Letter: Pinto would be good pick for City Council

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December 13, 2012

Letter: Pinto would be good pick for City Council

Anonymous The Salem News The Salem News Thu Dec 13, 2012, 03:00 AM EST

To the editor:

I have known Steve Pinto for more than 20 years and was his neighbor for 15 of those years, and he has always been a person of conviction and integrity.

Steve is rooted in Salem and knows numerous people and their connection to this city, which makes him a natural voice for our community.

When Steve opposed the downtown parking plan, the plan was adjusted to accommodate the business affected in that area. Steve also opposed the redevelopment and enlargement of a regional transfer station.

Due to the overwhelming neighborhood opposition and the fact that the ward councilor at that time was in support of the administration’s plan, Steve stepped up as the voice for the opposition who deserved to be represented at the Board of Health’s public hearing. The Board of Health decision was recently overturned by a Superior Court judge due to its understated modification filing.

These issues have been highlighted so many times in The Salem News that it appeared that Steve opposed everything the administration put forth, which was not the case.

In fact, he has been on the mayor’s side on more issues requiring a council vote than not.

I feel Steve is the appropriate choice to fill the vacant seat on the council. He has veteran status like the councilor he would replace and would hit the ground running.

I am confident that Salem can depend on Steve to examine every issue on merit rather than its politics.

Paulette Puleo

Salem