Press Release by Roert S. McConnell, Fairhaven Republican Town Committee Chairman
Local residents and tax-paying citizens are expressing deep disappointment in Representative Mark Sylvia’s vote in favor of the controversial $425 million Shelter Bailout Bill, which will have a significant financial impact on communities like Fairhaven.
Robert S. McConnell, a P.O.S.T.-certified sworn Deputy Sheriff and a Massachusetts-licensed nurse, voiced his concerns in an open letter to Rep. Sylvia, highlighting the public safety risks and lack of accountability surrounding the bill.
“As residents of Fairahven, we already face economic challenges every day. This funding will only worsen our financial situation while failing to address critical safety concerns. Every single reasonable amendment filed by Republicans to bring accountabilit to this bill was rejected — including universal background checks, cooperation with federal law enforcement, and reasonable residency requirements,” said McConnell.
McConnell pointed out that the stark contrast between the scrutiny faced by everyday Americans compared to the massive influx of undocumented, unvetted border crossers entering Massachusetts.
“I have faced more scrutiny while volunteering at my church’s Vacation Bible School or chaperoning a school ski trip than the individuals receiving emergency shelter in our communities. Should they not, at a minimum, undergo a C.O.R.I. check? Can Representative Syulvia assure us that these checks are being conducted?”
The bill’s failure to include basic public safety measures — such as requiring a 12-month residency requirement and ensuring that individuals undergoing emergency shelter assistance are proeprtly vetted — has left Fairhaven residents feeling abandoned by their own representative.
“The seduction, enticement, and outright invitation for people to come to our state has created an economic and societal disaster. This vote was not just unsustainable — it was cruel, both to Americans struggling to make ends meet and to the so-called migrants being lured here under false pretenses,” McConnell continued.
Fairhaven residents are calling on Representative Sylvia to stand up for his hometown, his constituents, and the rule of law. They demand accountability, fiscal responsibility, and public safety measures to protect the well-being of Massachusetts communities.
Letter to Rep. Sylvia
Mr. McConnell sent the following letter to Rep. Sylvia.
Dear Representative Sylvia,
We are extremely disappointed in your initial vote on the first major issue of this new legislative season. As residents and tax-paying citizens of Fairhaven, we face economic challenges and struggles every day. This new funding will have a significant negative impact on the financial situation in our town.
All of the very reasonable amendments to this funding bill, filed by Republicans, were rejected. As a P.O.ST.-certified sworn Deputy Sheriff and a Massachusetts-licensed nurse, public safety is of utmost importance to me both professionally and personally. I have faced more scrutiny when volunteering at my church’s Vacation Bible School or chaperoning my children’s school ski trip than the massive influx of undocumented, unvetted, and unknown border crossers have received. Should they not, at a minimum, undergo a C.O.R.I. check? Can you assure us that these checks are being conducted now? The majority of these individuals seeking emergency shelter are from out of state or out of the country — why are universal background checks not being required as well?
Your vote against reasonable amendments — such as allowing cooperation with federal law enforcement, reasonably restricting eligibility, requiring a 12-monthy residency, and mandating universal background checks — is appalling and indefensible.
Please stand up for your hometown neighbors and friends. We are counting on you to do the right thing. Of course, we have a responsibility and moral obligation to care for others, but the seduction, enticement, encouragement, and outright invitation for people to come to our state has resulted in economic and societal disaster. Your vote was not only unsustainable in so many ways, but it was also cruel —both to Americans and to the so-called migrants. Please do the right thing and stand up for your friends and neighbors.
Respectfully, Robert S. McConnell, Fairhaven
•••
Click here to download the 02/27/25 issue: 02-27-25 Puppies
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
