LETTERS

To the editor: I recently read the article about how our district performed on MCAS this year. I have been looking at these statistics for several years now, and sometimes we do better and sometimes we do worse. But what I find really frustrating is everyone’s reference to the scores in comparison to the average district in Massachusetts. In the past this has included comments from reporters, school committee members and the superintendents. I would like to understand why we are not comparing these scores…

To the editor: Our upcoming election includes ballot Question 3 to eliminate separate party primaries and, instead, have all candidates combined on one ballot; the top two vote-getters in the primary then advance to the general election. I'm open to revising our election process if it leads to fairer outcomes. If this question were about ranked choice voting, I'd be wholly in support. But I fear that jungle primaries, as non-party primaries are called, could lead to negative unintended consequences. Consider our recent primary election…

To the editor: Owen Coyne’s family has much to be proud of in facing his tragic loss. Owen’s decision to donate his organs to others in need demonstrates the ultimate in generosity. My surgical career spanned four decades of training and practice. Among the moments I will never forget is the release of the arterial clamp during a kidney transplant. Instantaneously the gray organ pulsed red with life and function. Owen lives on in those recipients of his gifted organs. All of us can best…

To the editor: Early voting for the general election starts Oct. 17. Below is an original  "poem" encouraging voting in Massachusetts. It is formatted like a Dr. Seuss poem and is written to be read aloud.   The Time Has Come The time is close.The day is nigh.Time to VOTE, VOTE, VOTEI don’t care why.You can vote for change.You can vote to stand pat.Your vote is election-poweredVoter feedback!In Massachusetts In 2-0-2-6John Q. Public Time to make your picks.You can vote in the primary The first of SeptemberAnd then in the…

To the editor: On Nov. 3, I hope every eligible voter will take the time to become informed, consider the choices and cast their ballot. Our democracy depends on the participation of its people. Voting matters, not simply as a political activity, but as one of the fundamental responsibilities and privileges of being an American. Our system of government is built on the principle that the people have a voice in choosing those who represent them, and our federal and state laws and public policies…

To the editor: I am writing to express my profound condolences to the family and friends of Owen Coyne, a scholar and athlete who has passed on so suddenly in the prime of life. May he rest in peace.  Joe MartinSeattle, Washington

To the editor: The Marblehead Food Pantry is preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Serving our community since 1991, we are seeking sponsors to help defray costs. The pantry provides a Thanksgiving meal to approximately 70 local households. Turkey; a bag of fresh produce, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and dinner rolls; and a pie are included. The generosity of our local businesses, places of worship, friends and neighbors help fund the pantry. Please consider a donation of $40 for a turkey, $30 for the grocery…

To the editor: As an abutter to the proposed Glover development in Swampscott/Marblehead, I attended the meeting of the Swampscott Planning Board on Monday, Sept. 14. Yes, it is in my backyard, but regardless of how you feel about the project I wanted to note some of my observations about the way that the developer is behaving and their attempts to "sell" a "bill of goods" to our communities. Attorney D'Ambrosio (representing the developer) implied that traffic would not be a problem because residents of…

To the editor: As a commercial diver operating in Salem Bay for the last 55 years I’ve been an acute observer of all things marine-life related. I’ve also been a Marblehead shellfish constable for the last 40 years. This letter is in response to the latest noble efforts to reintroduce the native oyster population. (“From tiny oysters, big hopes for healthier waters”, Current Sept. 14) Since the mid 1980s our local waters have been home to a huge population of European flat oysters. I started…