Word: toomey
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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...handed forays into the field of civil liberties that citizens of this Commonwealth have been treated to during the current Big Red Scare, House bill 1943 is probably the worst. This document, sponsored by Representative John J. Toomey of Cambridge, would amend the State Constitution to prohibit "persons promoting, furthering, or participating in any movements which are subversive to our American form of government or advocating theories or doctrines contrary to and inconsistent with the constitution of this commonwealth and of the United States" from voting or holding public office...
Here are a couple of the blessings Mr. Toomey's bill could provide, if passed: No one could advocate any peaceable change in either the state or federal constitutions without losing his right to vote and hold office. If a future legislature felt in a particularly conservative mood, it could pass a law under this amendment preventing anybody to the left of--Mr. Toomey, for example--from voting or holding office...
...been reported out unfavorably to the legislature. Senator Joseph A. Melley introduced this measure in support of a petition by the "Massachusetts Citizens Committee for the Repeal of Proportional Representation," headed by Miss Edna Spencer of Cambridge. Anti-PR forces in the House are led by Representative John J. Toomey, also of this city, who has introduced his own PR repeal bill-House...
According to Senator Melley and Representative Toomey, proportional representation is "Un-American" because it "does away with the two party system," and PR "accentuates minorities." They refer to the fact that under PR all citizens vote on all city Council seats, so a simple ward majority cannot elect a candidate, and candidates can run without party label. However, proponents of this method of voting state that it eliminates the evils of the ward system and destroys the power of the "ward boss" over city officials; the councilmen are responsible only to the people And, since the Council in turn appoints...
...House floor once before, when the body voted on March 15 to accept a committee recommendation to withdraw the measure. Only expert parliamentary maneuvering by Senator Melley saved the bill in the upper chamber. However, by delaying renewal of the discussion until this week, the House has given Toomey time to strengthen his forces, and another vote may be close. Though the "Citizens Committee" has only one known member, Miss Spencer, and is not registered officially as a lobby at the State House, it may be able to change many votes during this well-timed breather...