State Rep Candidates React To Anonymous Attack On O'Connell

WILMINGTON, MA -- The other four candidates in Tuesday's Demcoratic primary for state representative were quick to condemn an anonymous mailing sent to voters that attacked former Wilmington Selectman Judy O'Connell. The mailing contained information on federal tax liens against O'Connell's Wilmington home. O'Connell has publicly explained the liens were placed when her family faced financial troubles as she battled Crohn's disease, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the digestive tract.

"Absolutely not," Wilmington Selectman Michael McCoy, who was known for his epic battles with O'Connell when both served on the board, said when asked if his campaign was behind the mailing.

"It's cowardly - disgusting," David Robertson of Tewksbury said when asked the same question. "If you can't put your name on it, how good of an argument is it?"

A version of the letter had been sent to the candidates in the race and, later, other media outlets covering the race received the mailing. At the time, O'Connell issued a statement addressing the allegations.

"The fact that financial strain has been unavoidable does not mean that it is irreparable. To the contrary, I have been tackling this situation the same way that I tackle every other obstacle: honestly, with determination and conviction," she said in a statement earlier this month. "I have been working my way out of this situation, and I will continue to do so. I am not ashamed of experiencing setbacks. Most people do. I do not feel sorry for myself. In terms of medical problems, all too many people are a lot worse off than I."

Then this week it was sent to voters in both towns. The mailings had a Boston postmark and no return address.

Tewksbury Selectman Mark Kratman, who has also been targeted with a negative attack during the campaign, said he had received the mailing. Kratman had his voting record, which showed he continued to vote in Boston after he moved to Tewksbury, leaked to the Wilmington Apple. Kratman, who said he was on friendly terms with O'Connell, said he immediately called her after receiving the mailing to commiserate.

"The negative campaigning is sickening," he said in a phone interview Wednesday. "You're talking about personal issues -- tax bills, health issues. I thought it was absolutely disgusting."

Wilmington Democratic Committee Chair Erika Johnson, who is also running in Tuesday's primary, echoed the comments of the other candidates. "These mailings were totally uncalled for and the fact that they were anonymous is cowardly," she said. Pina Prinzivalli,who is running unopposed in the Republican primary and will face the winner of Tuesday's Democratic race in November's general election, said she had not seen the mailing.

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File photo by WCTV.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).