Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

With all due respect, I am compelled to respond to your opinion in the January 19, 2006 issue of the Monument. You have given your readers the impression that the Town Council is made up of warm hearted and open minded listeners. As a member of the CEDC, I attended the January 3 Council meeting and observed otherwise. The request to meet with the councilors to "learn" about the CEDC was combined with an order to abolish. It simply doesn't make sense to have such divergent objectives on the same agenda. Thus, the CEDC found itself in a position to defend its existence.

It is my impression that the three Councilors, in particular Andy Upham, contributed to an air of hostility at that meeting. Mr. Upham blatantly and belligerently told the CEDC chairperson he did not want to talk to her. This is behavior unbecoming of someone with the intent of listening, learning and leading. It was apparent, however, that at least two Councilors could see the inappropriate behavior and moved to remove the order. Councilor Denise Duda was even compelled at the next meeting to summarize the events and, again, move to remove the order.

Councilors Crane, Foster and Upham quickly saw they were going to lose this fight and moved to table the order. They have proven through their actions they are not listening to the uproar of support voiced by the citizens. I ask myself how their actions have benefited the image of Gray and brought about any economic or community development? It has been a colossal waste of time and resources. I urge the citizens of Gray to continue to speak up, get involved and put an end to this abusive and unproductive behavior. Perhaps if we are loud enough, they will hear us.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Carpentier, Gray

Letter to the Editor:

I joined the CEDC in October. I won't rehash recent events, but I would like to share that I don't endorse statements made by other CEDC members and their spouses at recent meetings and in print. I don't think the sky is falling, the Council isn't bad and life in Gray is good.

Thank you.
Jeanne Adams
Gray Community Economic Development Committee member

To the Editor:

Without knowing exactly what they do, it seems to me that the issue with the CEDC could be rather easily resolved, since all committees have certain things in common. First of all, they have a mission, normally spelled out in a charter. Secondly, they are responsible to someone for results, in this case the Town Council.

Having been on many committees, I've noticed that the ones that underperform normally protest the loudest when questioned. I also think that all committees provide some value.

So, without all the emotion, all the chest thumping, and all the time spent dealing with that, I think the Council should require a written response from the CEDC (since a civil meeting seems to be out of the question) enumerating their activities and their consequent results. Then, having had time to compare them to the charter, the Council would be in a better position to decide if, in fact, we need the CEDC, or just a new one.

Bob Quigley, Gray

To the Editor:

I find it unfortunate how a small core of Gray residents address the Gray Town Council with personal attacks and public antics unbecoming of conducting a civilized meeting.

Prior to my brother's run for the Gray Town Council (Gary Foster) he wrote numerous articles about governing, government, and other public issues. He was selected letter writer of the month by the Portland Press Herald, and in none of these writings did he denigrate, berate, or attack individuals. Nor did he have a public temper tantrum for not getting his way over a public issue. Rather, he worked positively toward a goal on several fronts, including tax reform for Maine.

Through his writing, the Gray residents were able to get insight into who Gary Foster is, what he thinks, and what he might like to see happen in the governing of Gray. He took advantage of an opportunity to run for Gray Town Council, winning over incumbent Jack Goosetrey by an impressive margin of 849 to 345. Gary beat an incumbent with more votes than Councilor Pam Wilkinson got running unopposed in 2002! As a matter of fact, Gary received more votes for Council than any candidate over the last six years. Could it be because Gary very much represents the people of Gray?

There are at least three lessons that Council critics can learn from Gary Foster: 1- people like their rights, freedoms, and money, and they want them back from government. 2- People like leaders with well-defined and consistent goals who earn their way through ideas, not criticism, 3- It is critical that individuals separate the personal/emotional element from conducting the business of governing. Gary does this very well. The critics do not know it, but the people do.

Gregory Foster, Raymond

Dear Madam or Sir:

The photo you recently printed of Lynn Olson, a professional woman and an academic in your community, using a common gesture to express apparent annoyance with someone else at the event, was disturbing. Although potentially controversial, the photo illustrates a lack of civility which sets a poor example of public conduct.

Regardless of the provocation, the gesture is crude, intended to offend rather than to advance understanding of whichever issue is being discussed. It's a pity Dean Olson didn't take more appropriate steps to express her thoughts.
It's of particular concern that Dean Olson holds positions in your community where she serves as a role model for others, especially students at St. Joseph's College.

How can we expect thoughtful and reasoned public discussion of difficult issues, intended to solve problems rather than inflame opponents, if someone in her position acts as your paper has described?

I hope Dean Olson regrets her lapse in judgment.

Sincerely,
Susan Prince,
Alta, CA