Editor:

I am writing in response to the article covering the debate between John Swallow and Jim Matheson (“Matheson, Swallow keep hits coming,” Oct. 25). I appreciate the fairness of Chronicle Asst. News Editor Steve Gehrke’s coverage.

I have known John Swallow for more than 15 years. He has been my neighbor since I was 11 years old.

Matheson has been reported as saying Swallow’s tactics are “misleading.” In my opinion, the word “misleading” is the same as “lying.”

In the 15 years I have known Swallow, there is one thing I could never question: his integrity. He is an honest man in very sense of the word. I have worked directly with Swallow on numerous occasions. I have been in his home countless times. I have traveled in the same car with him for hours at a time.

If someone were to ask me what personifies Swallow, I could sum it up in two phrases: family man and man of integrity.

Whether or not you consider Swallow’s campaign tactics either harsh or demeaning, there is one thing, rest assured: To the best of Swallow’s knowledge, they are honest.

Lance Gamero

Sandy, Utah