I am writing in response to the May 27 Sun Journal article about Walter Hill changing his name.

I think it seems a bit coincidental for this to all come together just before submitting his name to run against an incumbent. I can’t help perceive his action as a ploy used with the hope of gaining the support of Lewiston’s Franco-American community.

This is incredibly insulting to Francos in particular and all Mainers generally — to think that changing a person’s surname to a Franco name could help win votes.

I feel the majority of Mainers choose a candidate based on proven experiences, other jobs held and, of course, the candidate’s vision and ideas; the choice is not based on a surname.

Ira Bittues, Lewiston

Editor’s note: In March, Walter Hill formally adopted his mother’s maiden name as his own middle name, Morrissette.