Editor, OBSERVER:

Fredonia residents do indeed have the right to be heard by their elected village officials. Unfortunately, because of the actions and behavior of a few people, that right has been changed to sending a letter to the village, and requesting that your letter be read at the meeting.

A previous writer to this publication has stated that nothing untoward has happened during the public comment time at the village board meetings, and that there is no reason for the board to consider this change. If you have attended or watched any of the village board meetings, you will know that this is simply not true.

I have witnessed numerous examples of shouting, finger pointing, name calling, belittling, verbal abuse, and personal attacks on our trustees and mayor. Whether you agree with our elected officials, this is unacceptable in most civil societies.

Honestly, when has belittling and shouting at someone inspired them to do their best work? I like our Mayor and Trustees. I have spoken to all of them, at least a little, and they are good people who want what is best for our village.

Remember, they live here, too.

Our First Amendment does allow for freedom of speech, but where does it say that name calling and threats should be allowed at our village board meetings? I should think that we would endeavor to rise above that kind of behavior.

The Save Our Reservoir members who attend the Village Board meetings bear the sole responsibility for the removal of our public comment time. This small group of people is ruining our village government and the reputation of the village of Fredonia.

They would like to run our village, without the small detail of actually being elected. I would like to encourage them, in the kindest way possible, to stop what they are doing.

These bullying tactics are not acceptable or productive. Fredonia and its water woes is the laughingstock of the region because of this group. I realize that many of our residents are busy running businesses, raising families, and working their jobs, and don’t have the desire or the time to be involved with the village government.

I was there once, too. If you are sick and tired of this group and their antics, it’s time to make a stand for our village. It’s time to work to save our village. I would like to encourage everyone out there to take 10 minutes and write a quick note of support to any of our Trustees and/or our Mayor.

Perhaps we can still bring peace and civility to the village of Fredonia, and be able to move forward in a positive way for future generations.

Helen Ihasz,

Fredonia