Published: 9/27/2023 5:42:02 PM
Modified: 9/27/2023 5:41:14 PM
Resignation postscript: I was always OK with critical feedback and forceful expressions of angry, passionate, frustrated and dissenting opinions. I do not think public discourse has to be reserved, unemotional or comfortable to hear.
But I wasn’t OK with organized groups of cars parading past my home to pressure decisions; expletives screamed in my face as I walked to my car after meetings; groups actively spreading misinformation in the press and online; and groups declaring that the School Committee members they disagree with lack core values and don’t care about the welfare of students and teachers.
If we think this kind of behavior ultimately benefits our town and the students in our schools, then we should vote for the candidates being promoted right now by the groups that endorse and celebrate such actions. And if not, we should vote for others.
Peter Demling
Amherst School Committee 2017-2023