SAUGUS — Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) and challenger Matt Crescenzo have agreed to face off in a Saugus debate. But the questions of when and where remain.
Crescenzo released a statement Wednesday challenging Wong to a debate. In an interview with The Item Friday, Wong said he was on board.
“With critical matters facing our local community and the state of Massachusetts, it is important for voters to have a full understanding of our respective positions before election day on Nov. 6,” said Crescenzo.
Crescenzo said he is challenging Wong to three additional debates in Wakefield, Saugus, and Lynn, at varying times to allow for more community participation.
“This will allow us to openly discuss our vision and plan to confront the issues we face with the people of our district,” he said.
The 9th Essex District encompasses precincts 1, 2, 4-9 in Saugus; precincts 1, 2, 3 and 7 in Wakefield; and Ward 1 precincts 1 and 2 in Lynn.
“I would agree to one more,” said Wong. “Every opponent I’ve had, I’ve had one (debate with) in Wakefield and one in Saugus. Right now I’m just waiting to see if anyone in Saugus is going to sponsor it.”
Crescenzo said he is running for the seat because he believes the current political process is not working. If elected, Crescenzo said he would focus his efforts on healthcare for veterans and treatment of mental health and addiction.
Wong said it’s difficult for him to say what his biggest priority would be because things change so fast. He wants to be re-elected to focus on helping people young and old, and to help push bills that affect little things in everyday life.
“We have to be ready to adapt to whatever happens in our district and the commonwealth,” he said. “I’ve always done what I could for my district and I want to be here to do more.”
Wong said he has the experience it takes because he served as a Town Meeting member and selectman before he was elected as a state representative.
“I know the difference between local, state and federal government,” he said. “And me and my family have run a successful business for three generations in the town of Saugus, and I have also raised a family here.”
Crescenzo is a U.S. Army veteran who served overseas in Afghanistan and South Korea as a communications specialist security officer. Most recently, the Saugus resident was an IT specialist at Lynn Community Health Center before leaving to campaign full time.
