My second big piece of news is that I announced my constituent Bill of Rights today, which lays out my philosophy and plan for constituent involvement if elected to Congress. I believe that creating as many access points between a Congressman and his constituents is the best way to ensure that constituent interests are served. Today I laid out my 10-point constituent Bill of Rights that lays out specifics to ensure that communication. Some of my key provisions include four state offices, an interactive website, monthly office hours, meetings with all boards of selectmen and city councils within the first year, a grant coordinator, and policy caucuses. You can read the full Bill of Rights on my website.
As I have said throughout this campaign, each voter, each town, and each city of the 5th District is equally important to me. Connecting with as many people in as many of the 29 cities and towns in this district is my priority throughout this campaign. And it will remain my priority when in Congress.
See you on the trail!
Does this Bill of Rights make sense to anyone else? Aren’t most of these expected of members of Congress anyway?
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It just seems to me that with so many real issues at hand – Iraq, health care, etc. – rolling out a fluff proposal like this makes Barry seem out of touch. Maybe it’s a sign of self-awareness that he has to legislate attentiveness.
At this point I think constituent service is an expected part of the job (though not one that every legislator follows through on).
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I’m wondering how Mr. Finegold plans on holding monthly office hours in every town in the district. There are what, 29 towns? Is that really the most efficient way for a congressman to spend his time?
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I do like the grant coordinator idea. Whoever wins should steal adopt that.
Dear Rep. Finegold,
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I applaud you for laying out out a guarantee of access for constituents in your “Bill of Rights”. While I believe that access to our elected representatives should come automatically, it can’t hurt to formalize the promise.
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However, sir, I urge you to dedicate yourself to expanding the actual civil rights of the citizens of MA-05 and the nation. The current holder of the seat you seek, Rep. Meehan, has worked hard to safeguard Americans against discrimination in the US Constitution, the workplace, the military and the voting booth.
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Rep. Finegold, are you prepared to continue this important fight for civil rights?
First, let me clarify the office hours. My staff will be holding the office hours in each of the communities within the 5th District. I want to make every effort to ensure that my constituents have the opportunity to speak with someone from my staff as often as possible.
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Secondly, I will absolutely fight for civil rights if elected. I have done this at the State House, and I plan to take that same fight and more to Washington D.C.
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My hope is that each candidate will adopt this “Constituent Bill of Rights”. As I have said before, this election must be about every community, neighborhood, street, and voter. Now, more than ever, we need a Congressman that will represent each of the 29 communities of the 5th District, and this proposal guarantees that I will do just that.
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Thanks Again,
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Barry