Values

What are Manny's Values?

Truth

I believe in speaking the truth. In over 40 years of practicing law, I have never lied to a client. I have never told a client to lie. We live in a real world with real problems. We can solve problems in that real world if we face them squarely. We can not solve problems if we pretend they don’t exist, or if we lie to ourselves and others about the problems. As a candidate, I will tell you the truth, and if I am elected, I will tell you the truth as your representative.

The Constitution

My wife, Pat Frisella, says that my real religion is the Constitution. In a way she is right. I feel the Constitution makes the United States a country based on the ideas of freedom and equality. We are not a country because some tribes settled between two rivers, or because some king conquered a lot of territory. We are a country because a group of people believed in, and set their government up to try to ensure freedom and equality, and anyone who accepts those ideas can be an American.

Freedom

The Constitution protects our freedom to vote, speak and act as we choose, as long as our actions do not harm others. We all should exercise these rights and preserve them. We have to think and be alert. As Jefferson said, “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”. That can be hard work, but it is the proper work for citizens. I believe society should move steadily in the direction of greater freedom.

Equality

I believe we should strive towards maximum equality of opportunity. There will never be perfect equality. People are different. But we can try to give every person the chance to reach their best potential, to use their talents to the fullest. That will help us all. I believe society should move steadily in the direction of greater equality of opportunity. 

Fairness

We should try to be fair to everyone. There should be a level playing field in any area of human activity. We will not get it, as President Kennedy said, “life is unfair”. But the purpose of the law, and the laws we make should be to make things as fair as we can. I do not believe in cheating to win.

Respect

We should treat each other with respect even when we disagree. Reasonable people can honestly differ about something. That does not mean either side should demonize the other. We are all still Americans, and we all as citizens have the right to speak out. I have sometimes said to clients: ‘the first amendment to the Constitution gives every American the right to make a complete fool of himself, so go ahead and speak out.” They get a laugh, and then they speak, understanding that others may not agree, and that no one has a monopoly on good ideas.

Kindness

It does not hurt us one bit to be kind to each other. (Somebody else thought of this a long time ago.)

Community

I believe we are all in this together. The more we can help each other in times of difficulty, and the more we can work together, the better off we all are. So, I will work with anyone who has a good idea without regard to party, or any other difference.