Constituent Bill of Rights

Statement

Andover, MA - Barry Finegold unveiled his constituent's Bill of Rights today, a comprehensive program designed to facilitate communication and direct contact with 5th District constituents and their priorities.

"As I have said throughout this campaign, each voter, each town, and each city of the 5th District is equally important to me," said Finegold. "Connecting with as many people in as many of the 29 cities and towns in this district is my priority throughout this campaign. And it will remain my priority when in Congress."

Finegold endeavors to create as many access points as possible for local community members to access his Washington office, local state offices, and his staff.

"Representatives in Congress serve as a direct liaison between local communities and the federal government," said Finegold. "For that process to function well, representatives must be accessible to their constituents and maintain abreast of their top priorities - direct access is the best way to make that happen."

To strengthen that constituent connection and serve the interests of the 5th District's 29 cities and towns, Finegold released the following 10-point constituent's Bill of Rights:

Direct Access

1) Constituents will have four state offices available to them, to be located in Lawrence, Haverhill, Lowell, and Hudson.
2) Constituents will be provided a 1-800 number to reach Finegold's offices.
3) Constituents are guaranteed monthly office hours in each city and town of the 5th District.
4) Constituents will continue to have District Day - an opportunity to meet with Barry in Washington — with supplemental funding options for those who need travel reimbursement.
5) Finegold will maintain his primary residence in Andover, MA, not Washington, DC.
6) Constituents will be afforded an interactive website, complete with live blogging, online chats, and a "Bold Ideas Forum" in order for Barry and his staff to maintain communication with constituents and the local online communities.

Federal, State, and Local Government Connections: Bringing Resources Home

7) Finegold will hold regular meetings with Massachusetts state representatives and state senators.
8) Finegold pledges that in his first term, he will appear before every board of selectmen and city council in the 5th District.
9) Finegold pledges to have a grant coordinator on staff, to ensure the pursuit of all possible funding sources for all 29 communities of the 5th District.

Big Ideas, Bold Solutions

10) Barry will establish the following advisory caucuses, comprised of community leaders, industry professionals, and elected officials, in order to bring big ideas to fruition in Washington:
• Global Warming and Alternative Energy Caucus
• Veterans Caucus
• Health Care Caucus
• Economic Development Caucus
• Homeland Security Caucus
• Senior Caucus
• Youth Caucus

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