The End Of The (Public) Debate

Those of you who have been regular readers of this blog and are my friends on Facebook have been following the Letters to the Editor that have been going forth since January between myself and Mr. Frank M. DePaola. I have enjoyed the debate, and was ready with a response to his April 2nd letter.

Unfortunately, when I sent my letter to the Republican-American, I got this response...

Mr. Baker:

Thanks for your submittal, but this exchange of letters has run its course and we won't be running any more from either side. I believe I have Mr. DePaola's address if you want me to send a copy of this letter directly to him.

Steve Macoy
Republican-American

While I understand that the Republican-American has every editorial right to refuse a letter if it feels that the letter is inappropriate, or unnecessary, I felt that Mr. DePaola and I should have been given equal time. (He had 3 letters published, I was only allowed 2.)

Furthermore, Mr. DePaola's letters had contained numerous errors that I felt needed to be addressed. Instead of ranting and whining about my letter being published, I will now share it with you and let you decide.

"In his letter Mr. DePaola again asks what the Republicans have done for Waterbury. It is nice to see that the Independents are getting good value for the $107.50 he was paid on Election Day. It’s also interesting to note that the school project that was “$1 Billion” on 1/13 became “$1 Billion-Plus” on 2/24 and “$1.5 Billion on 4/2.

If one looks at the websites of the Republicans in the Waterbury delegation, they can find a long list of accomplishments.

Rep. D’Amelio has served the 71st district since 1996, is an Assistant Minority Leader, and a Ranking Member on the Insurance Committee. Rep. Noujaim has served the 74th district since 2002, and has spent his time in Hartford supporting the East End of Waterbury, and its veterans.

Both men have worked to save Waterbury money through the proposed postponement of the In-School Suspension law, and were vocal supporters of the Heart Center in its fight for permanent status.

Sen. Caligiuri has served the 16th district since 2006. In just the past few months he has worked to strengthen equal pay laws, and improve the licensing and oversight of trash-hauling companies in the state. This is in addition to work on a “Three-Strikes” law for repeat violent offenders.

Furthermore, Alderman Ciochetti has spent a tremendous amount of time with the PAL program. His work with Main Street Waterbury to improve the parking downtown is extremely beneficial to the city. All four men have a record of distinction, and I am proud to call them fellow Republicans."

As always, I welcome your comments.