We, the members of the Social Action Committee of Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, write to express our anger and frustration after reading the comments that assistant city administrator William Baker made about Michael Shaughnessy in a “private” email sent to the mayor of Westbrook that has now become public.

Michael has invested huge efforts to maintain and preserve the Presumpscot River. And like all of us, we should all be proud of these efforts. Clearly Mr. Baker does not share Professor Shaughnessy’s deep concern for the environment, but more important, he has chosen to deride and defame his interests and character.

We expect much more in the way of humane treatment of fellow citizens, and feel at the minimum that a censure of these remarks is in order, if not a dismissal from the position Mr. Baker holds by the mayor or City Council.

You may wonder why the average citizen has lost faith in our elected officials. We can think of no better reason than provided by the mayor of Westbrook’s failure to address the current regrettable situation. A simple apology by Mr. Baker is insufficient to the offense.

James Perley

for the Social Action Committee of Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church

Portland

Copy the Story Link