D'Allesandro: Why 'Criminal Enterprise' Rhetoric Concerns Italian Americans

By Lou D'Allesandro, NH Journal

Recent comments by Neil Levesque, vice chair of the Pease Development Authority, deserve close attention. In his public statement at Geno Marconi’s sentencing, Levesque referred to what he described as a “sophisticated, organized criminal enterprise” and an “organized criminal conspiracy” within the state’s Division of Ports and Harbors. Those are serious accusations that raise legitimate questions about integrity in public institutions.

Language matters, especially when it touches public trust. When a senior official invokes terms like “organized criminal enterprise,” the words carry weight far beyond one courtroom. They shape public perception and can unfairly stain reputations. This is especially important in a case that, fairly or not, has intersected with ethnic sensitivity.

The language of “organized criminal enterprise” inevitably carries historical echoes. For generations, Italian Americans have had to push back against the enduring stereotype that equates Italian heritage with organized crime. These stereotypes are false, harmful, and diminish the achievements of thousands of Italian Americans who have served honorably in public life, business, and civic leadership. Those who built New Hampshire’s businesses, neighborhoods, and public institutions deserve not to have their heritage shadowed by insinuations such as those by Levesque. Accountability must never come at the expense of fairness or dignity.

No one questions the importance of holding officials accountable. But in pursuing justice, we must be vigilant not to revive old prejudices by careless association or innuendo. Marconi’s heritage — or anyone’s — should never color the public’s perception of guilt or integrity. Full transparency must ensure that no community bears the burden of innuendo.

Italian Americans have spent decades building a legacy of service, patriotism, and civic pride in New Hampshire and across the nation. As we demand accountability from public officials, we should also demand fairness, restraint, and respect for every citizen’s dignity.

Former state Sen. Lou D’Allesandro (D-Manchester) wrote this op ed in his role as chairman of the Friends of Italian Americans organization.

This story was originally published by the NH Journal, an online news publication dedicated to providing fair, unbiased reporting on, and analysis of, political news of interest to New Hampshire. For more stories from the NH Journal, visit NHJournal.com.