After a long day of civil discussion and respectful debate at the Annual Town Meeting, I was discouraged to open the April 4 Press and read, yet again, a letter denouncing certain town leaders for their actions relative to particular warrants. The purpose of a town meeting is to allow spirited and democratic debate, and no one deserves to be vilified and disrespected for engaging in that debate.
Harvard has had a sad history recently of finger-pointing and vituperation, often directed at residents who volunteer endless hours of their time to serve our town. We now have a series of difficult issues to resolve as a town, including the failed budget override, the disposition of Devens, and the future of 40B development. I hope that we all can rise to the occasion and work positively and respectfully to address them. Thanks to all who work for and care about Harvard.
Deborah Thomson
Poor Farm Road
