Dear Editor:
I wish to congratulate my opponent, Councilman Mike Grecco on his success in winning a sixth term in the November 5 general election. I also wish to stress that he remain vigilant to the needs of the people he represents. His campaign advisors kept the mud out of race and should be commended for a job well done.
I could not have made it through such a tough campaign were it not for help of several individuals. I owe my thanks and a great deal of gratitude to these people for their help, their kindness and friendship. I plan to express that gratitude more personally in a letter to each of them.
To my wife Rosanne, who stood beside me, helping to keep the pressures of campaigning to a minimum; I love and respect you for your patience throughout my campaign. Scott, my son, thank you for keeping the business running and allowing me the time to campaign, I love you buddy! To Jessica, my daughter, whom I love dearly and who together with her friends Amy, Richard, Jessica N. and Gino helped deliver the flyers I put out, I love you all. You’re a great group of young adults and a credit to your upbringing. Mom ( Ann Marie), thank you for spending a very long day as one of my challengers, I love you. To Sharon, Pat, Phyllis, Grace, Maureen, Charlie and Phil, a great group of caring people, you’ll never know how much your help has meant to me. A sincere thank you to Christine and Rob for your kindness and generosity.
Many thanks to everyone who supported my efforts, those who worked behind the scenes to help get my message to the people and those who took the time to cast their vote for me; we almost did it!
Finally, I wish to address those who did not vote in this election. Never allow yourself to become so complacent as to allow any elected official the power to do whatever they want, regardless of how you feel. Don’t be manipulated or intimidated by a show of political power. The people have greater power; they have voting power. Our job is to monitor those who represent us in government. Keep them obliging to the needs of the people, not the party. Simply speak up; let them know of your dissatisfaction and if they ignore you, you ignore them on Election Day. However, keep in mind that you have no right to complain when you don’t vote. You only earn that right by casting your vote!
Sal Barone