Attacks on Phipps misguided, desperate

Quentin “Q” Phipps has diligently supported and given voice to citizens of all backgrounds and parties during his terms on the Planning and Zoning Commission and as city treasurer. In his run to represent the 100th District in the Connecticut General Assembly, Q has carried himself with pure class and honesty about his positions and advocacy for schools, fair pay, and a number of other positions.

This week, both on Facebook and in print, Q has been attacked for his race, his role as a lobbyist, and for his attendance. He’s been called “ghetto” (by a commenter on the Facebook page of William Wilson, chair of the Republican Town Committee, no less), which, coupled with Ed Charamut’s mailer attacking Matt Lesser, seems to show a complete lack of empathy and awareness on behalf of the local GOP.

The attack on attendance is especially perplexing. I was a news reporter for several years, covering cities and towns of all sizes across Connecticut. In that capacity, I’ve been to more town meetings than I can count. In all those years, I cannot recall ever seeing a town treasurer — regardless of political party — attend any meeting of a council, board or commission. Q meets regularly with the city finance director and has represented Middletown constituents well. To attack him on attendance comes off as desperate, and Tony Gennaro’s generalization that he is “constantly told that people are unhappy about it” is without merit as an argument.

Q has already shown himself to be a capable public official and will do great things for residents of the 100th District. Attempts to degrade his character and dedication are misguided, especially considering the recent actions of other local office seekers. Q is above these attacks and will demonstrate his class and integrity as a state representative.

Matt Engelhardt, East Hampton