To the editor:

I was appalled by a picture on page 2 of the Providence Journal of Aug. 12, showing our town manager and one of our town council members (complete with what appears to be a 35mm camera around his neck) allegedly in the vicinity of 29 Rumstick Drive discussing an incident involving town residents Richard Gordon and Iman Pahlavi. I was further dismayed to see a letter to the editor in The Times that afternoon signed by the town council president and the town manager expressing “The town of Barrington is deeply troubled by the racial overtones of a recent altercation on Rumstick Drive.”

If the allegations are true, the matter is abhorrent and should not be tolerated. I agree with the outrage at the allegations. That part of the story, however, is in the hands of the judicial branch of the state government. Until it is settled, public and elected officials should keep their mouths shut. They have absolutely no business getting involved in a matter being handled by the police and the Attorney General.

To me, it would not take a very bright defense attorney to offer arguments of rush to judgement, biased feelings, no way for justice to be served impartially, etcetera, etcetera.

Gentlemen, next time you are presented with an incident like this, please think before you speak. Thank you.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Ryan

Barrington