To the editor:

With the Beverly election campaign in full swing, probably the only person not to make any comments to the newspapers is myself.

It was well noticed that publication of the police chief's wife's letter to the editor was perfectly timed for the candidate face-off at the Ryal Side Civic Center that same night.

Chief Mark Ray was in attendance that night. While I do have the utmost respect for the chief's service time, it was unclear if he attended as a "shadow" or back-up, in effect, for Mayor Scanlon; or only as a curious onlooker.

I read that Gerry Marsella, a former city employee, met Scanlon's wrath and livid, filthy tongue more than a decade ago. Now, with his having used the same approach at the Cove Community Center, the rest of the city is seeing the real Scanlon.

Mayor, your next candidates' night appearance will probably cost you the election, or are you now going to be sweet as "honey"? Either way, more people will see right through you.

I'd like to thank Pam Kampersal and others for their kind words in recent letters to the editor regarding my son, John Burke, which were printed in the days following publication of Corinne Ray's letter.

Mr. Scanlon, it's time to look in the mirror. Be honest to yourself, if that's possible. Pack up your bags and try to realize that it's time to move on.

The majority of the city is waiting for you to "take the bull by the horns," and realize that they have had enough of "b.s." You are well past retirement age. Good health and happiness to you!

Mr. Scanlon has knowingly, or possibly unknowingly, taken a shot at his challenger, John Burke; John's late mother; and also myself, his father. He has shown the ignorance and audacity of his foul mouth to both me, a senior citizen, and John's departed mother, berating our modest income and John's modest upbringing. He has attempted to dig into John's sealed past, as the Gelineaus have previously done.

No one, not even John, has looked into the mayor's high school, military, police, driving and other records. The public clearly sees this.

Let this letter be recognition that I stand up and face responsibility after the salvo you fired at my son. Typically when a child is placed in a foster home, it may have involved life at home. Never, ever infer that it was in any way John's fault.

I stand my ground by coming forward to attest that I accept full responsibility for John's placement in foster care.

Make no mistake: John would make an excellent mayor for the city of Beverly. He is well-educated, has shown proven leadership in satisfying constituent needs, and has always shown a quick response to the same.

I wholeheartedly believe that this newspaper's greatest story will come from the fact that the people of Ward 3 will come out strong to keep John around. Do not miss this story, Ward 3 residents, because it's about you.

In the words of another of John's losing challengers: May the best man win!

Bernard J. Burke

Beverly