To the Editor:

Letters to the editor in a newspaper illustrate the highest tradition of a free press. Letters represent an opportunity for individuals to express their own opinions. By signing their letters writers take responsibility for their ideas. 

Paid political ads for candidates are often are paid for by third parties. In this way candidates can deny responsibility for their content. These ads work, and often make the difference in a candidate winning an election.

There is so much money in politics today that often outside groups spend more on a candidate than he or she does on their own campaign. If elected to public office, will the candidate truly represent the interests of the people who voted for him or the people who bought his election and sold him to the voters? Who pays the piper calls the tune. 

Maybe candidates should be allowed to write a letter to the editor. 

Margery Abel

Franklin