| To the editor from Amanda Mancini |
In the December 3rd, 2020 emergency select board meeting, selectman George W. Colby finished the Pledge of Allegiance with “…and justice for ALL. Everyone. Even us white folks.”
It is my opinion that there is no excuse or room for racist commentary from our town government. The town has edited the video on the town’s website to have this comment by Selectman Colby removed. This edit speaks volumes on the town leadership’s awareness as to the inappropriate nature of Colby’s comment. I have included an unedited version below, although I’m unsure whether or not it will be included in the post on NGXchange; I encourage all to watch the video accessible on the Town of New Gloucester website and gain your own opinion.
Currently representing the interests of New Gloucester citizens is a man who has exhibited blatant racism. This does not reflect the dignity and kindness of the people of New Gloucester and therefore it is my opinion that Selectman Colby should be removed from his position immediately.
I have passed all of this on to Chairwoman Karen Gilles who informed me that there is a process in place in our town which the citizens must go through, should they wish to remove a selectperson from the board (“petition and vote”). Surely there is a way for the Town of New Gloucester to remove a selectperson in a situation such as this… a situation that has made many citizens feel unwelcome and unsafe.
We cannot stand idly by in the face of racism.
Town of New Gloucester, he has got to go.
Respectfully, Amanda Mancini
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