Page 4 — THE LACONIA DAILY SUN, Saturday, March 9, 2013
LETTERS I am committed to public education & its long-term effects To the editor, I read with dismay a portion of Holly Tetreault’s letter in The Sun on Thursday morning. I’ve known Holly for many years and consider her a friend. We sat next to each other at the 2010 meet the candidates forum. Holly was running for selectboard, and I for school board. We commended each other for making a run at public office we tried to prop each other up as the newcomers to the situation. I reminisced and praised Holly’s son as a wonderful person who did well in school and who babysat my children years earlier. I don’t know how that got twisted into the “blind siding” and “dragging her and her son” into the campaign and somehow my taking credit for his accomplishments. Holly was already part of the 2010 campaign, and her adult son is an inspiration. Unless someone put words in her mouth, or words on a page for her, I can’t believe that’s how Ms. Tetreault honestly interpreted my compliments to her that evening. Waiting three years to say something is not like her. She and her family helped me and my family, and I thank her for that. Regarding the video of Jack Carty, this needs to be put to rest. I apologize, Mr. Carty, for bringing you into this 2013 campaign — you probably prefer to step down gracefully after your years of service. In 2009- 2010 I videotaped school board meetings where Jack was speaking — public meetings in front of live audiences. I published to YouTube things that he said, on his own, in his own words, in context, in
public meetings. I did not script anything. I did not shoot video recreating any situation. I did not shoot secret footage. I did not take anything out of context — in fact I was very careful to keep things in context so they couldn’t be misconstrued. People who do not attend these public meetings have the right to see Jack as he truly behaved in those situations. I stood in the back of the room and shot video for all to see. It was not like the “47 percent video” of Mitt Romney that was shot unbeknownst to him. Carty supporters don’t seem to be upset by his behavior — what they object to was that other people got to see it. It’s as if “what happens in those meetings stays in those meetings” and if you weren’t there you aren’t entitled to the show. That’s not what a public meeting is. Regarding my current school board race with Mark Billings, we both have strong convictions and strong supporters who will not be swayed by commentary. But for those who are undecided, and who rely on letters-tothe-editor for information, I think we both ask that you check the facts and separate them from opinion. Letter writers can continue their disparaging tirades, but I honestly don’t have the energy to play that game in this campaign. I am committed to public education and its long-term affects on our students and building strong communities, and I ask for your vote on March 12. Chris Mega Meredith
Mega’s opposition to Ed Tax Credit exemplifies conflict of interest To the editor, On Tuesday we can elect a smart, capable, and friendly businesswoman as a Meredith selectman. Jayne Greemore’s daily customer contact informs her of local opinions, needed services, and the economic stresses affecting our citizens. Jayne’s business experience has taught the importance of providing superior services in a cost effective way. Jayne Greemore will bring fresh thinking to our town board, she will make a great selectman. Two talented and dedicated people are running for Inter-Lakes School Board. However, Mark Billings can perform all school board member functions without the conflict of interest resulting from Chris Mega’s wife’s employment in the school district. In addition, Mr. Mega’s priorities are wrong. The purpose of education tax dollars is to provide each child with a good education, not to fund the educational establishment. No one objects when rich families move their children to better educational opportunities yet these moves cost school districts just as much state money as a poor child getting an Education Tax Credit provided scholarship. In fact, as opposed to when children from rich families leave a school district, the Education Tax Credit program limits the loss of state money due to scholarships. Good teachers do not fear the Edu-
