To the Editor:

Your newspaper recently published an open letter, addressed to me, in reference to the hiring practices of the state Probation Department.  Unfortunately, much of the information in that letter was inaccurate or misleading.

As State Senator, I often write letters of recommendation for constituents on a wide range of topics, including employment, housing, and schooling.  In each case, before offering my support I make sure that a candidate meets all minimum qualifications.  In cases where a constituent requests my support and I am unfamiliar with that person’s background, I meet with the constituent and review his or her resume and credentials before offering assistance.  It was alleged in the letter that some of the candidates I recommended for jobs in the Probation Department were under qualified, and that is simply untrue.  All candidates met minimum standards, and most, in fact, possessed credentials that far exceeded the minimum standards.

It is also alleged that a supposedly unqualified candidate was dismissed from a position as a result of being unqualified.  This assertion is untrue.  Of the six employees in the Probation Department for whom I wrote letters of recommendation, none have been fired or dismissed.

I also must state unequivocally that the constituent services I provide are in no way linked to party affiliation, political participation, or campaign contributions.  In fact, 75% of the letters of recommendation I wrote for positions in the Probation Department were for persons who had never contributed to any of my campaigns.  Quite simply, I advocate for constituents in my district who are qualified for the positions they are seeking.  After that, it is the responsibility of the hiring authority to select the best-qualified candidate.  In the Probation Department, for example, after the Commissioner selects a candidate, the Chief Administrative Justice must also sign off on all appointments.

The Ware Report, however, did make some allegations about the Probation Department that were troubling, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop comprehensive solutions to these issues that will promote fairness and transparency.

Marc R. Pacheco

State Senator, 1st Plymouth and Bristol District