I read with interest your article on Mr. Laredo’s decision to endorse candidates in other municipal races.

In the case of the School Committee, his involvement goes further than endorsements. Recent mailers and fliers promoting the “Laredo/Brezski slate” reveal, in their fine-print disclosures, that they are funded by Mr. Laredo’s own campaign. Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance records confirm that Mr. Laredo’s campaign has spent several thousand dollars to boost this School Committee slate.

Newton’s City Charter gives the mayor sole authority over how much funding Newton Public Schools receive. In a strong-mayor system like ours, the School Committee must remain as an independent check and balance on the mayor, not a rubber stamp for the mayor’s school agenda.

Financial support for preferred candidates undermines Mr. Laredo’s pledge to listen to “all voices” and follow the “highest ethical standards” if elected mayor.

I urge residents to judge each School Committee candidate on their own record and qualifications, rather than letting a mayoral candidate attempt to determine the outcome. Democracy depends on checks and balances, and the strength of NPS depends on a truly independent School Committee.

Joe Ristuccia
Newton Centre