While it’s certainly understandable that Strafford town staff would become alarmed toward the actions of a resident sending voluminous, imprudent emails and “banging on the door,” a recent story regarding the matter (“Town Restricts access to offices”; Sept. 4) lacks important context surrounding the disposition of the alleged offender.
What we know from the story is that the town felt disconcerted enough to begin limiting Town Clerk’s Office access to by appointment only, and that it clearly wishes Keith Billian, 66, would go away.
What we don’t know is anything else about Billian. Is he a Strafford lifer or a newcomer? Is there anyone in the area who cares about him? Does he have any known history of mental health concerns and, if so, does he have adequate access to treatment? Loneliness is epidemic amid rural Vermont seniors. Does Keith Billian have anyone to talk to outside of town hall? Erratic behavior, especially by senior citizens who may be isolated, doesn’t occur in a vacuum.
It might not be the town staff’s responsibility to dive into what’s behind Billian’s uncontrolled actions, but both community and individual may benefit if someone were to endeavor to learn more.
Oh, and sending five armed officers — none of whom were serving in the county tied to their jurisdiction — to arrest this man was excessive by any measure.