I have read the comments from the state NAACP on the WTNH website regarding “fighting racism in East Haven for years” and the now-infamous Shop Rite video with Corrine Magoveny-Terrone’s rants described as “disturbing but not surprising” and I am compelled to respond to this.

While I have the utmost respect for the NAACP, it needs to be cognizant of the fact we are not all racists in East Haven, so please don’t paint us all with the same brush. I fully acknowledge there have been problems here in the past due to some bad apples, but the majority of our residents are hard-working, good people trying to make a living and take care of their families. Most important, it should be made clear that Ms. Magoveny-Terrone is a New Haven resident (now formerly employed by the Town of Hamden) and is not an East Haven resident or employee. This episode regrettably occurred within our boundary, but she is not one of our town’s people.

There is absolutely no argument that the contents of this video are disturbing to me as well, but saying it is “not surprising” projects an insinuation that this is typical or even stereotypical behavior here and that is simply not the case. The fact of the matter is there is a more diverse demographic purchasing homes and investing in businesses in our community now than ever before. That would not be happening if these racial unde currents were as prevalent in town as they are purported to be.

We have had enough black eyes given to this town and we don’t need another when it’s not deserved.

Joe Carfora

East Haven

Joe Carfora (D) serves on the Town Council as a 3rd District representative.