Dear Fellow Residents

Date: 4/5/2010

My opponent in the upcoming election has been distributing disparaging material about me which lead to a recent inaccurate newspaper story. I would therefore appreciate a few moments of your time to set the record straight and to tell you why I am still deserving of your trust.

It is true that several years ago, I invested in a small business called O'Driscoll's Restaurant. Initially the business was prosperous; however, as a result of the current recession it became apparent that the business would not survive. This was an extremely difficult time for me and my family and I did incur substantial debts including tax debts. Thankfully, I was able to sell the business and pay off all debts in full. I would just like to emphasize that these debts were directly related to the demise of my small business and were not repeated prior to or since this unfortunate venture.

My hope is that you will recognize that the failure of a business venture alone does not disqualify me or anyone else from serving their community as a selectman. In fact, through this experience I have gained insight and greater understanding of the challenges we all face in this difficult economy. As a lifelong resident of East Longmeadow and six-year selectman, I am proud of the role I have played in keeping our town on the path of fiscal responsibility. Unlike many of our neighbors, our town is fiscally sound with over $5 million in our stabilization fund and the highest bond rating in our history. We achieved this remarkable stability by keeping our expenditures in check and making tough decisions. As your selectman, my desire is to keep making those tough decisions so that our town will continue on its path of fiscal stability.

I thank you for your understanding and ask for your continued support on Tuesday, April 13.

James Driscoll

East Longmeadow Selectman