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To the editor:
Some years ago, when Sarah Wilkinson was for the first time chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen, I had occasion to file a complaint against a public official.
I went into the selectmen's office to enquire about the schedule of the Rockport Housing Partnership's meetings and was met with a unprovoked barrage of rude and personal remarks from Michael Racicot, then the town administrator. I filed a written complaint with the board, but this did not occasion a public inquiry or hearing. I received no acknowledgement that I had been wronged, no apology from the board, no apology from Michael Racicot. Sarah Wilkinson said that she was sorry if my feelings were hurt.
This is the precise model of the non-apology Sandy Jacques offered Sarah Wilkison when called to task for his "back to the kitchen" remark.
I do not justify or condone Sandy Jacques' rude remark to Sarah Wilkinson. However, compared with the many difficult issues facing the town, Mr. Jacques' rude remark and the whirlwind it has stirred up is an issue of minimal significance.
The town needs the knowledge, experience and diligence that Sandy Jacques has brought to his services on the board. The voters will do the town a disservice if they dump him.
The world doesn't run on grudges and revenge, it runs on knowledge, skill, diligence and hard work.
Toby Arsenian
Rockport
