Colarusso says Day is 'Owned by Realtors Association'

STONEHAM, MA — In a press release sent to Patch Monday, Stoneham Selectwoman and state Rep. candidate Caroline Colarusso criticized incumbent 31st Middlesex District state Rep. Michael Day after mailers supporting Day's campaign arrived at the doorsteps of residents.

The mailers Colarusso referenced in her release were sent by the Massachusetts REALTOR Independent Expenditure PAC, an arm of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. Colarusso swiftly attacked Day regarding the Weiss Farm and Forest Ridge projects, stating the the incumbent State Representative is "owned by the Realtors Association."

“Over the past 2 years, Rep. Day has filed no legislation and no amendments to address the chapter 40B housing law that is allowing developers to build the Weiss Farm and Forest Ridge projects over local objections. Now we know why. He is owned by the Realtors Association. This mailing proves he is not the person to represent Winchester and Stoneham at the State House,” wrote Colarusso in her press release.

Colarusso stated that residents of Stoneham and Winchester received mailings on Oct. 15 and 24.

“It should be clear to every voter that Day’s loyalty is first to special interest groups not the people of Winchester and Stoneham,"Colarusso wrote."I am the only candidate committed to fighting to reform Chapter 40B. That’s why the realtors are working to defeat me. Every resident of Stoneham and Winchester should be alarmed that the Realtors are trying to help buy this election for Day.”

In an email to Patch, Day responded to the claims made by Colarusso.

"With respect to this latest campaign piece, it is consistent with the rest of my opponent's campaign which is made up almost entirely of attacks that are aimed at disparaging me personally," wrote Day."There has been a shocking lack of substance about what she specifically would seek to pass if she were elected and an alarming refusal to answer questions put to her directly from residents of Stoneham and Winchester about her views on a variety of issues."

Day also refuted Colarusso's claims that he supports the controversial developments at Weiss Farm and Forest Ridge.

"These particular claims are, as have just about all statements my opponent has churned out in this campaign, riddled with misleading and simply false statements," Day continued."I have worked with state and local officials in opposition to the proposed 40B projects at Weiss Farm and Forest Ridge which, contrary to my opponent's claims, are not now being built as approved projects. I believe these two projects are unsafe and ill conceived, but I will continue to advocate for more affordable housing in both Stoneham and Winchester and I implore my opponent and others on the Board of Selectmen to do their part to improve our stock of housing."

Photos of the mailers sent to Patch by Selectwoman Caroline Colarusso