To the editor:

While I was very pleased that Donald Trump got his lesson this election cycle as the people spoke out, I bear in mind others paid the price and I fear that it will take this president more than one lesson.

But what disturbed me was closer to home. Once she won the Primary, most everyone knew that Helena Foulkes was going to o be our next governor. Her participation in spreading the opioid score made it more than clear she was not a suitable choice to be governor, but she must have known she was a shoe-in. Though Ken Block gave it a spirited try.

Now, I am no fan of Ken Block. But I have run for office that could be more accurately described as tilting at wind mills. Both parties need to hear and respect outsiders. Their failure to do so makes them slaves to their extreme base.

So I understood how undeserved and demeaning the mailings were that went out about Ken. They were not true, and they were just mean. Our future governor surely knew they were going out. She knew she was going to win without putting the head of a duck on her opponent. Whether you think Ken was the best man for the job, he should be admired for his courage and willingness to put his money where his ideas are. Why try to hurt anyone? I ran for many offices. There were none I would want if I had to resort to that.

Think otherwise? You try running for state office and see how you like it.

The reason the governor elect used these mailings is they work.

And they will be there at the FTR. Like with Ken they will be telling lies about the budget using the most extreme memes. Bald face lies. Because they work.

And no one can say anything after. That is why the FTR is a fatally flawed idea. Fix it — go back to the financial town meeting before it’s too late.

Joel Hellmann

Barrington