Bullying from elected officials must stop

To the Editor;

Elected officials like the county commissioners are supposed to make decisions based on what is good for their communities, not for personal retribution. No matter what any of these “gentlemen” think of the executive director of the Center Theatre, the facts speak for themselves: the Center Theatre has been a huge asset to the county in many ways, including fiscally. Their involvement with area businesses, schools, churches, as well as their leadership role in the Whoopie Pie Festival has brought surrounding communities together and encouraged cultural growth. Most people, regardless of personal politics, can see what a boon the Center Theatre has been for us, and recognize it should be supported.

The commissioners deciding to “table” the idea of writing a letter of support for the Center Theatre for a grant with funds to focus on repairs, is the most obvious case of using an elected office for a personal grudge I have seen in quite some time. Jim White publicly accused the executive director of the Center Theatre weeks ago of stirring up trouble during a radio interview — he did use his name, but mentioned him as having been a candidate for county commissioner. And it is no secret that, in his personal life, the executive director of the Center Theatre has spoken out against the commissioners for their anti-science, xenophobic resolution of protest against the Governor.  It could not be more clear that the commissioners, instead of thinking of the communities that elected them, are fostering their grudge.

How long do we let this bullying continue? And yes, their behavior is bullying, from cutting off Zoom participants in a meeting (perhaps violating open meeting laws in the process), to Mr. White posting transphobic memes about Dr. Rachel Levine, to sacrificing community growth because of their personal preferences and prejudices.

These commissioners have proven their incompetence and toxicity time and again, and should resign or be removed from office.

Bobby Keniston

Dover-Foxcroft