To the editor:

I am running for the Tiverton Charter Review Commission (CRC) and have been reading letters from other candidates, especially those candidates from the Tiverton Taxpayers Association.  There are some things I would like to point out.

There are three current members of the Budget Committee running for the CRC, one of whom was just elected to his first term this past November. These members, if elected to the CRC, will have to choose which office to hold, thereby possibly creating empty seats on the Budget Committee.

These same three individuals, who write how they are here to be the voice of the Tiverton taxpayers, all voted to silence the taxpayers at their Budget Committee meetings. They only want to hear from those who agree with them, not from those who challenge and ask questions about their decisions that effect the people of Tiverton.

These three individuals also like to use my quote often in their letters, however, they twist the meaning behind what I said every time. I compared members of the Budget Committee to Stalin, Lenin and Kim Jung-Un. I purposely chose those figures because they silenced their people so they could rule unquestioned by the people, similar to what happened with the Budget Committee.

I ask the people of Tiverton to look closely at those running for the Tiverton  Charter Review Commission and make sure to vote for those who truly have the interests of the town at heart and not just furthering their personal agendas.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Andrea Souza

Candidate for Tiverton Charter Review Commission.