Praise of selectwoman absurd in Mansfield

To the editor:

Now comes Shirley MacPhee, "Selectwoman stands out on Mansfield" (Sept. 24), extolling the virtues of Sandra Levine while making side comments about me. Let's address Ms. MacPhee's statements.

She claims Mrs. Levine "does her homework and is not under anyone's thumb." How absurd is that statement when Mrs. Levine only listens to John D'Agostino and defense counsels, refuses to listen to the plaintiff's side, and subsequently draws a line in the sand claiming "our side." Only listening to one side of an issue is not "doing one's homework" and certainly places a self-inflicted thumb above oneself.

Ms. MacPhee states "George Dentino does not faze Mrs. Levine in any way and deflects his negativism in a ladylike way." Wow! Mrs. Levine went on a 45-minute personal attack on me with both guns blazing. That isn't deflecting and if it was ladylike I've totally misconstrued the definition.

As to negativism. If it's to point out what's wrong with the present administration, I'll accept that.

Ms. MacPhee also states she's "particularly proud of Mrs. Levine's bringing out the fact that I was so partial to the electric employees' case" and "I should have remained neutral."

You're proud, Ms. MacPhee, of someone who brings out a total untruth with no facts or evidence to support her claim. And you label such a fact? You're just as biased and unfair as Mrs. Levine.

In addition, I was the only neutral person as I listened to both sides. Let's also not forget which "side" was found liable and which "side" prevailed. Why would anyone want to be on the liable side?

Ms. MacPhee lastly states that Mrs. Levine is "a shining light."

In regards to the court case only, the "shining light" is totally "in the dark."

George Dentino, Mansfield

THIS WRITER is a Mansfield selectman.

Police chief right to bring comments into the open To the editor:

This is an open letter to Rehoboth Police Chief Norman Miranda:

I commend you for coming forward with your comments regarding Selectman Christopher Morra ("Chief says official insulting to police," Oct. 18) and bringing to light what transpired.

It's a shame to me as a resident of 20 years that this kind of political positioning has taken place. Two of our town's very best leaders, you and our building inspector, have come foward to say it like it is.

Your not being put on the selectmen's agenda to read your letter publicly seems strange, as I have seen you appear many times to speak on sensitive issues from the audience. Perhaps Mr. Morra did not wish to have your thoughts aired!

The exchanges between Mr. Morra and your officers were way out of line.

Mr. Morra has definitely impaired our town from functioning as it should, and in my opinon should be removed. Enough is enough!

Philip Sharp, Rehoboth

Test children for drugs because you love them

To the editor:

As parents of an addict, my wife and I know the pain it can cause an entire family. We decided to start a Web site that is committed to helping other parents recognize the early signs of drug and alcohol abuse in their children.

Parental at-home drug testing is not about catching our kids doing drugs.

It's about stopping it before it has a chance to start. It also helps a child get through the toughest years of their lives by giving them a good reason to say "no" to peer pressure. Visit www.adrugfreekid.com for all the tools you need to keep your child drug- and alcohol-free.

Jim Pelton
Bow, N.H.