The following letter to the editor was submitted by Kerry A. Costello, the immediate past president of the Andover Education Association. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Andover News. You can learn more about our policy on opinion and commentary on our Mission and Policies page.
As a lifelong public school educator who has spent my professional career in Andover, I plead guilty to having a special interest – students. One that includes my own self-interest as well in terms of belonging to a union which in my case is the Andover Education Association. In fact, I served as a union officer including president for close to 45 years. In reading the March 12 Letter to the Editor and noting the list of distinguished citizens, I am reminded of the scene in Casablanca where “shock” is professed at the activities clearly condoned by local law enforcement.
Some of the signers have, in fact, been endorsed by the AEA in the past. Why was it not a “conflict of interest” then, but has now evolved into one? Is there a special interest that now must be protected in some manner? This is a rhetorical question that I ask voters to answer for themselves.
As to the issue of money being involved, who among us thinks that political campaigns of any type operate on no money? Do lawn signs pop up like Spring bulbs? Do ads on social media, GOTV cards or Letters to the Editor appear courtesy of AI? Then we have In-Kind donations while not money, include volunteer efforts, such as sign-holders and those who make calls or provide food to volunteers and the list goes on.
Independent expenditures are allowed in Massachusetts as long as the sponsors do not communicate with the candidate. These must be reported and are on the public record. The MTA/AEA reports those as required. This year’s total value for that activity was less than $1310 in value for any candidate. The MTA has a print and mailing shop, so those services fall under In-Kind for the MTA. It has a monetary value MTA must account for and does.
Let me be crystal clear that reports to the Office of Campaign Finance are designed to provide transparency. The AEA has nothing to hide and abides by the law.
Sincerely,
Kerry A. Costello
Immediate Past President
Andover Education Association
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