Melfi, once a spendthrift, wants to scrimp on cruisers

Melfi, once a spendthrift, wants to scrimp on cruisers

EDITOR:

I learned a long time ago not to take the word of a politician as gospel. What they say or do should always be verified with the facts.

I also know that this Valley lacks investigative reporting by the local press and television stations. At best some questions are asked but it is usually he said, she said reporting with no verification of the facts.

I say this because of the recent news coverage of Girard’s mayor, James Melfi, concerning among other things the purchase of six police cars for the city.

An editorial in The Vindicator recently praised the mayor for taking a stand against city council buying six cars instead of the three he wants to buy. Also the mayor wants to buy cheaper and smaller models so he can save money he claims the city does not have.

Once again the news media has to be reminded of the wasteful spending that has been going on for the past seven years. They mayor takes credit for some $600,000 that can be documented by the news media and probably much more that was kept out of the public eye. Mr. Melfi will steadfastly deny he wasted any taxpayer monies and the press will take him at his word and not check the records.

It is apparent that the mayor has a low regard for the safety of his police officers and the public which put him in his office and pays his salary.

There is one thing for sure he can take credit for and that is if someone is injured with one of these old police cars it will rest squarely on his shoulders.

I can’t help but wonder how places like Weathersfield, McDonald and Hubbard can maintain their areas with services and new equipment and Girard can’t.

TONY ROSACE

Girard

Support the children

EDITOR:

Are you familiar with the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child?” It sure is a wonderful concept. It saddens me deeply that the majority of residents who live in the Jackson-Milton School District don’t have the same feeling. If they did they’d support their school system.

Many blame the fact that our school board made the decision to build a new school after years of trying to get voters’ support. Sad to say, they’d have never gotten the needed support. This isn’t the first failed renewal.

I applaud the board’s decision on the new building. They’ve been working against all odds to provide what should be their first concern, safety. Our children deserve a safe, warm building.

There are so many really good and talented students at Jackson-Milton. Why wouldn’t “a village” stand together and support them? Thank you to the 49 percent willing to sacrifice for our kids.

LORI BENNETT

Lake Milton