Jack Ciattarelli, Somerville
In this year’s campaign for state Assembly, certain people are more partisan than ever and seemingly desperate in conducting a “win at all costs” campaign.
The most recent example is David Goodman (Princeton Packet, Oct 15), with whom I’ve had extensive communication on campaign finance reform, which I support considering the influence and power of special interests in Trenton.
An issue like this isn’t solved by merely drafting or introducing a bill. It requires in-depth discussion by a bi-partisan panel comprised of citizens, experts and legislators. Moreover, introducing a weighty reform bill during election season while the Assembly is in recess would be futile, viewed as nothing more than campaign maneuvering.
Well aware of my position and reasoning, Mr. Goodman was adamant about me taking a bill template and introducing it in September. At the time, Mr. Goodman’s request didn’t seem dubious.
From our communications, Mr. Goodman took a quote out-of-context, deceitfully altered it, and then politicized the alteration. Mr. Goodman also failed to mention that, in this year’s state Assembly races, my opponents’ party received more than $3 million in campaign contributions from one super PAC.
Mr. Goodman’s conduct contradicts an earnest citizen advocating for reform. Then again, maybe he had another agenda.
Elections provide opportunity for candidates and citizens to conduct campaigns that distinguishes our community. Let us assertively compete, but let us also conduct a campaign that is honorable.
Jack M. Ciattarelli
Assemblyman, District 16
Somerville
