Voting for a Better Stoneham

My name is Rachele McDonough and I have lived in Stoneham for 26 years. I have my MBA from Simmons College and have had a successful professional career while coming from humble roots in Somerville. I am for freedom of thought and speech. I know that I want elected officials who will serve the town of Stoneham and other elected posts in our country with courage and an independent voice that can respectfully debate varying positions. I read a recent post to the Patch and found it concerning that Caroline Colarusso may be the only 1 of 5 who may think differently on a board of elected officials. It was also noted that the Mass Family Institute is listed as a hate group and listed by the SPLC - I checked and did not see it. My children grew up in Stoneham with a drug epidemic that has taken one too many of their friends. I know that Michael Day introduced legislation that will sacrifice the rights of many. Whose rights should take precedence? All people should be treated with dignity so who gets to say whose rights are more important? Debate is good, difference of thought is good. Caroline Colarusso is my candidate because she does not look to be the popular candidate based on the issue of the day; No, Caroline thinks about the future impact of legislation on her constituents. "Hate" and "backward" are words used to invoke fear and they are cowardly. Feel free to disagree with Caroline's position but do NOT call her a hater or backward directly or by association. She is courageous and is not afraid to stand up to bullies - just the kind of candidate our town, our state and our country needs. Vote for a better Stoneham by knowing all the facts, don't listen to people's opinions, call Caroline, get to know her and then decide your vote based on the facts.