Wilmington Detox Opponent Says He's 'Jack Everett'

WILMINGTON, MA — The person who has been making comments on the Wilmington Apple about Saturday's town election and other local political issued under the name "Jack Everett" is Ethan Sawyer. Sawyer has been a vocal opponent of the proposed drug treatment facility at 362 Middlesex Avenue and a supporter of Suzanne Sullivan and Rob Fasulo, who are among the four challengers running against incumbents Greg Bendel and Kevin Caira. His comments have become a campaign issue, getting mentioned in a candidate's debate earlier this month and leading some candidates to privately accuse one another of being the person behind the comments.

"The thoughts and ideas I wanted to convey were more important than who was making the statement," Sawyer said in an email to Patch Thursday. "The questions and ideas presented by Jack Everett have merit and should be given consideration by its readers... I am sad to provide this most anti-climactic revelation. I am Ethan Sawyer, live in Wilmington Massachusetts, and am just a guy who wants the residents of Wilmington to carefully consider the information being presented to them."

The Apple covers local news and politics in Wilmington and is run by Robert Hayes. Hayes asked Sawyer if he was Everett Wednesday afternoon after tracking the comments back to Sawyer through the IP address recorded on the Apple. Hayes told Sawyer hed had 24 hours to respond before he published an article on the issue.

"This 'Jack Everett' stuff has taken on a life of its own," Hayes wrote to Sawyer in an email. "Family members of 1 candidate have accused another candidate of being 'Jack Everett.' Many voters have told me they think Suzanne Sullivan in Jack Everett. This issue has become fair game to report on."

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).