To the Editor:
I was initially happy to see that there was a race for the assembly in Bayonne. I watched with interest how the Republican candidate Matt Kopko tried to challenge the Democratic machine. I thought for a moment that he might be someone to keep my eye on. Someone who might be able to help the city and its residents.
All that changed when he lost. His rant and attacks on his opponents after the election showed me who Kopko really is. Instead of being gracious and congratulating the victor, Kopko proceeded to call one of his opponents a “simpleton” and the other “untrustworthy and greedy.”
To Mr. Kopko I want to say this: I know you’re not from Bayonne. Because if you were, you would know that when we lose we do it with dignity. Whether it’s on the football field at Vets Stadium, the basketball courts on Ave. E or the ball fields at 16th St, when we lose we shake the other guy’s hand and say good game. We don’t throw temper tantrums, blame the refs, or curse our opponents. For you see, Mr. Kopko, how you conduct yourself when you lose is just as important in how you act when you win. Thank you for showing me and the rest of the city who you really are. That you are unable to handle a defeat shows me that you would be unable to handle the responsibilities of the office you wanted to be elected to.
I know that you said, “You ain’t going anywhere.” Well, to let you know, neither am I, and I am not going to vote for you if you ever decide to run again.
NICK MICELI