Letter to the Editor: Light Commissioner Elections

Letter to the Editor:

I would like to thank the League of Women Voters for sponsoring Candidate’s Night and giving me the opportunity to voice my opinions while running for Light Commissioner. I would also like to thank all of the citizens of Marblehead for voting and especially the ones who gave me their votes.  Lastly, I would like to congratulate Phil Sweeney and Wilbur Bassett for their wins for Light Commissioner.

On another note, I am disappointed with The Marblehead Reporter. I feel they have a responsibility to the citizens of the town to make sure they are well informed about each candidate. After Candidate’s Night, I sent a letter to editor Kris Olson stating that Mr. Sweeny was incorrect when he stated that there are LED street lights in town.

There is not a single LED street light in the town of Marblehead. Mr. Sweeny also recently stated in the Reporter that Marblehead Municipal Light Department has two Certified Public Accountants working on staff. This is also incorrect there are none. The reporter also failed to inform the people that one of the existing Commissioners has a relative working at the light department who is a paid employee. Also, there are a husband and wife working there and a brother-in-law managing his sister-in-law. I do not see a conflict of interest in my case then. If a candidate/commissioner is giving information, they should know the correct facts. The reporter has the responsibility to let the citizens know or at least verify information.

I feel that the voters should have been informed of these facts and that the reporter had an obligation to print this information for the citizens to consider. It is not a judgment call to be made by Kris Olson or playing favoritism because you are friendly with any of the incumbents.

I am also curious why Mr. Olson did not print Mr. Bassett age when he printed every other candidate’s age. I am sure it is on file and/or a phone call away.  I feel that the Reporter did a grave disservice to the citizens of Marblehead by not printing the facts that the Reporter was made aware of two weeks prior to the election.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for their votes and support.  

Sincerely,

John A. Williams

21 Leggs Hill Road

Marblehead, Ma