Editorial

 

We will.

 

Patricia Brown Mundy died last week. Many of you might not have known her. Even if you are not one of the lucky ones who did, just know that Gray has many legacies thanks to Pat's tireless efforts to make our town a better place.

When I began my own municipal interests, I went to Pat first. I had an idea that the Town Charter could be improved through a Charter Review, and had decided to start a Charter Petition Committee to get the issue on the ballot. Pat was enthusiastic about the initiative and helped the group through the early stages of that enormous undertaking.

We would meet in her kitchen to study Gray's previous charters, do our homework, and strategize. We had fun. But more importantly, having been Council Chair and intimately involved with Town doings, Pat was a wealth of knowledge.

When I decided to start The Monument Newspaper, Pat was the first person I thought of to contact for advice. She had formerly been an editor and was known as a staunch defender of citizens' rights. When I proposed my idea to start a newspaper in town, she said, "Wonderful! I love it!"

Her contributions to The Monument were many. She was a mentor, sharing her thoughts on ethics, municipal issues and reporting. She was a constant advertiser for the first two years. And she was a member of our Advisory Board. All her contributions in helping to develop the conscience and direction of the paper in its formative years were truly one of the greatest offerings I have received.

Having a forbear of such stature as Pat was an inspiration that made me, and still makes me, work hard every day to live up to her ideals of free speech, truth, and justice.

When I would call her to discuss an ethical issue or for help to work out a thorny problem with the newspaper, she would always listen. Her advice usually boiled down to one sentence. "Tell the truth. No matter what, always tell the truth."

We will, Pat. We will.