Desperate Men Do Desperate Things

Dear Editor,

I’ve recently watched the video of the recent debate between State Senator Jason Lewis and Erin Calvo-Bacci, and am absolutely disgusted at the Senator’s remarks and insinuations. He was unprofessional and resorted to ad hominem attacks that were shameful and appalling.

At one point, in regards to the Family Leave Medical Act, Senator Lewis insinuated that because Mrs. Calvo-Bacci was against said legislation and was afraid of the detriment it would cause her and others’ businesses, that her production staff were unsanitary and would “cough and sneeze” all over the chocolates and confections. A shameful statement that isn’t founded in fact, rather a sophomoric fear tactic that was unnecessary and in no way contributes to political discourse. Shouldn’t our state leaders be encouraging small businesses and helping pave the way for their success? He owes Erin Calvo-Bacci and her family business an apology.

Senator Lewis also kept referring to Mrs. Calvo-Bacci as his “Republican opponent” in an effort to make her sound as if she was a political extremist. I’d laugh at that if it wasn’t such a desperate move on his part to smear a fantastic candidate. I have known Erin for years, meeting her while I volunteered for Richard Tisei’s first Congressional campaign. Richard has always been a political hero of mine with his levelheadedness, willingness to understand opinions and ideas from across the aisle, and his steadfast love for this community.

I see that in Erin Calvo-Bacci. I see a woman who has created a successful business and with it created jobs, a woman who doesn’t have an ounce of hate in her body, and a woman that wants to help her community thrive in any way she can. I see someone that is going to be an incredible, moderate, advocate for our communities – not someone who calls another’s business unsanitary.

This fall, I’ll be enthusiastically voting for Erin Calvo-Bacci because I know she will be an incredible advocate for our communities. She will make an excellent State Senator. Please join me in voting for Erin Calvo-Bacci for State Senate.

Joseph S. Tringale

Wakefield