To the editor:

As a member of the Bristol County Concerned Citizens (BCCC), I would like to express my deep appreciation and sincere thanks to the four Bristol Warren school committee candidates — Jessica Almeida, Richard Ruggiero, William O'Dell and Jarrod Hazard — who cared enough about the issues confronting our Bristol Warren public school parents and students to participate in the candidate forum at the Bristol VFW Post on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

I regret that the other six school committee candidates — Ms. Reich, Ms. Richards, Mr. Morettini, Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Jackson elected not to participate. Mr. McGovern explained to me that he was conflicted by his responsibilities and prior commitment to cub and boy scout events that evening.

The moderator, Mr. David Scarpino, did a superb job asking each candidate 10 fair and reasonable questions that were pertinent to issues of shared concern to parents with children in our public schools. Other questions were asked by members of the audience.

In recognition of the fact that not all candidates were experienced in public speaking or debate, Mr. Scarpino thought it was important and in the best interests of achieving essential fairness to provide all candidates with the questions he intended to ask in advance of the actual forum.

I believe all of the candidates handled themselves very well. They were responsive to the questions asked. And, in my opinion, the views, opinions and positions espoused by each were consistent with the traditional family values and principles reflected in the BCCC's mission statement.

Those members of the public who were unable to attend the forum may view it in its entirely by going to the Bristol County Concerned Citizens Facebook page, where it is live streamed.

Pete Hewett
Bristol