As we note in this week's Reporter's Notebook, seven candidates plus one open seat means there'll be some heat generated this summer, particularly between neighborhood activists, whether they're aligned with a candidate or not. As an addendum to the Notebook, and at the request of one of the two civic activists involved in an online dust-up, we're printing the two original emails that generated some heat, unedited and unabridged.

From Phil Carver:

Hello Friends,

I am writing this email because Dorchester is at an extremely important time electorally and I feel it warrants special attention. In my role as a community activist & civic president I strive daily to make our community a better place to live. I know firsthand the dedication that is required to keep a community flourishing. A healthy, vibrant community is like a garden, in the fact that it needs to be tended constantly to ensure its prosperity.

As someone who is on the frontlines working for our community, I am bemused by many of the candidates for office and one question keeps popping up in my mind……How come only ONE of the candidates for the Boston City Council District 3 seat has a demonstrable track record of civic activism?

This is an important question to think about with the numerous Candidates for the District Council seat. It’s ironic to me that once there is a paid position available a whole litany of folks arrive with the “desire” to make our community better….Where were they when we needed them? Where were they when we were fighting bad development, holding community crime meetings consolidating schools or even just meeting on a monthly basis? Election time they trip over each other going to meetings, yet no race? No sign of them.......

The sad truths is most of the candidate’s just want the $$$ and the prestige of being an elected official and have no stomach for working for the concerns of you or your neighbors. There is in my estimation only ONE candidate that has been working on our behalf for the last 20 years….John O’Toole.

Thoreau said “Do not hire a man who does your work for money, but who does it for the love of it.”

John is a friend, but that alone does not merit my support, my support is cemented in the fact that John O’Toole has shown over the course of two decades that he is willing to do the work for our community. I ask that you give John a chance to earn your support….come to the party (invite attached) and hear what he has to say, take the time to read about his civic accomplishments (attached) and I believe that you will agree that his the best candidate to go to work for our community….

Community Activist, Civic President, Dorchester Business Owner, Father…… PROVEN LEADER!!!

Spread the word.................

Philip J. Carver

Response from Barry Mullen:

Wow! Its only June and you are being so negative already. You made it very easy for me to finally decide who i am not supporting. I respect anyone who runs for office, no matter what drives them. I am really surprised that this is where John's campaign is going. I like many, are waiting to here from the candidates at public forums, then after hearing them speak on neighborhood concerns and issues, then i will make up my mind who to support. Please take me off all you email lists and remove my name from any snail mail list that you have.

Barry Mullen