I wish to clarify a point mentioned in M. Charles Bakst's column on Jan. 15 ("Who is Damiani? Why does be carry a gun?"). My brother, Rhode Island state Sen. Michael Damiani, is not really a "part owner" in Riverside Cleansers.

He owns one share out of 100, a share that I gave to him upon the death of our father many years ago. This appears to be another example of a politician twisting a half-truth in an attempt to establish credibility. This is an insult to the 18 hard-working employees at the Cleansers who come to work every day and earn an honest living.

After his election, it was of little concern to me what the senator said or did as long as he didn't disgrace the business, employees or the memory of our parents, who started the Cleansers nearly 60 years ago. Now it has become necessary to set the record straight concerning one of Michael's résumé-building claims.

STEVEN DAMIANI

Riverside