5 Things, July 31: Local Politician Backs Overturning 'Citizens United' Campaign Financing Decision

"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Senator Joyce Backs Repeal of Citizens United

Stoughton's State Senator, Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton), recently voted for a resolution calling for the United States Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, restoring the first amendment and ending unlimited outside spending in elections, according to a press release from his office.

This is not the first time local politicians have weighed in on this contentious issue of campaign financing and whether the "First Amendment prohibited the government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations and unions" as the Supreme Court ruled with its 5-4 decision back in 2010.

At their July 10 meeting, , presented by Steve Wilkinson of the Stoughton Democratic Town Committee, to overturn the Supreme Court's decision.

The following is from a press release from Senator Joyce's office. , and to read a .

“We are now starting to see the influence unlimited and unchecked corporate donations can have on elections as the cost of running for office skyrockets,” said Joyce. “We cannot allow our Democracy to become an auction house where publicly trusted positions are heavily influenced by the highest bidder. Overturning Citizens United will begin to restore accountability to the process and help ensure our elections are not being influenced by donors who may not even live in the district, let alone the state.”

A poll of Massachusetts voters conducted in February by 7 News and Suffolk University revealed that 83 percent of Democrats polled, 73 percent of Republicans and 81 percent of independents oppose the Supreme Court’s decision. During the 2010 elections, the first since the Supreme Court’s decision, non-candidate spending reached nearly $400 million, nearly 60 percent higher than spending during the 2006 midterm elections, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

2. Summer Nutrition Program at the West School

The will be offering a Summer Nutrition Program at the . The program began Monday, July 9 and ends on August 16, 2012.

Lunch will be served free of charge to all school aged children, up to age 18, in the West School Cafeteria, Monday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All food must be consumed on the premises; no food is allowed to be taken home or off the property.

Questions? Call 781-297-1051.

3. Bingo at the Senior Center

The  will hold its weekly game of BINGO at 12:45 p.m.

4. Looking Ahead: Storytime LIVE with Clifford the Big Red Dog!

Come join on Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for their first Storytime LIVE with Clifford!

Clifford will read stories to the children, be available for photos and light refreshments will be served!

Bring your family, friends and neighbors!

5. Reminder: Thursday is Food Pantry Day in Stoughton

Stoughton resident Peg Carbone continues her effort to curb hunger in Stoughton, personally picking up donations for the food pantries every Thursday.

Here's a note from Peg: "I pick up non perishable food and also household items every Thursday, anywhere in Stoughton and deliver them to the food pantry. Please tell your friends and neighbors. One item, one bag or several, and I will pick them up every Thursday."

Haven't called to arrange a pickup? It's not too late. Call Peg at 508-889-1385 or send an email to peg.carbone@comcast.net.