Letters/Editor

To the Editor: Hello Ward 3 and Westfield

THURSDAY is Primary Day.  It is the most important of our elections.  Your candidate can not run in Nov. if they do not win Primary Day.

In 2008 over 6,000 of you voted for me.  I am asking you to join with me to vote for Nick Cocchi for County Sheriff, and Mary Hurley for Governor’s Council.

I have known Nick Cocchi ever since I was his substitute teacher.  He was a good student and a good kid.  I often ran into him at the events held by Sheriff Ashe and was able to follow his career.  He has worked side of Sheriff Ashe, as he created one of the most respected County jails in Massachusetts, and is respected nation-wide for his accomplishments.  Nick has been there, a part of the team that made it work so well.   I must respond to allegations made against Sheriff Ashe.  If he has violated some law take him to court rather than accuse him of things to make headlines.  Another has attempted to sabotage Sheriff Ashe’s efforts to relocate rehab facility, when it had few if any problems while operating in the general population, and, has questioned his integrity.  I do not know why the attacks on the Sheriff when he is not running.  As well, his ads confuse me.  He brings out all the things he has done, many years ago, as if running for the Senate or Governor, not Sheriff.  As well, during his time as mayor in Springfield there were a l0t of questionable activities.  Thus, the only real choice is Nick Cocchi for sheriff.

Again the ads… complaining about how much she earned while a judge, and as mayor, with the deceptive addition of having to pay no State Taxes on her pensions.  As a city or state employee your State taxes are taken out while employed so there are no State taxes, but she still has Federal taxes.  Previously there were accusations of being written up as a judge, until the facts showed that did not happen.  I hate deception.  Criticize her decisions as a judge or as mayor.  Point out what you are looking for in appointing a judge, and your qualifications to do so.  I believe as having been an attorney, a judge and having gone through the appointment process Mary Hurley has some idea of what to look for.  And as a mayor, how the decision of who is to be a judge effects our communities.  While not knowing Mary Hurley personally, I was involved in community and civic affairs while she was in office, knew of her work, and do not recall any scandals or charges of bad decision making.

As some of you know I had challenged the State over abuses endured while working in Human Services.  Not being a lawyer I sought advice from the Hampden County Bar Association (HCBA).  Their flyer said they could provide information and referrals.  When I contacted them I inadvertently said I was seeking “advice” and info on referrals.  They responded we don’t give advice, and have no lawyers there to refer to.   Mr. Morneau is the president of the HCBA, so I E-mailed his to clarify the flyer with the response.  His response was simply the HCBA does NOT give advice.  So there goes the Progressive part of his campaign for me.  If he can’t or won’t make an effort for a State employee who had to pre-maturely retire due to abuses in the work site, which also has clients there while it is happening, and that the woman I replaced had committed suicide…does NOT sound like a Progressive to me.  Thus, for me, the only honest choice for Governor’s Council is Mary Hurley.

Thank you for your time, Brian Hoose

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