SPEAKER SAL the voter's pal attracts yet another vote of doubt ("Just the ticket for brokers: They hire an associate of DiMasi, watch scalping bill pass the House," Page A1, April 27; "GOP fires third salvo at DiMasi," City & Region, April 29). Richard Vitale aligns himself with the House speaker as a financial adviser, a lender, and a longtime friend who recently met with ticket brokers and, it seems, basically promised favorable legislation if his fee was paid. Yet no one seems to know how these things get done. Phantom voting, unfettered loans, and shady dealings all cast a dim light where the halls of democracy should shine bright. It makes one wonder: Do politicians think that their electorate is ignorant? Does Salvatore DiMasi wield such incredible sway that the mere mention of his name strikes fear into all who come before him? Is Governor Patrick merely a figurehead? The governor should take back the reins of his administration once and for all, before the name DiMasi is equated with the likes of Finneran and Bulger, to be known as the true purveyors of power in this state.
RICHIE ZEMEITUS
Milton
