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By Jessica Valeriani, Andover Townsman
Reproductive rights, the opioid crisis and the Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster took center stage Monday night at a so-called “candidating” event in the Andover-TV studio at Andover High School.
Republican state Rep. Jim Lyons, the incumbent in the 18th Essex District, was asked by one voter why he wanted to cut funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides counseling on everything from birth control to unwanted pregnancies.
Lyons said it was because the “primary function” of Planned Parenthood “is abortion.”
His opponent, Democratic challenger Tram Nguyen, said she supports women making decisions that are best for themselves and their families, adding that the government should not interfere.