Toomey Seeks Dialogue

I would like to respond to a comment by Craig Kelly, a Cambridge Civic Association (CCA) endorsed candidate for the Cambridge City Council, contained in an article in the October 3, 1995 edition of The Harvard Crimson ("Candidates Mingle at Fundraiser," news article, Oct. 3).

In that article, Mr. Kelly indicated that he joined the CCA because "it was the only organization in the city that responded to a letter of complaint he wrote the city council in 1994" and that "providing such dialogue with voters is the main role of local government." Mr. Kelly is either conveniently forgetful or is being disingenuous.

As a City Councillor, I received a lengthy letter from Mr. Kelly "explaining some of the issues I think the City of Cambridge should address." Not only did I respond to each of Mr. Kelly's concerns by letter, dated July 15, 1994, but I introduced, and the City Council passed on August 1, 1994, four orders directly related to Mr. Kelly's concerns. I sent a second letter to Mr. Kelly on September 6, 1994 transmitting a copy of those approved orders.

I share Mr. Kelly's concern for a "dialogue with voters" and attempt to answer each letter I receive. If elected, I hope Mr. Kelly tries to follow my example. But if, as a candidate, Mr. Kelly's attempt to cloud the record is how he views maintaining a "dialogue with voters," then the CCA is in serious trouble. --Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.   City Councillor