Last week’s “Civility at Stake” editorial (relating what Michael Shaughnessy believes are inadequacies on the Windham Town Council) left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.

The writer’s lack of objectivity in criticizing personal attacks while committing them himself is irony at its best. Expressing opinions on issues – free of hidden agendas and traces of personal disputes – provokes thought among the readership and heightens public awareness meaningfully. Engaging in character attacks is not only petty, but dilutes the credibility of the message the writer attempts to depict.

Shaughnessy’s statement, that “most pointedly councilors Warren and Davis … have little to no regard for anything that has happened prior to there [sic] coming on the council” is so blatantly subjective, I question the validity of his statements entirely.

How does their behavior “not seem to demonstrate much regard for the reputation of the council as a whole?” By trying to enact greater policies to protect the citizens of Windham? Supporting fiscally conservative use of taxpayer dollars? Suggesting that more time be allocated to the remediation/execution of policies and issues rather than simply discussing watered-down compromises? If these are signs of personal gain and ineffectual governance (or “public flailing” as the writer deemed them), councilors should be selfish and heedless more often.

I say a council without some discord is a sign of an ineffectual body committed to maintaining the status quo. I believe that while it is the council’s job to act collectively, no real change was ever incited without some feathers getting ruffled by opposing viewpoints. Civility and passivity are two separate qualities. Candid discussion is a necessary aspect of being on the council, and one that can be carried out using professional protocols and codes of conduct which apply to us all (not just people serving in the public eye).

Councilors have a duty to preserve working relationships with their colleagues; personal relationships outside the council should not taint councilors’ ideologies. Doesn’t Windham deserve more than sitting duck representatives? Miss Manners might disapprove of the nature the political process demands, but I know I’d rather be spared social niceties for creative solutions and tangible change.

Crystal Cordoba

Windham