Letter to the Editor: Support for Naughton

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Dear Voters,

I have lived in Northborough for 29 years. In that time I have, off and on, paid attention to local and state political activities. Over those years I have come to know State Representative Harold Naughton as a man of courage and integrity, and to know that he cares deeply about the things that matter.

For instance, I became aware of Representative Naughton’s commitment to seniors during the 8 years I worked at the Northborough Senior Center and I know how much seniors benefit from his unflagging advocacy and support.

More recently, when the issue of reviewing Massachusetts’ gun safety laws came onto the front burner following the Newtown shootings, Representative Naughton’s courage and commitment to fairness were demonstrated across the state as he moderated 5 public forums on this contentious issue.

I personally attended 3 of the public forums, with some trepidation knowing the levels of emotion and intransigence surrounding this issue. Many came, with some factions bringing in busloads of people in support of their positions. Despite our current national inability to discuss important issues with the mutual tolerance and respect that they deserve, Representative Naughton achieved a civil level of discourse from all, and he stayed each time until every single person who wanted to express an opinion had had the opportunity to do so. The final bill gave each side something they wanted , though neither side got all they wanted, and received support from both sides. This achievement demonstrated Harold Naughton’s willingness to tackle the most contentious and divisive of issues, his commitment to fairness, and his respect for the democratic process.

In addition, Harold Naughton’s courage and loyalty to our nation has never been in question, nor his commitment to veterans. When the World Trade Center towers were leveled on 9/11, he responded by joining the Army Reserves. Representative Naughton did not have to go, but his boots were on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and now a Major, he still serves.

I have been receiving information that attempts to discredit Representative Naughton. I simply throw it in the trash where it belongs.

Arlene Marshall

Northborough

 

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