To The Editor:
Like many others, Don Simonini commented publicly on the recent “mask” vote of the Waitsfield Select Board (FPF (No.3769/July 17). Unlike those others, however, his statement featured a personal assault on the chair of the board, Paul Hartshorn.
I can appreciate the dismay caused by Paul’s comment or two during the meeting. I can even admit that I don’t accept his views and would argue against them. But disagreeing with him or even being profoundly disturbed by his statements does not invite or justify the personalized analysis that Mr. Simonini conducted. The content of his remarks, in part, was clearly out of his lane and did little, if anything, to advance the discussion of the mask issue and the board’s related vote.
Without doubt Paul is my friend. He may be an acquired taste (a chuckle would be appropriate here) but I, and I suspect many others, are all the better for knowing him. His life, family and work story, to the extent that I know some of it, is remarkable. And who among us has given as much to civic operations in this town and Valley? He has earned the right to speak his mind, even if he expresses a view out of the mainstream, without having to endure personalized challenges to his station in life or his perspective.
I trust that Mr. Simonini is better than this and that he will make amends as necessary.
Sal Spinosa
Waitsfield
