Response to Don Gorton’s letter (BW 3/29) taking issue with City Councillor Bill Linehan’s remarks at the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.

Don,

Thanks for the email. I can assure you that Ms. Vennochi’s column is completely off base and I take offense to her assertions. I ask you to watch for yourself, if you have not already: http://www.necn.com/03/18/12/Bill-Linehan-sings-and-jokes-at-St-Patri/landing.html?blockID=672226&tagID=172354

Governor Patrick and Congressman Frank were included in my parody to contrast their progressive politics against the conservative South Boston voting base. It was a joke about two high profile liberals with free time to campaign. I don’t believe either man is defined by their race or sexual orientation. In fact, the line that was actually repeated twice was to keep Romney out of town, meanwhile Ms. Vennochi never accused me of disparaging Mormons or the rich.

For the record, I organized Patrick’s campaign for South Boston in 2006 and I’ve participated in Pride week since I was elected in 2007. But since Ms. Vennochi believes the South End is “now included” in my district, it’s clear little fact finding went into her article. The South End, Bay Village and South Boston have been included in District 2 since 1983.  My family has lived in each of the aforementioned neighborhoods since we first came to America.  I don’t just represent the entire district, I am of this entire district.

Best,
Bill
Boston City Councillor Bill Linehan