To the Editor:

It is inspiring to finally see people getting involved in our local government. It's unfortunate, however, that they only do so at election time.

I have read so many articles and, although I find it very disturbing how some have knit picked every piece written by our mayor. He is definitely the man I want making decisions for our community.

This is Jimmy's hometown and the fact that he left for sometime and then returned is what made him the best person for the job! He got to see a whole new picture of the place he calls home.

For the rest of us, we have slowly grown use to it. Jimmy didn't play the politic games we are so accustomed to.

His job is not to make friends with a certain few, but to work for what is best for the entire community. I ask the people, Jimmy said he conversed with the DA with regards to making bail more difficult for a man who posed a great threat to our community, did he say he was totally responsible for the outcome? No.

He confronted Social Services with regards to so many people being placed here and the fraud. We now have an investigator. Did he say he fixed the problem? No, but he put forth the effort and some of the fraud has been found.

He has cleaned up many areas, in fact he is the first one I have ever seen put some focus one the north side of town! Did he speak out on those on public assistance who can afford pits, tattoos, cell phones and other things that some of the working people can't afford? Yes he did, the very same thing that we all say!

When Jimmy tries to show some of the progress he has made or things he has done to help the community, he is accused of trying to take all the credit. His opponent wrote a letter in regards to his accomplishments and used the word "I" throughout the letter. Amazing how one can run a police department and accomplish these things all by himself.

Jimmy has been beaten down, picked apart, and misquoted many times yet his desire to help this community remains in tact.

I believe the people of Massena are intelligent enough to read between the lines. Mayor is not a stepping stone for Jimmy. He got the ball rolling and wants to continue working for all of us.

Connie Castleman

Massena