To the Editor:
A segment of the Berne populace is running scared. People were very worried that Jean Guarino could take over the town clerk position, so they started a slanderous campaign, accusing her of crimes she did not commit.

The accusations proved to be false, and the Republican-controlled town board has made no attempt to halt this attack and has made no apology for the behavior of their supporters.

Having failed in the attempt to discredit Jean, they are taking another approach as they are more than ever convinced of her win in the upcoming election.

The posted Berne proposed budget is giving board members a raise, but the town clerk position will see almost a 16-percent decrease in salary, and the deputy town clerk a 27-percent decrease.

Jean is not campaigning for the purpose of drawing a salary and if elected she would perform her duties with openness and fairness regardless of her wage. If readers believe this is yet another blatant unfair attack, it can be rectified one year from now but only if the Democratic party wins in November.

It is imperative that everyone get out and vote. If you cannot vote in person, make sure your absentee ballot is filled out correctly and read the instructions carefully for ballot submission. Make good choices.

Ken Guarino

Berne

Editor’s note: Ken Guarino is the father-in-law of Jean Guarino, the Democratic candidate for Berne town clerk.