COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSTETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133-1053


SENATOR BRUCE E. TARR

FIRST ESSEX AND MIDDLESEX
        DISTRICT

        ROOM 314

OFFICE TEL. (617) 722-1600
HOME TEL. (508) 283-3148

COMMITTEES:
        
WAYS AND MEANS
        TAXATION
        STEERING AND POLICY
        INSURANCE
        PUBLIC SERVICE
        NATURAL RESOURCES
         AND AGRICULTURE

                November 3, 1997

The Honorable A. David Mazzone
United States Post Office and Court House
90 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109

Dear Judge Mazzone,

        I truly appreciate the opportunity with which you have provided me to assist in the resolution of the dispute between the Sweeney family and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Your genuine concern in this situation is evident, and I share in your frustration that no concrete results have been yielded thus far by your work and that of all of the participants in the process.

        While that frustration understandably exists, I continue to believe that a mediated settlement holds the best potential for a solution to be derived. Accordingly, I would like to suggest three further steps prior to any conclusion of the process. They are as follows:
  1. While the Sweeneys have provided written information in this process, no written communication or offer has been received from the FDIC. Unfortunately, this has had the effect of exacerbating the Sweeneys' apprehensiveness relative to the reliability of the offers made by the FDIC. I believe that a written statement of position and an expression of settlement options is a necessary element of the process at this time.
  2. Given the history of meetings where communications took place primarily through legal counsel, it seems as though a meeting where the so-called principals are present to discuss options would be useful and should be arranged. Should you deem it to be of benefit I would be pleased to attend such a meeting.
  3. I am now of the understanding that the Sweeneys' expected that our last meeting would produce a statement of objective quality from Bishop Dyer and myself. With that understanding I would be pleased to continue to work with you and Bishop Dyer to create a document for the purpose of resolving this matter. I will contact Bishop Dyer to discuss this possibility with him as well.
        Thank you for your consideration of my views in this matter. I truly appreciate your diligence, responsiveness and commitment to the process of mediation.


        Sincerely,


          Bruce Tarr
          State Senator