| Letter to the Editor – Dustin Ward |
In the late evening of September 3rd this month, I received an email which can only be described as the most vile, hurtful, and disgusting comments I have ever received to my business email account. Out of the blue, a person who is the leader of a known racist network, decided to target myself and my family, stating hideous, racist, and horrific comments, in reference to a presentation I made a few years ago about the ongoing work of Racial Equity in Maine.
As part of my reaction, I felt it important to at least notify my Select Board colleagues and the Town Manager as I needed to both report this to local law enforcement and wanted to know what my legal protections were as an elected representative. While there isn’t much that could be done, reporting was the first step in case additional comments or death threats were made.
I hadn’t been sure how to respond over this last week to this type of harassment, and I didn’t want to bring any more light to this individual, their racist network, or the remarks that were made to me. Yet, I wondered, in light of all this, what would justice look like?
After consulting with the Town Manager on a proper and professional response, I felt it important to embrace this and speak to the bright spot that has come from this trauma: the amazing support that I received from each of my fellow Select Board members and Town Manager.
By the next morning after receiving these disheartening comments, each Board member either texted or emailed a response of support, stating they were also disgusted by these comments and that they supported me as a valued member of our Board and community. The Manager even went out of the way to call and check in on me, and has been willing to support me in whatever response I felt was needed.
I want to say THANK YOU to each of my Board colleagues for showing this support and for simply responding, letting me know that I am not alone when things like this happen. I also want to thank this Board for recognizing how horrific these comments are, and how they are not welcomed in any way. We may not agree on everything, but having all of you boldly state that what I received was disgusting and uncalled for, helped me feel like I didn’t have to walk in this trauma alone.
While the work of Racial Equity has many facets, and is always ongoing in every community, your show of support reminds me that we are making progress and can unite in our recognition of how harmful this type of rhetoric can be. I am hopeful for the future we are making in this town, and appreciate your efforts in this endeavor. Thank you again and I do hope we see a time when these acts cease to exist.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dustin Ward
Chair, New Gloucester Select Board
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