ATTLEBORO - State representative candidates Kate Jackson, William Bowles and George Ross are in agreement on at least one issue: They all say Question 1 on the ballot is a bad idea.

The proposal asks voters to eliminate the state income tax.

Most state officials have lined up against the referendum question, but many have said they fear it will pass out of voter frustration and the weak economy.

Bowles and Jackson, both Democrats competing in the Sept. 16 primary election, said eliminating the income tax would wipe out 40 percent of the state's revenue and force drastic cuts to local aid.

"I'm definitely against Question 1, mostly because of what it would do to our economy," Jackson said. She said cutting local aid would result in the layoffs of teachers, firefighters and police.

Bowles said Question 1 is far too drastic.

He said even if the state laid off every employee, it would only save about $6 billion while Question 1 would eliminate $12 billion in revenue.

"It would drive a significant reduction in firefighters, police and teachers and it would drive a massive cut in services," he said.

Ross, who has no competition in the Republican primary, said he also opposes it.

He said he is for limited taxation, but Question 1 goes too far.

Instead of elimination the income tax, he said legislators should scrutinize the state budget more carefully and cut unnecessary spending.

Supporters of Question 1 said it will result in a $3,700 tax break for the average citizens, and that would result in a boom to the economy.

They said state government is loaded with wasteful spending that can be eliminated, instead of necessary services.

Bowles said if voters believe their taxes are being spent wastefully, they should vote those they consider to be responsible out of office. He also said eliminating the income tax would result in increases in more regressive taxes, like the sales tax and property tax.

Jackson said approval of Question 1 would cause turmoil that the state does not need.

"We have enough fiscal concerns right now that we're dealing with," she said.

Jackson said she is also concerned that a lot of voters do not seem to know much about Question 1 yet.

Ross said his experience on the city council who be helpful in scrutinizing the state budget because the city keeps spending tight.

Ross and Bowles are city councilors. Jackson is a former councilor.

The winner of the Jackson-Bowles primary will take on Ross in the general election. They are competing for an open seat because state Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro, is retiring.