Geoffrey Epstein operating for mayor in Framingham, MA – NBC Boston

An age-old query asks, “what’s in a reputation?” For Geoffrey Epstein, a candidate for mayor in Framingham, Massachusetts, the response is difficult.

Epstein has seen a viral wave of consideration following renewed give attention to convicted intercourse offender Jeffrey Epstein, with everybody from Fb commenters to Jimmy Fallon weighing-in on the unlucky similarity.

“I am the nice Epstein, and there is the evil one,” mentioned Epstein. “As I mentioned, I am a stay Australian and he is a useless American.”

Outdoors the plain, there are a number of variations: The spelling of the mayoral candidate’s first title and the pronunciation of his final title are completely different.

President Donald Trump dismissed calls to launch the Epstein recordsdata as a “hoax,” saying that his relationship with intercourse trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was “outdated historical past” that had dissolved over a disagreement over employed assist.

Nonetheless, incumbent Mayor Charlie Sisitsky cannot perceive why anybody would embrace this consideration.

“Some folks, that is all they’ve going for them is the publicity,” mentioned Sisitsky. “Some folks suppose that, good or dangerous, so long as their title being talked about, they see it as a constructive.”

Whereas his opponent’s title could also be garnering nationwide consideration, Sisitsky and Epstein are refocusing on the problems with schooling and public security entrance of thoughts.

“The faculties are a precedence, however I’ve received a police division the place the police chief needs extra cops on the road, I’ve received a fireplace division that feels we must always have extra firefighters,” mentioned Sisitsky.

“It is received a reasonably first rate faculty system,” Epstein mentioned of Framingham. “Nevertheless it’s on a down trajectory proper now due to underfunding by the mayor.”