OPEN LETTER TO VOTERS OF THE 2ND FRANKLIN DISTRICT ON THE ANDREWS-WHIPPS LEE DEBACLE

OPEN LETTER TO VOTERS OF THE 2ND FRANKLIN DISTRICT ON THE ANDREWS-WHIPPS LEE DEBACLE

Despite the personal anguish and injustice Susannah Whipps Lee experienced from allegation her political opponent, Denise Andrews, made regarding Whipps Lee's alleged purchase of cocaine and the demand that if true she be prosecuted, the greatest injustice in this debacle is to the residents of the newly redistricted 2nd Franklin District. There are twelve towns that deserve a serious vetting of the issues between viable candidates so that a wise choice between the candidates and their respective platforms can be made.

The Democratic voters of the district made their choice on September 6th unaware of the iceberg their party was about to encounter. Out of respect to the voting public and the overwhelming needs of the 2nd Franklin District, I

respectfully request that the Democratic candidate Denise Andrews withdraw from the race. Whether or not Ms. Andrews consents to this, a write-in campaign should be mounted for the runner-up, Rebecca Bialecki, the executive director of the North Quabbin Community Coalition who has ten years experience dealing with the needs of the region.

It is clear that the ramifications of Andrews' allegations against Whipps Lee will continue, but the political football being played is grossly unfair to residents. The 2nd Franklin Districts' problems are unrelated to this fiasco and deserve a serious campaign focused exclusively on their issues - not the Andrews-Whipps Lee legal battles.

Genevieve Fraser
Orange, MA