To the editor:

Apparently, Attleboro City Councilor Frank Cook has become as disinterested in the truth as this newspaper is. And since I conveyed this to your beat reporter on the same day as the inaccurate report - Wednesday, Oct. 22 - this local blue ribbon daily has not, to date, published the needful correction. Shame on both.

The new claim by Frank Cook that Jerry Chase would have been allowed to present his prepared statement on Sept. 16 even if he refused to do so during the illegally-convened executive session is a flat-out total lie. Plenty of witnesses can confirm that such claim is totally the opposite of what Chase was informed in said session. The strong arming by Cook was clearly an attempt at censorship: also confirmable. There is no justification for the clear prejudice against Chase for one case of over-exuberance.

And since when has alleged "unpredictibility" become, by definition, a misdemeanor?

Further, Councilor Cook lends himself to the idea that the so-called "outburst" was unprovoked. It most assuredly was provoked; and it actually came while defending committee chair, Bill Bowles, who was also being unjustly interrupted by Brian Kirby, against council rules. This interruption against Bowles was also an assault on the First Amendment for which I unashamedly brook no quarter. The blame for these problems must lie totally upon the council president for constantly failing to enforce enacted and ratified council rules, among which is the requirement that only the person with the floor has the right to speak.

It is Frank Cook who has led the Attleboro council onto this injudicious slippery slope by his failings.

Gerald F. 'Jerry' Chase

Attleboro

THIS WRITER represents Ward 5 on the Attleboro City Council.

Railroad signal station

should be preserved

To the editor:

Can we afford to lose a piece of history? The railroad signal house may be torn down by Amtrak because it's an eyesore and dangerous. One would think demolishing it would be the way to remove that eyesore.

In spite of being in its current condition, the old structure is part of history. The house was around when steam locomotives ran down the tracks in Attleboro.

We should not let the house be demolished; let's find a way to at least repair the outside of it so it can be another reminder of the time when trains were the main source of long distance travel. All over the country we see old train stations be saved and are currently used from anything like shopping areas to restaurants.

We restore other older structures. Developers turned old mills into apartments, or office space. While it can not be a functional building due to its location, it sure will be a building to look at and enjoy.

Earl Baker

Attleboro

We could select

president faster

To the editor:

I guess that I have to say that I'm glad that there's only a handful of days left until America votes to elect a new president. At the beginning of it all, I was intrigued and interested by every move that each of the candidates made. However, between the rhetoric, another debate every week, and what seem like endless negative TV and radio commercials, who can really say now that they're not glad that it's almost over?

Unfortunately, the process seems to last too long. Why can't the majority of the primaries be held on the same day? Maybe not all 50 in one Super Duper Tuesday, but how about the majority held on a few consolidated Tuesdays? Is it really that necessary to be the first state to vote by holding a primary in January, before most of us even know who the candidates are, yet. Why can't we wrap up the whole process between, say, August and September?

Throughout it all, and as tiring as it appears to be to most of us, it's also a banner year for people registering to vote for the very first time. After seeing some of the recent local elections with their dismal turnouts here in Attleboro, more registered voters can only be a good thing.

Mark C. Ambrose

Attleboro

Chiefs commend

incumbent senator

To the editor:

On behalf of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, I would like to commend state Sen. James E. Timilty for his leadership and dedication in his representation of the citizens of the Bristol and Norfolk District.

He is chairman of public safety and homeland security and has been a strong supporter of law enforcement. Through his efforts, the Legislature passed the 911 Reauthorization Bill which will bring $28 million to our cities and towns. In a fiscal climate where budgets are being cut or scaled back, his efforts will return nearly $1 million to his district to support 911 emergency training services.

Sen. Timilty is also chairman of the Special Commission on Municipal Police Training, where under his direction we plan to identify a dedicated source of revenue to support a statewide police training program.

Sen. Timilty has been a great friend to public safety. He cares deeply about making it easier and safer for law enforcement officers to do their jobs, and most importantly, to protect you and your families.

A. Wayne Sampson

THIS WRITER is executive director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police.

Re-elect supporter

of public safety

To the editor:

I am writing in support of Sen. Jim Timilty in his bid for re-election on Nov. 4. As a Foxboro firefighter, I am particularly thankful for his efforts. He has won not only the admiration of firefighters in his district, but the entire fire services community throughout our state.

Whether it was his work in overhauling emergency dispatch operations, protecting the Student Awareness Fire Education grants or by supporting the fire equipment grant program that allows us to purchase proper safety equipment, he has proven time and time again that he is the leader we need.

I am particularly impressed with his willingness to go the extra mile. When the senator wanted to better understand the pressures and demands of firefighting, he didn't pick up the phone to ask, he put on turnout gear and participated in live fire training exercises at the Academy in Stow.

He takes great pride in knowing the issues front to back, small or large, because he truly cares about each and every individual he represents. I'm delighted to vote for Sen. Timilty and I strongly encourage you to join with me.

Rob Lucas

Foxboro