Letter Box

Lawn signs an eyesore

Editor of the Reformer:

When we moved to Vermont, one of the most attractive things about our new home state was the ban on billboards and other large signs. Nonetheless, year after year we see hundreds of those hideous lawn signs that clutter our town. When people wrote complaining about the theft of their lawn signs, I wanted to hug the thief or thieves.

For the life of me, I cannot understand their purpose. Ive said it before and Ill say it again: If anyone can prove to me that someone changed their vote based on a lawn sign, I will not only no longer complain, but will welcome anyone to place them on my lawn at my home or my office. Any takers? If not, please remove those damnable eyesores.

Bob Fagelson,

Brattleboro, Oct. 20

We expect better

Editor of the Reformer:

When veteran state legislators join selectboards, they bring experience of higher levels of power, responsibility and decorum. Serving on legislative committees, legislators summon and question officials, also contacting them personally on constituents behalfs, as do members of selectboards. All walk the line between equal and special treatment in our small-town world, where constituents may also be colleagues, friends or relations. Decorum, however, is never optional.

Citizens and journalists rightly challenge any actual or apparent crossing of this line, when public acknowledgment of and apology for their concerns is an option.

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Letter Box