This is an excerpt of a letter read at the December 3 Addison Selectboard Meeting:

To the Members of the Addison Selectboard,

At your November meeting, you allowed a member of the public to read a letter that personally maligned another Addison resident. We are deeply disappointed that this board permitted the use of a public forum for personal grievances. This action not only undermines the purpose of these meetings but also raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving the Selectboard Chair and the letter’s author. It is crucial to remember that this board holds no legal authority over private citizens and private matters, and allowing such attacks is an overreach of your responsibilities.

This is not an isolated incident. We have repeatedly witnessed personal issues and opinions dominate these meetings, leading to unprofessional conduct such as raised voices, public berating of citizens, and physical displays of frustration like pounding on the table. Such behavior fosters division rather than constructive dialogue. Instead of working to maintain civility and encourage collaboration, this board has allowed negativity and discord to permeate our community.

Personal attacks have far-reaching impacts, harming not just the individual targeted but also their family and friends. Addison is a small town where we are all neighbors. We cross paths in daily life, from the grocery store to local events. We should be building each other up, not tearing each other down. The Golden Rule — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”— is a timeless standard we should all strive to uphold.

We write this letter as private citizens addressing town concerns, but we also speak as impacted family members. Every Addison resident, regardless of opinion, deserves respect and professional treatment at public meetings. If these meetings continue to be marred by bias, negativity, and unprofessional conduct, public trust and participation will erode. As elected representatives, you are tasked with serving all Addison citizens. We urge you to rise above personal conflicts and set an example of leadership, integrity, and collaboration. Do better, be better.

Eliza Spencer, Addison

Ella Spencer, Lugano, Switzerland