Letter: Cartoon right on the money

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July 27, 2010

The Salem News Tue Jul 27, 2010, 12:11 AM EDT

To the editor:

I am writing in response to Chris Smigliano's editorial cartoon in your July 22 edition.

As a selectman in the town of Danvers, I have seen firsthand the situation that this cartoon depicts. Our legislators promise increased state aid and more local control, and then deliver the opposite. They have cut local aid by 20 percent in Danvers, and 15 percent in both Peabody and Topsfield in fiscal years 2009 to 2011.

They then deliver these so-called "solutions" though a municipal relief bill that has us voting to raise taxes locally on hotel rooms and meals.

It is time to stop with empty promises. It is time to change the Legislature.

Dan Bennett

Candidate for State Representative

13th Essex District

Danvers

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