Paternalism

Dear Mrs. Bok

I write to protest strongly the inclusion of your letter, in effect urging graduates to vote against the petitioned Overseers candidates favoring divestiture, with the official balloting materials. I understand that these candidates were denied the same privilege.

This grossly unfair procedure clearly prejudices the election results. As legal counsel to the Massachusetts Secretary of State's elections division, I can assure you that similar behavior in a public election would not only violate the law, but quite probably constitute grounds for setting aside the election.

The procedure reeks of paternalism, and insults the intelligence of the voters. It besmirches the integrity of this election. I trust it will produce the opposite of its intended effect. David E. Sullivan   City Councilor