn't had a dentist come in regularly, I would have lost all my teeth. But the leaders and voters expended monies in caring for the teeth of children whose parents couldn't afford dentists. Does that make me a 'taker'? No that makes me a proud American who is grateful for the education and the dental care I got so I could grow up and participate in the life, including the economy, of this nation!!!!
You can't skimp on kids. It's immortal. And starting two unfunded wars has the net effect of causing lower budgets in our schools and education efforts. Guns or books?

Richard, once again, you have it wrong. Mr Heroux said in no uncertain terms that the state does NOT have analysts doing outcome measurements. He knows this for a fact. He was director of research division for a state agency AND he worked with other state agencies. They do not produce the reports that you and Ross say they do. If you think they do, then post that info. here.
What Heroux said repeatedly is that as State Rep he will attach outcome-focused performance measures to our spending bills. He will also file legislation that will require outcome reports on programs we currently operate. When passed into law, this will force the agencies to at long last do the very thing that they should be doing, which is measuring outcomes. Does the drug treatment program keep people off drugs? Does the job placement program help people find a job at a higher rate than people not in such a program? This is what Heroux said at the debate.
In fact, at present, no state agency does 'outcome' reports, Heroux said. State Reps, like Ross, don't know the difference between output and outcome reports because they don't have the expertise that Heroux has. Heroux made these points in the debate so please go back and watch it again if you doubt me.

Brian,
I know more Republicans than you do and the ones that I know will never vote to tax and spend, if they do then shame on them. Republicans stand for less taxes and smaller Government, a Republican who says otherwise is nothing more than a Democrat who is masquarading as a Republican.

Rick you are fooled like the rest of them. See the Republicasns are for the WEALTHY. I am going out on a ledge here and gong to say you are not Wealthy. So right away you dont fit in. So what they do is liy and cheat people and they get people like you who dont know any better to vote for them so they can have thier way with America And i dont want to heat this Tea Party nonsense because they are the same people. I dont think you know what you are talking about or stand for. So pipe down so you dont make yourself look more foolish. Mr. War is necessary. Also the Rep you know probably laugh at you for believing their BS. Because i dont trust a True Republican let alone a fake one.

Also Rick the first war was for Oil. and the Afghanistan war was for a terrorist group that hates us.

Ok, everyone has certainly weighed in on the first debate between George Ross and Paul Heroux. How many would like to see a second debate? We still have time. I think it would be great!

@BH. And we need to get the heck out of Afghanistan. We are making the situation worse. As long as they are hating our presence in their country, they can't deal with their stuff until we, the invaders, get out. And the US needs to start dealing with its own 'stuff' and stop going off on foreign "adventures" when we need to be dealing with our own problems.

Daniel, if you've got $500 to use as a wager, just give it to FAAS and don't be coy.

Alright, this thread has gone way off track. What does the war in Afghanistan have to do with the 2nd Bristol District election? Please refocus the discussion on this race. Thank you.

Heroux has the best ideas knowledge and will for this city I dont see Rep Ross naming another bridge anytime soon. I want to see another debate. If I can create jobs in Attleboro why cant Rep Ross? I started my own business employed 3 people before i went to Afghanistan for work. Heroux is the best option for this city int he future.

I also want it to be known that I am working in Afghanistan because of no job creation in the Attleboro area something Rep Ross promised he would do in his first term. He held a Job Happening that lead to nothing, I am lucky i suppose to find this job to support my family from abroad.

Brian, thank you for your service to our nation. I hope you get to come home soon.

There would have been jobs with Attleboro as a Gaateway community if it wasn't for Gov. Patrick's veto, I blame that one on Deval the Democrat, not George Ross.

blame, blame, blame....that's all we hear from you
Attleboro doesn't meet the parameters set for getting a Gateway grant. End of story. When it's a republican wants an exception, then everyone is supposed to bow down and give it to him. When a democrat wants one, it's open season on democrats. Ross lost. That's it.
Deval Patrick is one excellent Governor!!! Fair and frugal with the state's money. Republicans don't like him because he's a democrat who understands financial accountability. And Paul Heroux also understand and wants to institute financial accountability.
Can you quit with the black and white, absolutist thinking? Republican good, Democrat bad. It's getting kinda sickening.

Cadillac Deval fiscally responsible , fair and frugal??? You have got to be joking... When Mitt Romney was our Governor, he understood financial accountability, George Ross understands that too. The liberal members of your party don't know anything about financial accountability, the MBTA is a great example of this, they are in debt up to their eyeballs and our Governor has failed to rectify this, so much for financial accountability.

put it on the Comedy Channel if it's such a joke. Mitt was a disaster and disparaged his time as Governor of Massachusetts for years, only to keep saying 'my State" in the debates. All the Republican in this area have tried repeatedly to over-ride Deval Patrick's vetoes in their rush to get more money for their districts. I don't think you'd know the truth if it ran up behind you and bit you.

The truth is, the MBTA is in debt partly because of all the greedy union workers wanting more. The take, take and take and then they retire at age 30 with full pensions. The big dig is another reason, which by the way was the brain child of the democrats mainly the administration of then Governor Michael Dukakis, as well as our congressional delegation all Democrats and two U.S. Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, or don't both of you read and understand history?

When it comes to Lies Rick you take the cake. You are an unreasonable uneducated GOP Blowhart. Your arguments are so off base i think baseless would be a better word. Face it you Like Ross for some reason other that results and dont like Paul Heroux because he will being results. Claiming you are an educated man is silly and foolish with the comments you make about the Big Dig. GW Killed the funding for it because Kennedy and Kerry wouldn't vote on a bill that would kill America. so The GOP stuck it to Ma. This is a fact. unlike what ever you spew.

I know who it was named after I went to High School with them but touting as it is some accomplishment is just foolish. Using 9/11 victims to get elected and re elected is a shame of the GOP and they still hold on to it as an "effective" measure for holding office. But when you effectivle done nothing at all as a Rep why not right??

@Wendy C. And you said I'm an EMBARRASSMENT?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx-wJik6eC8&feature=plcp

Republicans are now attacking the Post Office by forcing the PO to "pre-fund" employee benefits. So what you say about the Big Dig/MBTA makes sense.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/opinion/nocera-its-d-day-for-the-post-office.html?_r=0
I look forward to Paul Heroux getting his mind around this and other issues. He has a good mind, works very hard (as you can see from his campaign and door to door visiting), and goes out of his way to find a variety of views. Then he listens. It will be SO great to have a State Rep. who listens and really cares!!!

Rep Ross didn't bring in anything! Local Aid is a formula. Road & Bridge projects are negotiated by the city (Mayor Dumas), not Ross.