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Date Posted: Monday, November 12, 09:36:56am
Author: Linda LaRue
Subject: Letter to the editor of the Republican-American 11/8/07: "Newspaper slanted comments to grind ax against teachers"
In reply to: Joe Bieluch 's message, "TO THE VICTORS GOES THE SPOILS" on Tuesday, October 23, 10:09:48pm

Newspaper slanted comments to grind ax against teachers

I spoke Oct. 23 in favor of approving the New Hartford teachers contract as a parent, taxpayer and teacher. I will stand by everything I said at the meeting, but I don't appreciate the Republican-American sensationalizing by leaving out certain words in a phrase.

One sentence in my two-minute speech read, "People who complain about teacher salaries in the newspaper because their taxes are going up by $100 are the same people who will go to a sporting event or casino and blow $300 in one sitting and say it was worth every penny." My point was that those who are the most vocal about their taxes going up always seem to have money for their personal entertainment, no matter what it is. It's a question of priorities.

Your newspaper left out the words "sporting event," so it sounded as if I was targeting only people who go to casinos, which I guess implies I was critical of senior citizens.

I'm not surprised this happened because the Republican-American always has been highly critical of teachers' salaries and unions. Knowing I am the president for Torrington teachers union who has, is and will continue to be very vocal about teachers earning a fair wage, the newspaper slanted my comments to anger a specific group.

A competing newspaper's reporter asked me for a copy of my speech, quoted me accurately and pointed out my remarks were met with "thunderous applause."

Matthew P. Valenti

New Hartford

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