To the Editor:
After reading a recent Valley Independent article (online) which included details on a verbal confrontation between Monessen Councilman Dale Simpson and Mayor Anthony Petaccia, I felt compelled to write this letter in an effort to "set the record straight."
During the disagreement, Simpson made the statement, "You are a liar; that's why they call you 'fibs.'"
Being the co-originator of the mayor's former nickname, I feel I should tell the story.
During a basketball game in 1978 or '79 outside of my house on Jefferson Drive, the older boys were picking on Anthony, myself and a few others when my older brother said Anthony "looks like an amphibian."
During the course of the game, the name was shortened to 'Amphibs" and ultimately contracted to "Phibs." The name stuck for years.
The origin of the name has absolutely nothing to do with being dishonest. I have known the mayor for 30 years and know him to be of the finest moral character.
Dave Pacy
Sanford, Fla.
