I really like this open door policy with Mr. Lamb. We are all so busy these days. I'd like to be able to see a representative who is considerate of my schedule. Mr. Lamb is certainly recognizing and relating to this, and it's appreciated.

The town hall meetings are a great idea, too. It's an open forum, and we can also benefit from other questions asked, too. It would be informative. Being at a town hall with other town residents sharing their issues and concerns is something I'd like to attend.

Fashion that, a representative who would like to listen to us and make the time and do it when WE can.

When it comes to the economy, just a few days ago we see this state's unemployment rate went up again, and nothing is being done to help improve the job situation on Beacon Hill. There are no ideas, no plans, nothing coming from the incumbent legislators.

More good ideas I read here from Marty Lamb on helping the business community. My health care premiums are through the roof. We need reform very badly. That's also another burden on small business, and they can't afford to hire. Instead it's a struggle to keep going.

Lamb has the smart ideas to help, that's for sure.

Finally! A politician who has his constituents in mind! What a breath of fresh air, too. Speaking of which, I thought that newspaper he put out was GREAT! How clever. It was a great way for me to put everything in perspective...Dykema's voting record (dismal to say the least) including Marty's fresh ideas! LOVED it!!

It's nice to hear specifics and not just rhetoric. It also appears that Mr. Lamb's experience as a businessman gives him insight into what's needed to improve the dismal business climate in this state. And he understands that he would work for the people and not vice versa.

It's hilarious to hear Marty claim he would be more accessible than Carolyn Dykema. She actually has a record of constant community service, going back long before her run for State Rep. Planning Board, Celebrate Holliston, Katrina relief, to name three of many. Marty? Nope. Nothing but empty talk and press releases.

These are great ideas, regular office hours, town hall meetings, something we have not had at all. How refreshing to see this. He's related to people in the community so well already, and this is a carryover. Lamb has been such an active participant in many ways, and he has also served on the Holliston Elementary School Council and the Campaign for Holliston Schools.

As a small business owner, when I go to events, I see he is a sponsor many times to help people and local small business in need, like the Holliston Brewfest which was a great success, and Mr. Lamb was a sponsor. He has that focus as a member of the Holliston Business Association, and his good citizenship really shows.

"regular office hours, town hall meetings, something we have not had at all."

This is simply false. Rep. Carolyn Dykema has repeatedly held office hours and town hall meetings. In addition, Carolyn goes wherever people are and she knows how to listen, not merely how to send out press releases.

People who've been paying attention know this.

Weekly office hours would be so welcomed ! This hasn't happened and makes it much more convenient for constituents. It's been so long since Dykema had any, and my goodness very long, last May and last January are the only times, and that makes it only twice for this whole year. I'm glad to see Lamb is so considerate of our busy schedules and desire for regular access. This doesn't exist with Dykema.

This is what a public servant should do, actually be available without us having to make an appointment. There should be this kind of access, and the office hours Dykema does are once in a very blue moon. It's incredibly infrequent. Amazing, just two times since the beginning of the year, just no consideration on her part.

Break it down. Marty's promising four hours a month to four communities. Carolyn sometimes spends four hours in a day, meeting people in the district. She's always accessible, and she really listens. We know her, not because of a campaign promise but because we've seen her be there in person for us for four solid years.

As usual in this race, Carolyn has a positive record of accomplishment, and Marty has a misleading press release. The true contrast could not cast our friend and neighbor Carolyn Dykema in a better light than it does.

What is Mr. Roney talking about? Most legislators have weekly office hours, but Dykema rarely does. Does she have weekly office hours? Answer: NO! Maybe the Speaker doesn't let her.

What I'm talking about:

Carolyn meets people far more than Marty's promise of an hour a week somewhere at a time and place of his choosing. He'll be a part-timer, so he can't be as available as she is. And the proof is the past four years, during which she has been very active and accessible as our friend, neighbor, and State Rep.

Carolyn has a record of amazing accessibility, far greater than any Rep I've ever known about. Marty makes a mere promise, and he imagines that's better.

But it isn't. Carolyn goes to events where the people already are. She holds office hours quarterly. She makes and keeps appointments with constituents. She calls people back. She talks to them wherever they are, whoever they are, whatever they want to talk about -- as she should.

She's the real communicator here, there's no doubt about it.

Clear enough?

If Carolyn was full time and accessible, then she would have weekly office hours. All we have is your word she is meeting with people. I see the notices of other Reps who have weekly office hours. I find your defense of her over the top and desperate.

Marty Lamb has promised weekly office hours. Dykema has had years to do it and failed. You are doing no favors for your candidate the way you act, attack and blindly ignore the facts. This is the kind of thing people do who get paychecks from politicians.

We just disagree.

You think it's better for Marty as his primary outreach to set aside four hours each month for office hours. I think it's better for Carolyn to spend many, many more hours per month going to community events and also to hold office hours.

The math seems pretty obvious.

I called Carolyn Dykema to request a conversation, a few minutes of her time, to discuss an issue of importance to me. She replied immediately and we spoke in person for over an hour. She is a compassionate, careful listener. She followed through with her promises and I felt truly heard.