DEAR EDITOR:

In the past several months we have witnessed Republican political encroachment into the Mahoning Valley, which, I might add, not unlike that of the Democratic machine in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Now it is the former group’s turn in the populist barrel of monkeys.

Let’s look at this lackluster group of improbable and inadequate “gang leaders.”

Beginning with the most unqualified representative of institutional integrity, that former member of the Congressional swamp, Bill Johnson — Billy to his friends — and currently president pro-tem of Youngstown State University. And to validate this characterization, one need go no further than nonrepresentative Johnson’s YouTube video presentations of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Note how all appears to be scripted, often by ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council. This nonprofit organization in Arlington, Virginia, drafted much of Johnson’s presentations. If not ALEC, then one of the many nondescript agencies utilized by the Heritage Foundation to disseminate the Republican agenda. That aside, intellectual integrity and originality, as exists in either political party, must always be suspect. Ever since the advent of Citizens United, $$$ has totally corrupted the democratic process.

The remaining three political marionettes in our backyard, M. Rulli, A. Cutrona and lyin’ Bernie Moreno, round out this list of short-ball hitters. Rulli still thinks he’s on campus at Emerson; the ever-present grunge band aficionado who never seems to have grown up. His glib attempt at intelligent conversation perhaps reflects a past fondness for 12-pack cheap beer, which, by the way, may have necessitated the return to Ohio to pay off college indebtedness. Regarding two-faced Moreno, well, his unethical track record speaks for itself. Then there’s Cutrona, our most prominent local political grifter who comprises this trilogy of wannabees thriving at the monetary trough of their constituents. All are trying to best Johnson’s three-year, million-dollar contract. Phonies to a man, willing to serve the highest-paying bidder.

It just doesn’t get any better than this: prospective “leaders” succumbing to corporate greed in order to advance political careers.

Shame on them for their pretense to emulate credibility, integrity and respect. Without a doubt, charlatans to a man.

TERRY CROGAN

Boardman