FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2012

MANNING QUESTIONS SINCERITY OF LOVELY’S “NO SPECIAL INTEREST” PLEDGE—HOLLOW PROMISE TO VOTERS CONTRIBUTES TO PUBLIC CYNICISM

 PEABODY, MA—Today Mary-Ellen Manning, Governor’s Councillor and candidate for State Senate, Second Essex, questioned the sincerity of a pledge issued by one of her opponents, Salem City Councilor Joan Lovely, a few months ago.  Lovely challenged Manning and candidate John P. Slattery of Peabody to turn down special interest money, pledging to do the same. 

However, within a few weeks of launching her press release, Joan Lovely has had two fundraisers thrown for her, one by fellow realtors and the other by attorneys who regularly have business before the Salem City Council, over which Lovely presides. 

When asked about Lovely’s apparent reversal, Manning said, “to be sure, there is a growing public cynicism about elected officials, caused mainly by politicians breaking their promises.  The public deserves candor.” 

In contrast, Manning cited Slattery’s approach:  “Slattery said he was soliciting financial support from ‘the money people,’ as well as the backing of union bosses.” 

Even though she issued the challenge months ago, Lovely has reaffirmed her so-called pledge several times during the course of the campaign, Manning said.  “It is for the voters to decide whether they want their next State Senator to seek voter support in accordance with her conscience, like I do, or issue challenges that she has no intention of adhering to in an effort to appear virtuous--Lovely's 180 on this issue is a perfect example of why the public is cynical about politicians.” 

The candidates will take part in a forum on Tuesday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m. sponsored by the Mack Park Neighborhood Association at the Moose Hall on Grove Street in Salem.

State Senator Fred Berry is retiring after thirty years of service.  The primary will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012.