Somerville News announces debate will be free
The Somerville News announced today admission to its August 10 2nd Middlesex state Senate district debate will be free.
"We wanted to put on a debate as a way to increase political discourse in Somerville. If we had charged voters money just to be able to hear what the candidates had to say, we would not be accomplishing our goal. The important thing is that as many people get involved in the democratic process as possible. Free admission to an event such as this one is a good first step, we are excited to bring the candidates and their issues directly to the voters," said debate coordinator Amy Ouellette.
The Somerville News/Progressive Talk Radio debate for the 2nd Middlesex state Senate seat will be held August 10 at 7:00 pm at the Somerville Theatre. State Senator Jarrett T. Barrios will moderate. Admission is free.
On Friday August 5th, 2005 from 6:00-8:00PM I will be hosting a Grand Opening Celebration at my Somerville State Senate Campaign Headquarters located at 274 Elm Street in Davis Square. All are welcome to stop in and enjoy the festivities.
Old Fashioned Lemonade, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and Slush will be served. This event is free of charge and open to the public.
Don't be shy please come by join me. I would love to have the opportunity to thank my constitutents in the Second Middlesex District for their friendship and support.
I hope to see you there!!
Sincerely,
Michael J. Callahan
Posted by: Michael J. Callahan | July 27, 2005 at 08:34 PM
Thank you, we'll be there. There's nothing like an old fashion campaign in Somerville to enjoy the summer with and keep our blood flowing. You got our vote Mike. Josie and the old gray girls from Broadway.
Ps is Mike single?
Posted by: Josie | July 28, 2005 at 12:06 AM
I want to thank the Somerville News for holding a Senate Candidate Debate. That is terrific. We need to hear substance from All of the candidates. I will be there.
But....what is this big headline about the Debate being Free? Is that a big deal? I have NEVER seen a political debate where admission was charged. The News is acting like they are the first people who ever thought "Let's not charge admission to our political debate." In fact if they WERE charging admission, that would be a big headline, because that would be unique.
Of course no admission should be charged to a political race debate.
Posted by: Free Debate | July 28, 2005 at 11:45 AM
I guess today is the day I fire back at postings that either don't make sense or give the wrong impression. What fun.
Thankfully the new website will not allow such freely posted comments like we have been seeing recently.
The editor of the newspaper put the word "FREE" on there because he and other staff members have been asked by more than a few people if the event would be free. Of course the event would be free to the public, we wouldn't dream of charging the public, but please don't assume that it's not costing The Somerville News and other sponsors money to put the debate on, because it is.
So just to be clear - the story had the word "FREE" on it because we have been asked repeatedly if it was free and no other reason.
Thanks and we hope everyone enjoys the debate.
Posted by: James Norton | July 28, 2005 at 12:09 PM
It's a reasonable question given that the debate is being held in a theatre, a place where people normally pay money to attend concerts and movies.
Posted by: Ron Newman | July 28, 2005 at 12:45 PM
I'd pay an admission charge to see Mike! Yours truly, Josie
Ps Is he single?
Posted by: Josie | July 28, 2005 at 03:13 PM
Hi Mr. Callahan, I'd like to come to your opening but I have a question. I know it may seem silly, but I'm really not making a joke. I like cheese on my hamburger. Will you have Cheeseburgers too or just plain hamburgers?
Posted by: I like Cheese | July 29, 2005 at 01:45 AM
There's always one idiot in every crowd. Mike, just ignore him. At least your having a grand opening Celebration! Its more than the others are doing for the community involvement in the election. At least you bring a little bit more pleasure by doing this for us! I hope you get elected! The younger gray girls than the old gray girls from Broadway!
Posted by: Norma | July 29, 2005 at 08:41 AM
Who are you calling younger! Your older than all off us Norma! Keep clear from Mike, Because I saw him first!
Posted by: Josie | July 29, 2005 at 08:45 AM