U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren toured businesses downtown Stoneham Monday evening.

Warren was joined by political leaders State Reps. Jason Lewis and Jim Dwyer, Sen. Katherine Clark, members of the Stoneham Board of Selectmen and other supporters.

Warren began her tour of Stoneham Square by popping into the Stoneham Theatre where Director of Development Lynn Krasker led a tour throughout the Theatre, talking about the storied past of the building and upcoming productions.

Next, Warren dropped by Doucet Remodeling and Design Inc., where Warren and owner Cathy Doucet wrapped about small business and the success of the store despite the struggling economy.

The crowd clung to Warren as she crossed the street to Anthony's Italian Specialities where she spoke briefly with 30-plus year owner and Stoneham High School graduate Anthony Piccoli who advocated for small business breaks which Warren took to heart.

Lastly, Warren and her entourage popped into Melissa's Main Street Bistro and met upstairs with a packed house of diners who had questions for the challenger to Sen. Scott Brown concerning a variety of issues.

Warren Discusses Her Platform

Upstairs at the Bistro, Warren answered questions and spoke out about the biggest issues facing our country today.

On our economic collapse Warren said, "During the great depression, we made several ground rules that worked. Number one: a level playing field for our economy. Number two: to invest in ourselves and our future, our kids, our economy and research ... In the 1980s we lost our way and our infastructure and GDP have dropped to around 2.5%, that's not enough [...] We are still making investments in this country like we used to, we are just making a different kind, giving our money to oil companies and hedge funds, big profitable companies that pay zero in taxes and take their jobs overseas. What drove me to this race in the first place was to change our mentality in America so it's not, 'I got mine and the rest are on their own.' That's not my country."

Concerning incumbent Brown and his record concerning financial reform, Warren said, "Scott Brown recently voted against small business and jobs bills. One of my points I try and make is that what helps small business helps grow America's middle class. Scott Brown and the republicans are voting against that ... America's middle class has been hammered and we can't take it much longer, we need to make changes and we need them now."

When asked how she would help raise standards for the poor and middle classes, Warren said, "Thirty years ago, a wedge was driven between the poor and middle class. What I support will not only help the middle class but help those across the economic spectrum with education reform and supporting research and jobs here in America. It's about getting rid of the wedge. We are all human beings and working families. We need bills to help all of us."

Dealing with a question about the recent attacks on Unions, Warren said, "Collective bargaining agreements should be the last thing to change, the last straw. This certainly hasn't been the case as of late and I want to change that."

On retirements and pensions being cut, Warren said, "We have to remember, if a pension is promised, it's part of the paycheck all along. You are saying I will take nine now and save one for later. When the future arrives and someone can legally say, 'I don't want to pay that,' it's wrong finanically and morally."

Warren's concluded by saying, "I have an ask. Don't simply vote for me behind closed doors, that doesn't work. To make real change, we have to change the way the wind blows. We have to talk about the election of 2012, to examine whether we should invest in big oil instead of our kids, in small business or hedge funds ...] This is a conversation we need to have together. I will do everything I can to make these needed changes to help the middle class."