Re “Racist memorabilia puts Trammell in the hot seat,” Free Press April 30-May 2 edition:

I just finished reading Reginald Stuart’s article about Councilwoman Reva Trammell and the “Mammy jar” controversy. I was dismayed by some of the opinions that were expressed by Ms. Trammell’s antagonists.

While it is true that the “Mammy” caricature has been used as a stereotype of the African-American woman and is offensive to all of us, let’s be clear about one thing: Reva Trammell is no racist.

I have known Ms. Trammell for more than a quarter of a century. I know her heart and I know her mindset. She is one of the most caring, compassionate and genuine individuals that I have ever met.

Is she a little rough around the edges and should she bite her tongue more frequently? Perhaps so. However, she has a heart of gold and would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.

What I did find distasteful about the article were those politi- cians who seized the moment to engage in a political hatchet job. Everyone knows that there’s an election coming up in November and the Trammell haters out there used this “Mammygate” episode to disparage a very noble and decent councilperson.

Fortunately, Ms. Trammell’s 25,000 constituents — black, white, Latino and Asian — will have the final word on Nov. 3.

SEN. JOSEPH D. “JOE” MORRISSEY

Richmond

The writer represents the 16th District in the Virginia Senate.