Think Before You Post Online

Civility, anyone?

There have been many stories in the news lately that have divided our community, some of which have prompted reckless responses. Thoughtful discussion and debate are normal and healthy, but when comments extend to threatening one’s life, families or pets, it then crosses a dangerous line.

It is in everybody’s best interest not to rush to judgment on any topic. It’s easy to when you read a post on Facebook or hear a soundbite on the radio; however, neither make you an expert. Gather facts from credible sources, form educated and unbiased opinions, be willing to listen, and continue the conversation. This is the only way our discussions and our community will remain civil.

Certain recent issues have brought forth many individuals with a false sense of entitlement who have blatantly disrespected and threatened other community members. Let’s continue to debate important topics, but make a stronger effort to write online comments with substance. If the same passion that has been put toward threats and petitions were instead put to positive and productive causes, Hartford would be much better off.

That shouldn’t be too much to ask. Civility, anyone?

Ryan Scelza

Quechee

From Obits to Tree Loppers

I love the Valley News! Not only can I keep up with who died (often my generation), but also read articles on cyborgs and pileated woodpeckers on the same page. Kind of like Dan & Whit’s, where you can get a tree lopper, great socks and a chicken salad all in one place!

Alexandra Hickson Corwin

Etna

Concerned About Lebanon’s Future

As we look to planning for Lebanon’s future, a $300,000 study and follow-up meetings have recommended several changes for our city. Precipitated initially by concern about the railroad tunnel, the study went on to make several other suggestions. I have concerns about many of them.

But first I must point out that the online survey on which the suggestions were based was open to anyone who wanted to take the survey, resident or not, and was open to being taken as many times as one wished. It was not a very valid basis on which to reach any conclusions. In addition, the lack of cost estimates for each proposal was regrettable.

The proposal to preserve the existing tunnel is estimated to cost $2 million. That alone should cause concern, as well as the continuing need to monitor activities of the sort that have taken place there.

The downtown development proposal would include construction of a downtown parking garage to replace other lost parking spaces. Whether the site is suitable for such construction is debatable. In addition, there always seems to be parking space currently in the lower parking lot adjacent to the Mascoma River.

In the Colburn Park proposal, the suggestion of two-way traffic around the park seems to make what some consider confusing traffic patterns even more confusing.

In the Hanover Street/Route 120 intersection proposal, the suggestion to remove the stop sign from Route 120 south from Hanover and place it on Hanover Street from the north will effectively block traffic from Hanover Street from exiting from that neighborhood. In addition, it will make it more difficult, if not more dangerous, for bicyclists to travel through the intersection.

The proposal to create another roundabout at the Hanover Street/High Street intersection might work (in which case the city might change its nickname from the “City of Fountains” to the “City of Roundabouts”). There is something similar already there.

And finally, there is the issue of cost. The city’s estimated cumulative costs for all of these proposals have been put at $6.4 million. That, coupled with the Lebanon School’s District estimate of $10 million for future renovations above and beyond the annual increases for salaries and supplies, should cause taxpayers great concern.

Tom McGonis

Lebanon

Police Priorities in Lebanon

After reading recent stories in the Valley News, I conclude that the top priorities of the Lebanon Police are:

1. Marijuana.

2. Homeless people.

3. Sex for sale.

There was also the time when they stopped me for questioning because I walked past the city swimming pool, so from personal experience I could add:

4. Pestering people who are minding their own business.

But maybe all this is a good sign: There must not be much real crime in Lebanon if they have so much time for these things.

Clifford Cary

Lebanon

Hanover in Full Bloom

Strollers along Hanover’s Main Street this summer see the perfectly beautiful flower arrangements in front of the Nugget Theater shopping block. Those passing early in the morning might have the chance to thank in person three or four of the many hard-working members of the Hanover Garden Club who have done such a super job this year in the center of town and elsewhere. The results are a pleasure for us all. Many thanks.

Arthur Gardiner

Hanover