Latest Letters To The Editor: Robertson-DiFruscia Race

Jomarie F. O’Mahony
Wilmington, MA

WILMINGTON, MA — Tewksbury and Wilmington residents have written in to Patch with their views on the upcoming 19th Middlesex District state representative election, between incumbent Democrat Dave Robertson and Republican Alec DiFruscia.

Past letters:

• Letter To The Editor Roundup: Robertson-DiFruscia Race
• Letter To The Editor Roundup: Dave Robertson Endorsements
• Letter To The Editor: In Support Of Alec DiFruscia
• Letter To The Editor: In Support Of Dave Robertson

Read more:

• Candidates Clash In Wilmington-Tewksbury State Rep Debate
• Rep. Robertson Campaign Treasurer Resigns Over Missing Filings

Letter to the editor from Wilmington Selectwoman Jomarie O'Mahony:

I am writing this letter to express my wholehearted support for David Robertson for State Representative in the 19th Middlesex.

Representative Robertson has done nothing but work tirelessly to advocate for what is best for the communities of Wilmington and Tewksbury. He has supported our law enforcement in a time when their integrity is questioned and he has reminded us that, although there is evil in the world, our police force remains an essential aspect of our shared community. And yet he is accused of supporting a bill to tie our police department’s hands, this is untrue.

Representative Robertson has repeatedly suffered false attacks for allegedly supporting a raise in the gas tax, when the truth is he has managed to secure the highest levels of state funding for our school systems and funds to improve the Rt. 38 corridor through our two towns without raising our taxes one cent. Empty lies serve only those who speak them.

Rep. Robertson’s opponent doesn’t want us looking at facts and results because those facts and results will only work against his campaign's agenda. It is easier to try to spread lies about Rep. Robertson than to focus on the fact David’s opponent is more interested in making a self-serving appearance at a Trump rally than to engage in any issue of importance in Wilmington. He didn’t want us to pay too much attention to the debate on October 1st, when we finally heard him speak on the issues – and now we know why. Repetition of empty talking points does not equate to substance.

Here is the reality: The Town of Wilmington is more dynamic and involved than what you could ever learn on a Google search or through social media. A very wise man once said “The essence of Wilmington is captured in the spirit of its people”. These are more than just words imprinted at the entrance of the Wilmington High School- a school Rep. Robertson’s opponent has never entered- it is the true spirit of our community. Rep. Robertson already understands, respects, and honors this spirit. That is why he has my vote and I hope yours as well.

Vote Robertson on November 3rd — because it’s a matter of fact that the facts matter.

Jomarie F. O’Mahony
Wilmington, MA

Letter from Tewksbury resident Sean Derrah:

Dear Editor:

I’m writing to endorse my friend Alec DiFruscia, State Rep candidate for Tewksbury and Wilmington. I’ve known Alec since he was 7, as a coach of his basketball team. I knew then that Alec was a leader.

Alec’s platform is all about standing up for the little guy. He supports providing our police with the funds they need to keep our communities safe, and he isn’t afraid to stand up to those who want to undermine law enforcement. Alec understands that thriving, successful small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and will never vote for a tax increase. When I heard Alec's opponent say he supports "increasing taxes, because society has contributed to your success, no matter how hard the individual worked for it", I was greatly disappointed. Despite the revenue impact to our state and towns during the COVID pandemic, his opponent wants more of our money, because he, and his career politician friends feel they know how to spend our money, better than we do. Alec, on the other hand, trusts the hard-working people of Tewksbury and Wilmington to keep more of what we earned, and decide how we spend it in our communities.

Tewksbury and Wilmington deserve better than business as usual at the State House. Politicians operate behind closed doors and leave us - the voters, out of the loop. I think it’s time we send a message that business as usual just isn’t good enough.

I’m voting for Alec DiFruscia for State Representative this year, because we need a fighter who will put the families and businesses of our district first. Please join me in voting Alec for State Representative.

Sean Derrah

Lifelong Tewksbury resident

Letter from Wilmington resident Bill Manning:

Dear Editor:

I’m writing to give my support to Alec DiFruscia for State Representative. Alec knocked on my door when I wasn’t home, and when I called the number on his campaign literature, Alec himself answered. That’s the kind of accessibility I want in my State Representative.

Alec will defend our second amendment rights. He will also fight for more local aid for our schools and support policies that give parents, not teacher unions, the power over their child’s education. Education is critical to the well being of the next generation, and Alec will ensure that our schools are priority.

Alec has made fighting for families the focus of his campaign. I believe that the working families in our community need someone who will represent their voice at the State House, and that’s why I proudly endorse Alec DiFruscia for State Representative in Tewksbury and Wilmington.

Bill Manning
Wilmington, MA

Letter from Tewksbury resident Mary Ellen Cooper:

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter with enthusiastic support for the re-election of David Robertson as State Representative for the 19th Middlesex District. I have known David for many years and I can attest to his commitment to our community. His tireless work and personal connection to those he serves speak to his character. David took office shortly before COVID-19 hit our shores and forever changed the way we viewed the fragility of our personal health and the stability of our healthcare system as a whole. I know, I was there. I was on the front lines of our response at the Tewksbury State Hospital. But I wasn’t alone. Representative Robertson was right there with me and my colleagues. In the darkest hours of this pandemic, David never stopped working to get our staff the person protective equipment (PPE) we desperately needed. He didn’t politicize the crisis, he didn’t grandstand, he made calls. He sought to save us via every avenue he had access to. And he did. He worked in a bipartisan fashion with the Governor’s office, Senator Bruce Tarr -- and as well as his Democratic colleague Barry Finegold. He worked closely with our federal delegation and left no stone unturned— because that’s the kind of Representative — the kind of man — he is. I, for one, will never forget what he did.

However, the panic and uncertainty wasn’t limited to the State Hospital, Representative Robertson was instrumental with handling one of the single worst outbreak locations in the Commonwealth, Adviniacare in Wilmington. David fought to ensure the nursing home was able to maintain proper staffing levels, as well sustain proper PPE levels. I am sure no one involved in that facility will forget what David did either.

The term “baptism by fire” has never been more true than what David Robertson has had to content with during his first term as our State Representative. This election isn’t about promises, it isn’t to be decided by potential policy, and it cannot be about empty rhetoric. This election about returning to office the man who has already proven himself during the most difficult times we, as a district, Commonwealth, and country, have ever faced. I am supporting Robertson on November 3rd and I hope you’ll do the same!

Mary Ellen Cooper, N.P.
Tewksbury, MA

These letters were produced by district residents. The views expressed are the authors' own.