Letter to the Editor: Transparency

When residents submit letters to the editor, it is to be expected that the letters will be full of opinions and feelings.  Regardless, it is imperative that letter-writers try to keep their submissions honest, as their letters surely shape the public debate.

It is with these sentiments in mind that I feel obliged to write a response to a letter submitted by CJ Gangi.  Mr. Gangi's letter was recently published and initially appeared to speak positively of State Representative Jim Lyons.  However, after the first paragraph, CJ Gangi goes into attack mode by demonizing Lyons' opponent, Barbara L'Italien. Mr. Gangi specifically targets Ms. L'Italien for accepting a job with the Treasurer's Office - which he labels "patronage".

That CJ Gangi is writing a letter supporting Jim Lyons and attacking Ms. L'Italien for "patronage", is both humorous and disturbing. Why? Because when Jim Lyons got elected in 2010, Lyons rewarded Mr. Gangi's younger brother - Lyons' campaign manager in 2010 - with a government job in Boston. By CJ Gangi's own definition, Jim Lyons is not only guilty of patronage, but it is Mr. Gangi's brother who is the beneficiary of Lyons' largess with taxpayer money.

CJ Gangi's letter serves as an unfortunate reminder to all readers that voters are responsible for researching candidates. Mr. Gangi's letter avoids defending Lyons' agenda of scaling back a woman's right to choose; Lyons legislative attacks on gay students; and Lyons indefensible assaults on women's healthcare.

Mr. Gangi's hypocritical attacks and misleading letter should motivate all voters to stay informed of the candidates ahead of Tuesday's election. 

Bryan Hanssen