The town and gown relationship that exists between Middlebury College and the village of Middlebury is the envy of many New England schools. Naysayers to the college’s offer have their right to object, but to cast the college as devious, pursuing only its self-interest; as being involved in a “land grab”; to talk of conspiracy; to vilify a respected citizen and selectman, Victor Nuovo — is as sad as it is ludicrous.