Cooney, Leary play up differences in age, experience

WORCESTER—The two candidates fighting for the Democratic state representative nomination in the 14th Worcester District invite the voters to practice age discrimination.

Timothy J. Cooney Jr., 59, and James B. Leary, 33, acknowledge that there is not a lot of difference between them on the issues. But they suggest to the voters in Worcester Wards 2 and 3 and in West Boylston’s Precinct 1 that the 26 years separating them in age is important.

Mr. Leary said he has the energy and the fresh outlook that Worcester needs to invigorate its presence in the Legislature. Mr. Cooney said he has had a quarter of a century more than his opponent to gain political experience and leadership.

Mr. Cooney was a city councilor for 20 years, including one year as mayor. Mr. Leary has been an assistant district attorney; he has never before sought elective office.

There could be some difference in style. Mr. Leary said he would not be afraid to take on the speaker of the House if he thinks the speaker is working against the city’s best interests — such as the recent decision not to challenge the governor’s veto of funding that would have increased aid to Worcester schools.

Mr. Cooney says the city’s best interests are served by avoiding confrontation and working with the speaker.

Both men agree that the city’s best interests would be served by the defeat in November of the incumbent, William J. McManus II, who is running as an independent. Mr. McManus dropped out of the Democratic Party this year, avoiding a primary fight after he linked his political fortune to Republican Gov. Paul Cellucci.

While Mr. Cooney picked up endorsements from the city’s public health nurses, the local firefighters union, and a union representing some courthouse workers, Mr. Leary has the backing of the Worcester/Framingham Central Labor Council, the statewide AFL-CIO, Worcester-Fitchburg Building and Construction Trades Council, the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the Worcester patrolmen’s union.

Mr. Leary also expects to spend about twice the $15,000 to $20,000 Mr. Cooney is planning to pump into his campaign.

Each candidate has said he is for making health care more affordable and more available to people; would work for more state aid to improve education in Worcester and West Boylston; opposes school vouchers, testing veteran teachers and requiring a passing grade on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests for students to graduate.

Mr. Cooney said he supports the bill of state Sen. Guy W. Glodis, D-Worcester, that would require students to switch out of bilingual education unless they get a waiver. Mr. Leary said changes are needed in bilingual education, but he opposes a deadline of one year. Nevertheless, Mr. Glodis has endorsed Mr. Leary.



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