As a voter who has consistently supported John F. Merrigan in past elections, I was surprised by his recent column on the Hope Street housing referendum. While I appreciate his engagement in civic discussion, his mention of his title — register of probate — in the piece raises ethical concerns. Furthermore, the reference of his record on the opioid epidemic, while commendable, has nothing to do with the issue at hand.
Public officials in judicial‑branch roles are expected to preserve neutrality and avoid any appearance of leveraging their office to influence political outcomes. By invoking his public office in this political context, even if unconsciously, Merrigan risks blurring the line between personal opinion and institutional endorsement. That impression could undermine the public’s trust in the impartiality of our legal system. I value his past service greatly, but am disappointed to see this momentary lapse in judgment. I hope moving forward he refrains from referencing his official capacity when expressing personal views on ballot matters.
Joshua Freund
Montague