Carol Bybee’s letter claiming Secretary of State Mark Ritchie “has a clearing house in Connecticut that screens all his mail” is blatantly absurd. Secretary Ritchie has always been, and will continue to be, responsive to citizen’s requests and comments.

While the volume of e-mails require staff assistance, he personally reviews and responds to the majority of e-mails he receives; he is briefed on e-mails he is unable to personally review; and all but the most inflamatory e-mails receive a response.

I understand sometimes technology fails, and I apologize if Ms. Bybee’s, e-mail was diverted to somewhere in Connecticut. We would be interested in seeing her documentation of this problem so we can take steps to correct it. We have no contract with any “clearing house in Connecticut” to screen our mail. We welcome and encourage citizens to contact us with their concerns.

Jim Gelbmann

deputy secretary of state

St. Paul