Editor:
    In last week’s paper, Dan McGarry, chairperson for the Kennebunk Democratic Committee, urged you to vote for his committee’s “official candidate” in the election for a seat on Kennebunk’s Board of Selectmen. His rationale for doing so, at the very least, was appalling!
    Never before in the history of Kennebunk local politics has anyone been so blatantly brash as to suggest that one candidate was more qualified than another, based primarily on his or her national party affiliation!
    In his letter, McGarry reveals to the reader that he had “investigated” the other three candidate’s party memberships and found them “unworthy” to hold office, simply because they did not belong to HIS own party. I find his tactics reprehensible.
    Further on, McGarry speaks to the “Democratic ideal” of “inclusiveness.” What I read instead, was a disjointed missive oozing with the venom of “exclusivity.” You’re either in his club or…you’re out!
    Next, he indicted the sitting board of selectmen, as well as the other candidates, as being “tainted” with “pre-set agendas,” simply because some had devoted time and effort to studying town issues, had attending meetings and serving on boards and commissions.
    Oh, the “horror” of an educated candidate!
    The role of a selectman is to be well informed, open-minded and representative of all our citizens, not just the chosen few. That’s why I cast my ballot for Albert Searles, who I believe fulfills all of those qualifications.
    McGarry’s letter is an intentional slap in the face of Kennebunk’s voters. I pity him. Obviously, he has so little confidence in his candidate’s qualifications that he resorts to asking you, the voter, to examine a candidate’s national party registration before casting your ballot.
    Does your candidate pass his litmus test, or don’t they?
    If allowed to go unchallenged, this ugly Pandora’s box will be opened, and will never be closed again.
    Proving one’s political pedigree has no place in our local politics!!

Marta Badyk
Kennebunk