Letters to the Editor

To The Editor:

We wish to express or sincerest gratitude to the Cumberland Rescue Crew, the Cumberland Police Department and the staff in the Trauma Room at Maine Medical Center.

On the morning of June 12th, our 19-month-old daughter fell five feet from a first floor window. She sustained a serious head injury, along with other injuries. We were met by a wonderfully caring rescue crew and police officer in Cumberland, who immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation and cared for her with the utmost of skill and compassion. She was then transported to Maine Medical Center where she transferred over to the staff in the Trauma Room.

It is comforting to know that these skilled care givers are there when you need them the most. Thanks again for all of you who cared for our daughter. She is recovering well. Sophie says Thank You too!

David & Kristina Spaulding, Gray

To the Editor:

Since appearing in Sound Off, I've decided it's important to set the record straight and share the facts. There's little doubt these calls were timed to get in the paper before the election but after I could respond. Perhaps the callers lacked confidence in their claims and so thought it best to sneak them in under the wire?

Ask anyone who knows me better than the glimpses you get of me in the paper and I'm confident they'll tell you "bloviating" (being pompous or boastful) isn't my style. My only goal is to help identify and solve the challenging educational issues that confront us in this day and age. I hope you won't think that's pompous or boastful of me.

I was one of two Board members who voted NOT to hire Michael Wood in the first place. Just before he left, I worked with other Board members to block an extension of his contract. Our school system and its kids are hardly "…[messed up]…" or "…hanging out to dry." Our schools and our kids are doing better and getting better.

There is a difference between agreeing with someone and respecting them. I have always treated people with respect even when I disagree with them. My philosophy while facilitating Board or Committee meetings was simple: Everyone should have access to all the facts. Everyone should have a chance to participate in the discussion. The purpose of discussion is to inform and influence. When a discussion reaches the point where no new insights are gained and people have made up their minds, it's time to make a decision and move on. That's not being disrespectful. Fair and efficient facilitation of public meetings is a cornerstone of effective government and the bane of people who can't get their own way.

Dan Maguire, Gray