cation Tax Credit scholarships. They know that some students just need a different opportunity, and this is no reflection on their teaching abilities. How can people like Mr. Mega object to a scholarship program that helps the child of a poor family escape schools that fail them? Is it some kind of cruel elitism that wants the children of poorer families to get deficient educations so they are less competition for the children of the rich? Or, perhaps Mr. Mega’s opposition to the Education Tax Credit just exemplifies his conflict of interest because doing what is best for the child has a minor impact to school district funding? Everyone should understand that no school district needs to lose a penny. In fact, districts can earn extra money by drawing students from other districts. I trust that Mark Billings sees that the Education Tax Credit program provides an opportunity to be exploited by ensuring that the InterLakes School District provides an outstanding educational experience. If your top concern is each child’s educational experience, then vote for Mark Billings. If you are willing to trade away a child’s future for a few dollars of state aid, then vote for Mr. Mega. Do yourself and our town a favor, elect Jayne Greemore to the Meredith Board of Selectman. Don Ewing Meredith
Write the editor: news@laconiadailysun.com
LETTERS I felt it important that Mr. Waldron not run unopposed in Northfield To the editor, I am writing this letter in response to an editorial in the Winnisquam Echo this week. Selectman Steve Bluhm stepped way over a professional and personal line when he slandered my name and the name of my family. Mr. Bluhm has a history of putting his foot in his mouth and in this instance, he out did himself. Voters of Northfield, ask yourself why Mr. Bluhm is so threatened by my running for selectman? Is it because he knows I will be an independent thinker and not follow him like a sheep? For the past three years Bluhm has been Ziminsky’s sheep and Mr. Waldron has been a sheep in training. This has to stop. This is a selectboard not a farmyard. Selectmen represent you, the taxpayers and should be independent, creative thinkers — not followers. I understand why some people are concerned that Selectman Peg Shepard is my sister-in-law. I can only assure people of the positive aspects of this relationship. We work extremely well together on the T-N Old Home Day Committee and we both love and support our community. Some people feel we may “talk town business” at our family gatherings. We are both professional and honest enough to not participate in that behavior. But do you honestly believe that Ziminsky, Bluhm and Waldron haven’t had “off the record” conversations about town
business? I am not condoning this, merely pointing out the possibility. I placed my name on the ballot because I felt it was important that Mr. Waldron not run unopposed. The taxpayers of Northfield should have a choice on who they vote into office. I urge taxpayers to remember the atmosphere and hostility when Mr. Waldron was a T-N Fire Commissioner. There was extreme hate and discontent between the commissioners and the firefighters. Taxpayers in both towns were at each other’s throats and this was all under the leadership of Mr. Waldron. I ask those of you who attend town meeting to remember how Mr. Waldron postures at every meeting. While everyone has the right to ask questions and participate, Mr. Waldron chooses to participate in a negative, hostile and angry manner. Do you want that type of person making decisions for you at the town level. I certainly do not. I urge Northfield taxpayers to see through this smoke screen and read between the lines. Please vote for me, Debra Shepard on March 12th for Northfield Selectman. We need fresh, innovate ideas and positive leadership in this community. Send a clear message to Mr. Bluhm, whose term is up in 2014, that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Debra Shepard Northfield
Betty Abbott will provide right balance on Gilmanton Selectboard To the editor, To Mr Barnes: Betty Abbott isn’t responsible for the opinions of others for good or bad. Also, no need for “full disclosure”. Brother-in-law or not, you’re a taxpayer who believes that Don Guarino is the best candidate. Personally, Don has been “off” just one year from his 6 year position on the BOS and I think he needs to take more time before running again. Yes, I agree that Don is a considerate and thoughtful person. For over 25 years he has served his community in many constructive ways and continues to do so. It is something he truly loves to do. For example, when his term on the BOS ended he immediately picked
up organizing our towns 4th of July event. As for matters concerning the management of the town I am deeply concerned. Reading the BOS minutes or lack thereof, demonstrates a lack of transparency that is troubling. Did you know that boards diverse in opinion, background and gender are the most successful. These dynamics make for substantive dialog and expand understanding of the issues at hand. That being said, it’s my opinion that Betty Abbott would be the best fit. I believe that she, Brett Currier and Ralph Lavin will provide the right balance our town needs. They have enough in common yet represent varysee next page