In Rye, let’s stop the misinformation and personal attacks

Feb. 28 − To the Editor:

I think most of us who live in Rye would agree that it is a special place for varied reasons. We are a small town comprised of only thirty-seven square miles, 65% is wetlands or marsh 25% of that is held in conservation easements. The younger families value the superior schools and the camaraderie that it brings. The older population enjoys the semi-rural environment and the relatively low taxes as compared to the rest of the state. And although services are limited, the opportunity to chat at the transfer station from time to time gives us the opportunity to catch up with one another.

We all enjoy the beaches and protection provided by our outstanding police and fire departments. My family and I found our way back to the Seacoast through a circuitous route through most of the United States and Europe.

My wife Catherine and I made our final move to Rye in 1978 which seems like yesterday. My three children, now mid-life adults, all went through the Rye school system and successfully attained college degrees including MBA’s.

My two oldest grandchildren did as well and are now enrolled at colleges.

Like most of you my time and energy were spent making a living and planning for the future. 2010 saw my exit from the corporate world with essentially nothing but time on my hands.

So, I began my entry into small-town politics starting with an alternate position on the planning board. Since then, I have held numerous positions on committees and commissions including the select board.

Presently I am in my last year of my second term and will be eligible for reelection next year.

Over the more than a decade which I have been serving, I have seen more than a few disparaging remarks aimed at me and other volunteers, but it seems that over the past two election cycles the polarization and attacks have become more personal and inaccurate.

Perhaps it is the advent of social media that has empowered some to remark inappropriately.

Clearly some of the remarks I have seen lately would never be spoken to one’s face. Additionally, there have been serious allegations up to the attorney general’s office alleging serious charges which have been found baseless upon investigation.

There are some who with apparently no experience in town affairs have taken to the bully pulpit to express how badly the select board is managing the town affairs.

One went as far as to say the Select Board does not even run the town, rather it is beholden to another commission.

Yet another was concerned in another land issue that was well on its way to resolution.

We, the Select Board, are an elected board of three with diverse backgrounds and careers but with a single purpose; the well-being of the town and not one entity or another. Are we in lock step all the time? No, but that only makes our unity stronger.

The board acts independently and does not advocate for any one committee or commission as some would allege. Nor are there any people, or groups that attempt to persuade us to make our decisions. Any other theory is wrong.

And there are others who see us as spendthrifts when it comes to our legal obligation to the town. Recent cases that have been litigated were not created out of thin air but rather out of misalignments with town ordinances that affect all of us.

We will protect the assets of the town any time we feel it is compromised in any way along with our legal associates.

Personal attacks, especially in print, help no one. They are counterproductive and discourage volunteer participation

. Why would anyone want to endure negative pressure when there could be personal attacks?

Rye employes only 85 paid staff both full and part time. The rest of the staff are volunteers, numbering over 130.

Without the tireless efforts of these unselfish people the heretofore low tax rate would begin to balloon as have some of our neighboring towns.

Our collective population, regardless of political persuasion, is essential to our way of life. We must put misinformation, hatred and discourse aside but continue to have our differences which can be reconciled in a positive way. Let’s try!

Bill Epperson

Vice Chairman

Rye Select Board