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To the editor:
As a resident of Gloucester for 23 years, I read the Gloucester Times often — with great interest, and a very high cringe factor.
Rarely have I been more creeped out by our fair city than I was when the story broke on the 16 surveillance cameras positioned on and around the harbor.
Except, of course, when I read "The Mayor's Desk" column in response, and the comments supporting our mayor for "admitting her mistake." (Times, Saturday, Aug. 21).
While Gloucester is a city that often acts like a town, I expect more from our mayor. To let anything so important fly "under the radar" is simply not acceptable.
In reading the mayor's letter, I was left with these choices:
1. To accept that our mayor just gave this project a "passing glance."
2. To accept the mayor was pressured by the Police Department, Harbormaster's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
3. To wonder if in fact the mayor gave the project more than a passing glance.
Having seen the backlash from Gloucester residents, did our mayor adopt a political posture that might salvage some of the support that was lost?
None of these options feels very good.
All represent egregious disregard for our city, our harbor and Gloucester's finest asset: her people.
Hallie A. Baker
Washington Street, Gloucester
