What happened Monday night in the town of Arkwright board meeting was unfortunate. Two residents — with differing opinions — almost became involved in a potential altercation after a stern statement in favor of the windmills that are currently being constructed in the town.

“I like sitting on my porch watching this,” resident Harold Ross said. “They go round and round and round and I hope the town and me make money, money, money.”

Emotions grew higher.

A Town Board member and supervisor did their best to keep the peace, but it was definitely an uncomfortable situation. And while we note that freedom of speech is a right, there also needs to be plenty of respect given to others when an opinion is being stated.

Arkwright officials are well aware of the division over the windmill project. Frustrations, for some, have grown as the towers have been erected.

It may be time for a deputy — or another law-enforcement official — to be at these meetings to keep everyone in check. Maybe the funds from the wind deals can even pay for that officer to be in attendance.