LETTERS

To the editor: What can I say other than last night's School Committee meeting was painful!! Note to self: you can not be late by one minute if you want to make a public comment. #1: Still have not received an apology for calling stakeholders, “lunatics.” Don’t worry I never expected one! #2: SEPAC and METCO will not be represented on the search committee. Good people of Marblehead, it shouldn't surprise anyone. The School Committee from what I understand makes the sole decision. By law, they do not have to even extend a seat to anyone on the search committee. Just like a School Committee member did not have to reveal he was suing Dr. Buckey. #3: This board was a hot mess last night concerning wording about the guidelines of how much homework each school gives. OY!! At St. Joh...

To the editor, Marblehead seems to be suffering from a severe case of "neglect." This, unfortunately, is very evident around town and certainly sends a poor message. A community such as ours enjoys being visited by people from around the country and around the world; however, what message are we sending to these visitors when they see so much evidence of this neglect? Several areas within the historic downtown, areas to which visitors often come, look as if no one cares to ensure that we send a positive statement that we care about our community.  For example, the gardens around the lovely old townhouse are choked with weeds and the grounds of Fort Sewall are a disgrace! So much time and effort went into refurbishing this very important area, primarily by a group of dedicated volunt...

To the editor: Are you back commuting to work, or just trying to get your errands done? Have you noticed that the gridlock is unbearable between 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:15-3 p.m.? Traffic has become a big issue in Marblehead for multiple reasons. Our children are scattered to five separate school locations, with start times and end times that are spaced within 10 minutes of each other. Within our 4.4 square miles, we provide bus transportation to about 250 students, which is the absolute minimum mandated by the state. This is fewer than 10% of our students — far fewer than neighboring communities. The other 2,400 students must find some other way to get to school, which usually means private vehicles driven by parents. Some parents have to make a circuit of three schools for pickup and...

To the editor: Well, good people of Marblehead, I'm back with another letter to the editor. Unfortunately — or perhaps not — the audio and video at the Sept. 7 School Committee meeting were not working properly. I wonder why. So, I guess you missed me asking Chairwoman Fox if she intended to apologize to the stakeholders she called lunatics. Her explanation was that she only meant those who complained in front of her children. Forgive me for being suspicious of her answer. First, it was her child who erased her text messages and contact information to and from committee member Alison Taylor. Truth be told, I am very vocal about this School Committee. However, I would not send a balloon or speak rudely in front of anyone's children. My issue with this committee is its lack of transparen...

To the editor: Jo Ann Augeri Silva’s recent column on what it means to be a liberal states:  “Here’s what I object to. The spewing. The hate.”  From me, here is a message to all non-Trumpers. There is a new kid on the block spewing hate, discord and disharmony.  His name is Vivek Ramaswamy.  Read his quotes, read his facts or what he refers to as his truths. He will dismantle many of the foundations that have allowed us to survive as a solid democracy. He is clever but diabolical.  Inform yourselves regarding his vision for our country.   Walter Haug Highland Terrace

To the editor: As the Edith Dodge Fund celebrates its 50th birthday this year, we find ourselves in need of two or three good folks to serve on our executive board. Recent loss of members due to relocation, and family responsibilities, has created vacancies. Our need is great and immediate. We are a nonprofit organization begun by Edith Dodge, herself a senior citizen, in 1973. Over the decades it has evolved from serving seniors and families, to a gifting project for Marblehead residents at home, 80 years and older, who receive cookies and/or clementines (over 900). Former ‘Headers residing in many nearby extended care facilities receive soft fleece blankets, (approximately 145), perfect for naps and laps. Reaching out to the fastest-growing population, we see those numbers fluctua...