Avi in the Press

Excerpts from Somerville Journal
April 15, 2004

Green challenges Toomey to debates
by Auditi Guha

Avi Green, Democratic candidate for state rep, has challenged Rep. Tim Toomey, D-Cambridge, to a series of debates.

In an open letter to Toomey on April 12, Green proposed five debates over the upcoming months until September "to publicly discuss issues people care about."

"For too long, the values of these two neighboring towns have been ignored," said Green. "It's time we discuss publicly the long-term solutions that will put Massachusetts back on the right track."

Toomey said that he would be happy to participate in the debates.

"I am always participating in debates - they have been scheduled, starting, I think, May 12," said Toomey.

Green is running for state rep "to change the way this district is represented on Beacon Hill." He believes in putting the needs of people above those of big corporations, protecting women's right to choose, fighting for tough gun control laws and bringing "energetic leadership" to the community.

For a decade, there's been only one Democratic choice on the ballot, said Green, who said he believes it's time for a change. The debates will be an opportunity for the public to question and measure the candidates.

"Giving voters the opportunity to question the candidates on their records is vital to this process," Green said. "If it were possible, I'd debate Rep. Toomey every day, but once a month is certainly a step in the right direction."

Asked if he has a comment on Green's letters, Toomey said that he has not personally read them, and that Green should call him directly if he wants comments, as others do.