Story Mischaracterized Candidate’s Position

To the Editor:

A front page piece written by John Voket regarding Republican candidates being supported by the Independent Party of Newtown in last week’s Bee requires clarification and correction. He interviewed me by phone prior to publication.

In the past my positions, generally, have been accurately reported on. Alas, this time there are some serious deviations that cannot remain uncorrected. He entitles the piece “Republican Candidates Accept Independent Support, With Reservations.” I have no reservations in my acceptance of the IPN support. None. The IPN and I agree on some matters and disagree on others. In spite of this, they have elected to support my candidacy for the Board of Selectmen and I accepted it gladly and stated this in my comments. The IPN, I and many others share a desire to change the direction and responsiveness of our top officials. That is the reasons why Joe Borst and I are running for first selectman and selectman, respectively. It is also the reason why the Republican Town Committee chose us to be the standard bearers of our party. “With Reservations” in the title of the piece is not only incorrect but taints the entire article.

Additionally, and perhaps of more import, is a paragraph deeper into the piece that paraphrases me as saying that I “reject in total (emphasis added) the IPN’s so-called ‘Declaration of Independence,’ a multipoint platform that promises, among other things, greater accountability, transparency, and enhanced checks and balances in local government functions.” The statement that I reject these is totally incorrect and assigns to me a rejection of things that I am completely and steadfastly in favor of. My public service record, public statements and personal belief clearly and consistently show that I not only follow but also utilize these attributes as “markers” for progress. Then the very next paragraph starts by quoting me as saying “I do not support their platform.” This statement immediately following the previous paraphrasing connects me to a position which is not correct. There are parts of the IPN platform that I agree with and parts that I disagree with — and both IPN and The Bee know this.

I have spoken to John Voket about my concerns. He is aware of my intention to write in and attempt to clarify things. He even said he might write a clarification also. I look forward to seeing it. I believe these misconstructions are not intentional. But they certainly impact the way people see their choices for us to achieve good and better government. I firmly believe that people should say what they mean and mean what they say. I also believe that these positions should be reported accurately in the letter, spirit, and context of what was said.

Sincerely,

Paul J. Mangiafico

Republican Candidate for Board of Selectmen

15 Kent Road, Newtown                                       September 29, 2007