To the editor,
Shawn Styfco, in a letter to the editor that ran in the Citizen’s News on Aug. 25, continued the recent string of Republican attacks on people who serve Beacon Falls in elected positions and who owe back taxes. This time they dropped their sly innuendoes and named Selectman Peter Betkoski as their target. What Styfco omitted from his carefully researched attack is the fact that Selectman Betkoski, like many others in town, is making regular payments, with interest, in fulfillment of a good-faith agreement with the tax collector’s office. By stating only some facts and ignoring others, Styfco has lied by omission, which, in my book, is worse than an outright lie.
Selectman Betkoski owns and operates a local small business. Like many others in Beacon Falls and nationwide, he has struggled through the effects of the Great Recession. Selectman Peter Betkoski, like others, has had the courage to persevere through difficult times to keep his business running and his employees working.
As a member of the Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee myself, I have known Peter for many years and can attest that he has contributed much to Beacon Falls. He served on unpaid boards and commissions such as Planning and Zoning (10 years), the Council of Governments, and the Regional Water Commission. He coached Little League and is an active member of the Saint Michael’s Men’s Club, among many other contributions to the social fabric of Beacon Falls. Mr. Styfco might well ask himself what, besides writing a letter, has he contributed to our town?
As the election season wears on, let’s ignore the sly half-truths I’m sure will continue. Instead, let’s concentrate on the many contributions and accomplishments of the Chris Bielik-Peter Betkoski team.
Ned Grace
Beacon Falls
The writer is a member of the Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee.
