July 03, 2009 01:00 am To the editor: I am writing in response to the article in the June 26 Eagle-Tribune concerning Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan's request that the state Inspector General's office investigate the connection between attorney Michael Torrisi and Department of Industrial Accidents Administrative Judge John Preston. The mayor's request appears to be based, in part, on the judge's failure to allow witness testimony at the conference held on the claim filed by Attorney Torrisi on behalf of his client. Had he been familiar with the procedural rules of the Department of Industrial Accidents, Mayor Sullivan would know that witness testimony is not presented at conference, but would be allowed at the hearing on the city's appeal of the judge's conference decision. As a lawyer who represents clients at the Lawrence D.I.A. office, I am aware that Attorney Torrisi has a well-deserved record of success. His success is the result of his experience and skill as an advocate for his clients. I find it troubling that a losing party would make a complaint based on adherence to clearly defined procedural rules. This attempt to impugn the reputations of a highly regarded lawyer and judge smacks of political posturing. Mark A. Machera Methuen
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