To the Editor:

I have never written a letter to the editor before but at the pre-town meeting I overheard whispers that Diane Chapman is running a write-in campaign against our most valuable selectboard member, Susan Manton Haughwout.

Susan knows more about the running of town government than anyone that I can remember holding this office. I have lived here for 18 years, and she has proven time and time again that she respects the voice of the voters, has taken many positions to prove her loyalty and explained the statutes or purpose for us not being able to achieve what we were asking the selectboard to do.

One of my questions is why do other people have petitions signed and held to a time sensitive date in order to run and then someone can come along and one week before Town Meeting announce their candidacy? Could Ms. Chapman not find 15 residents to sign her petition or was it just not that important a step in her process in representing us as our voice? I have no ax to grind with Ms. Chapman, I just am confused as to her process.

I would have liked to know what her platforms and goals were before she decided to represent the voters of Wilmington. I am aware of her experience in Dover but Wilmington has different issues.

Secondly, I am very disappointed about the Australian ballot being advisory. I was for keeping the park the way it was but now am not so sure my vote will count for anything and I have listened ad nauseam to the pros of this issue speak and I find them being viscious.

Who’s fault was this design? I think the beautification committee did a great job trying to please everyone. The selectboard had no say. They could advise but I guess there was no credence to their advice.

The town manager was in charge and possibly the zoning administrator. Mr. Cincotta should have had to answer to the town manager and zoning people. Did he? I still don’t know. Was he relieved of his responsibility when Mr. Chapman and Mr. Skwirut took over? Did he refund any of his contracted money because they finished the park? I don’t know. What I do know is I’ve been swayed to removal because none of these question have been answered definitively.

Thirdly, with the police presence that is so obviously inhospitable and the fact that in the long run it will cost more than we are being told I’m hoping you will all realize we do not need more police.

Ilene Lombard

Wilmington