Christopher M. Markey — the son of former New Bedford Mayor and District Court Judge John A. Markey — easily won election Tuesday for state representative from the 9th Bristol District.

The 42-year-old Markey, a former prosecutor in the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, defeated Dartmouth Select Board member Joseph L. Michaud and Russell Protentis of Lakeville, a retired federal agent who ran as an unenrolled candidate. Markey and Michaud both live in Dartmouth.

I am a friend and past co-worker of Chris Markey. He's the Democratic candidate for state representative in the 9th Bristol District, comprised of the entire town of Dartmouth as well as sections of New Bedford, Freetown and Lakeville. Lately, I have heard several questions raised about whether Chris has the leadership experience required for the office. Let me tell you, from my point of view, Chris Markey has proven himself a leader again and again.

My opinion is based upon firsthand experience gained from the years Chris and I worked together at the Bristol District Attorney's Office. Chris…

Dartmouth Selectman Joe Michaud is running for state representative, and like most politicians wants to have his cake and eat it, too — or would it be have his train and ride it, too? Unfortunately for Mr. Michaud, voters are too smart and too concerned about this critical issue to fall for tricky maneuvering and repositioning over the train, and they are not keen on having the wool pulled over their eyes.

Mr. Michaud claimed in the opinion page on Oct. 11 that he has apparently supported rail for "a long time" but that commuter connection to…