House Candidates Campaign at Nahatan Village Ahead of September 15 Primary-August 26, 1992

With the upcoming September 15 primary approaching to succeed retiring State Representative Greg Sullivan, Democratic hopefuls John Rogers, John Lydon, and Helen Abdallah Donohue converged on Nahatan Village to pitch their platforms to local senior citizens.

The campaign stop featured an unexpected twist due to a new Norwood Housing Authority rule implemented by Executive Director Kevin Maguire. Designed to prevent the tenants’ association from showing favoritism, the policy mandates that any political candidate hosting an event at the senior center must invite all competing opponents. Consequently, what was originally planned as a solo coffee reception for Rogers—an aide to Sullivan for the past six years—turned into a joint candidate forum. Rogers was forced to invite his rivals, prompting Lydon and Donohue to attend and bring their own baked goods to share with the roughly 30 residents in attendance. Republican candidate Joseph “Mitch” Pentowski declined the invitation.

While Rogers initially criticized the mandatory joint-appearance rule as potentially unconstitutional, the candidates ultimately addressed the seniors and fielded questions on a variety of issues.

Candidate Platforms and Priorities

• John Rogers: Highlighted his legislative background working on bills drafted in committees to increase penalties for age discrimination, freeze user fees for residents over 65, and exclude individuals with substance abuse problems from senior housing definitions. He noted he secured an endorsement from retiring Rep. Sullivan on the day he announced his campaign.
• John Lydon: Emphasized his independence, stating he did not seek organizational endorsements and refused political action committee (PAC) contributions. The former selectman and planning board member pointed to his past support for building Nahatan Village and his efforts to expand the town’s tax base by bringing Polaroid to Norwood and establishing a limited manufacturing area on University Avenue.
• Helen Abdallah Donohue: Drew on her extensive local service—beginning as a town meeting member at age 21—alongside her background as a teacher, mother, attorney, and helper at her father’s former business, South End Hardware.

Debate Over Abortion Stance

During the forum, a sharp exchange arose regarding abortion rights following a recent mailer sent to constituents by Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

• Donohue clarified that she considers herself pro-life but noted she previously stated she would support abortion rights if a majority of 12th district voters explicitly demanded it in a referendum, leading her to regret an organizational mailing that mischaracterized Rogers as the sole anti-abortion candidate.
• Rogers pushed back strongly, stating that legislators cannot waiver on such moral issues based on majority rule, adding, “You must remember the silent minority.”
• Lydon, who did not respond to the anti-abortion group’s survey, stated his opposition to abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is threatened.

After a brief 45-minute discussion that yielded few direct policy questions from the residents—who were eager to resume their Tuesday afternoon “Beano” (bingo) game—the candidates packed up their literature and treats just in time for the room to shout “Bingo!”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger