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To the Editor:
A Response to ‘Response on a different perspective on Parking’ LTE.
Karen Janowski opened her letter responding to Liz Whitelam’s letter by sharing that she “was surprised to read the recent letter titled ‘A Different Perspective on Parking.’” Why the surprise? Is it inconceivable to Ms. Janowski that any business owners had a different experience with the parking changes from those who provided public comment during a recent Select Board meeting? Ms. Whitelam’s letter was written to give a voice to business owners (including herself) who had a different experience with the changes to parking and the addition of kiosks. Her letter did not belittle any other businesses in town. It did not even mention other businesses or refute their testimony. Her letter was directed to the Select Board to provide them with a broader range of experiences that the Board can use in their deliberation. She also provided constructive advice on how to implement a pause with which she otherwise disagrees. I will note that the content of Ms. Whitelam’s letter was all but ignored during Select Board deliberations.
Ms. Janowski writes, “Let’s support one another, especially during times of change.” You first, Ms. Janowski.
Ms. Whitelam’s sharing of her and others’ experiences that do not conform to the author’s view are falsely characterized as divisive and met with baseless accusations of not being “concerned about the overall vitality of our downtown.” It’s no wonder people want to remain anonymous.
In town politics there are continua of points of view on complex issues. Yet we are constantly exposed to rhetoric in response to differing points of view packaged in phrases like “it’s a no-brainer,” or “I can’t understand how anyone can think that,” or “I was surprised to read the recent letter.” Inability or unwillingness to hear or to understand the points of view of people with whom we disagree contributes significantly to the divisiveness in town politics. I think everyone would like to see less divisiveness, but I could be wrong.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Dietz
Orchard Park Drive
Town Meeting member
