To the Editor:

I would like to take this time and thank all of my supporters who came out on Nov. 4 and voted for me. While the results were not what we wanted, a message was sent that 40 percent of the voters are not happy with the leadership of Johnston. For my first time running in any type of election, I am very appreciative of the support that I received. I would also like to take this time and congratulate Mr. Polisena for his victory on Nov. 4. I know that he feels that he won handily, but the results show there is plenty of work left to do. I would also like to respond to Mr. Polisena’s comment in the Johnston Sun Rise of Nov. 6 when he stated that my campaign was dirty and nasty. My campaign was a very clean campaign. Many of the people who supported Mr. Polisena and are part of his administration also complimented me on how well and clean my campaign was run. Mr. Polisena forgets that during this campaign, he attacked several members of my family instead of debating the issues with me as I had requested him to do on three separate occasions. I never attacked members of Mr. Polisena’s family. Every advertisement was on Mr. Polisena himself. It is not my fault that Mr. Polisena sees the truth as a negative campaign. Everything I said in my campaign that related to Mr. Polisena is the truth. Maybe he should mention to the Johnston Sun Rise why he failed to respond to three different requests to a debate. I know for a fact that he was afraid that I would show the people of Johnston the person he truly is. As far as his comments about me being a good old boy, I must remind him that I have never held office or been involved in politics before this election. Again, I must remind him that back in the early 1990s, the Democrat party chairman at that time took Mr. Polisena under his wing to help him win the Senate seat. If one looks up the definition of a good old boy, the picture of the party chairman who helped Mr. Polisena win election will be seen. I also must remind Mr. Polisena that during his first race for the Senate seat, he had a mailing sent out to the voters of Johnston with a list of my family members who worked for the town. I guess when Mr. Polisena runs a negative campaign, it is acceptable, but when I tell the voters who the real Joe Polisena is, it is considered to him to be negative. Mr. Polisena, I know the election is over and you won, but if you ever decide to become a real man and want to discuss the issues with me, let me know. The editor of the Johnston Sun Rise has my number. I am sure that she will agree to arrange everything.

Ray Acciardo Jr.

Johnston