(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

To the Editor:

Each day I go to my office, I drive through East Cambridge and East Somerville. Both neighborhoods have changed, in some ways quite dramatically. East Cambridge has grown into a hotspot for new economy businesses and life sciences, and there has been an enormous increase in new apartment units. East Somerville’s Lower Broadway boasts one of the most eclectic, funky areas in all of Greater Boston. And yet, both neighborhoods retain a welcoming, familiar feel.

Tim Toomey, my friend, is a driving force how these two neighborhoods have been able to balance growth and change with respect for the past. He is a good, honest public servant who has always had his constituents’ best interests at heart – either on behalf of a single person or their family, or, as in the case of the Green Line Extension, on behalf of an entire community. I can tell you from personal experience that no one will outwork him. Accessible and hands on, he is something of a throw back in that regard – he is not one to rely solely on social media, he wants to meet you. Some people might call this old fashioned; I call it the best there is in representation.

At the same time, Tim has taken stands that no doubt would surprise those who figure incorrectly that he is, in fact, old fashioned and nothing more. He has consistently taken progressive stands, time and again. Tim is a leading advocate for the Fair Share Tax Amendment, and a rock solid supporter of pay equity and transgender rights. He has been endorsed by MassEquality. Throughout his career, Tim has stood for women’s health and reproductive rights. Indeed, he is endorsed by Planned Parenthood. He has been a staunch supporter of immigrants’ rights, and has a long history of fighting for immigrants’ rights.

Elections are never pretty but this year has gone to an entirely different level. We cannot escape negativism and pessimism being sewn at the national level. Every day seems to bring some new outrage, some new controversy. Supporting Tim Toomey, for me, is easy. He is a common sense progressive with the record to prove it, and a tireless advocate on behalf of those he represents. You can have no better person in your corner.

It is a pleasure to endorse Tim Toomey for re-election. I respectfully ask you to vote for him in the state primary on Thursday, September 8.

Sincerely,

Mike Capuano