Whately Town Moderator Nat Fortune's recent mea culpa in these pages exemplifies the kind of candor and accountability I wish we could see from all public figures [“Put the blame on me,” July 17]. He heard an honest complaint, and publicly took responsibility for her part in it, while also outlining the state laws and restrictions that tied her hands. He finished the letter with the cornerstone of a good apology: a solid plan to ensure this doesn't happen again. Take a leaf, councilors, select boards, town managers, and mayors — this small-town moderator just offered you a master class. You'd be wise to emulate him.

Dane Kuttler

Northampton