State Representative Candidate Celeste Ribeiro Myers Calls for Three Public Debates in East Boston

(EAST BOSTON, MA July 31, 2014) —Celeste Ribeiro Myers, candidate for Suffolk County’s State Representative seat in the First District, today invited her opponent, Rep. Carlo Basile, to participate in three public debates or forums leading up to the Nov. 4 election. In a letter to the Basile campaign Thursday, the Myers campaign called for three public debates: one focusing on development in East Boston, another chosen by the Basile campaign, and a third debate covering a variety of topics.

“Voters should know where we come down on issues affecting East Boston and have the opportunity to hear our respective visions for this community, which no doubt differ in many ways,” the letter states.

The letter also requests a meeting between representatives of each campaign to finalize debate topics and discuss possible sponsors, venues and formats, and asks the Basile campaign to respond by next Wednesday.

Myers, a lifelong East Boston resident, is known for leading the ballot question campaign group No Eastie Casino, which successfully defeated a proposal to site a casino at Suffolk Downs in East Boston on Nov. 5, 2013. (Basile opposed an area casino as a candidate in 2007 but vigorously supported casino plans in the run-up to the vote).

Earlier this month, Myers asked Basile to join her in rejecting campaign contributions from special interest groups, including lobbyists. The Basile campaign has not yet responded to the request to take the “people’s pledge.”

Myers’ robust platform includes plans to give residents more say in how Eastie develops; transportation improvements; job creation and economic development; health; and equality and inclusion for all. Check out her entire platform at www.celesteforeastboston.com.

Source: Steve Holt, 617-447-6519

Politics 2014: State Representative Candidate Celeste Ribeiro Myers Challenges Opponent to Refuse Special Interest Donations

(EAST BOSTON, MA, July 8, 2014)—Celeste Ribeiro Myers, candidate for Suffolk County’s State Representative seat in the First District, today committed to refusing campaign donations from special interest organizations and political action committees and challenged her opponent to do the same. In a letter to Rep. Carlo Basile, Myers also asked the incumbent to join her in refusing donations fron groups and organizations with a special interest in legislation before the House of Representatives.

“By joining together in this ‘people’s pledge,’” she wrote, “we will send a message to voters over the coming months that we are beholden to only them, rather than any outside special interest groups.”

Lobbyists and special interest organizations have given millions to candidates across the Commonwealth in an effort to influence their legislative priorities. Myers notes in her letter to Basile that East Boston has seen numerous groups attempt to impose their will on the neighborhood over the years and specifically cited the almost $3 million spent by Suffolk Downs and Caesars Entertainment leading up to their unsuccessful casino referendum in November. And with a question on the ballot that could repeal the 2011 casino law, millions more are sure to pour into East Boston and throughout the state in the coming months from casino companies and their lobbyists.

“I know you’ll agree that East Boston is a special place, a place where residents are invested in our community and know what is best for ourselves,” she wrote. “As we saw at the polls last November, voters here are savvy and do not fall for the messages from outside groups attempting to impose their will on us. They are disgusted with special interest money, its influence and how it undermines the democratic process because they have seen it in this community, across the state and across the nation.”

Myers, a lifelong East Boston resident, officially kicked off her campaign for State Representative on June 26 at an energetic event with more than 150 supporters on-hand. Former state Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi introduced Myers at the event, lauding her political courage and urging East Boston residents to send her to the State House. Myers is known for leading the ballot question campaign group No Eastie Casino, which successfully defeated a proposal to site a casino at Suffolk Downs in East Boston on Nov. 5, 2013. (her opponent, Basile, opposed an area casino as a candidate in 2007 but vigorously supported casino plans in the run-up to the vote)

Myers’ robust platform includes plans to give residents more say in how Eastie develops; transportation improvements; job creation and economic development; health; and equality and inclusion for all. Check out her entire platform at www.celesteforeastboston.com.

Media Contact: Steve Holt, 978-494-6109 

Source: Myers Campaign 7/8/2014