DiNuccio to run for State Rep

Al DiNuccio, who challenged William Manzi for the mayor's seat last fall, has taken out papers to run against State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell.
Political newcomer DiNuccio fell short of becoming Methuen's mayor by just over 400 votes.
"The whole campaign for mayor inspired me and my campaign staff to run for this seat," said DiNuccio. "We did a lot of good and brought a lot of things to the forefront."
He noted that it was his idea to have Methuen students register each year, in an attempt to eliminate children from other communities illegally attending Methuen schools.
DiNuccio said School Committee member Ken Willette has since adopted that initiative.
Running as a Republican, DiNuccio said there are many reasons for his run.
"We're not happy that we're getting 60 percent funding for the high school, instead of 90 percent...and people saying that's all we can get it. I'm not buying it. Voting (at the State House) is not enough. You need to argue."
Both DiNuccio and State Rep. Campbell have withdrawn election papers. They have until the end of April to submit 150 endorsement signatures. The election is November, and there will be no primary unless another Republican or Democrat withdraws papers.

Mono-skier finishes 6th

Methuen native Erik Corbett experienced equipment malfunctions during the Jan. 31 X Games in Aspen, Colo., and finished sixth. Corbett (February MethuenLife) is a mono-skier who took up the sport after losing the use of his legs following a 2000 car crash. He competed 10 years to the day of his accident. He tells MethuenLife: "Last year I didn't break any equipment but did get 7 stitches and a black eye and ended up 5th. This year I didn't go to the hospital, but broke the outrigger and a ski in practice and ended up 6th -- a fair trade-off, I guess."
Hey, Erik, there's always next year!