I read the March 8 “Our View” on the Voices of Otisfield and felt that I should communicate my thoughts.

We, as selectmen, did not agree to sign the petition. Actually, we did not know about it until two days before when the people asked to speak at the meeting. At the time I did not believe it was the appropriate place, but after some thought, I believe each citizen has the right to their opinion and the annual town meeting is a place where it is a meeting for the people and I could not say to them: no, you cannot speak and present your petition.

I was approached before the meeting and asked to sign the petition. I did as a citizen, and this is where I’m confused. The Voices can use the town’s name all it wants. All the petition asked was if members would remove it. Nowhere does it state that they have to.

In reference to the First Amendment, isn’t it my right as a citizen to be allowed to do so? You suggested we leave them alone. Does that mean the Sun Journal advocates that we should not allow people to share their opinion and that I, along with the other two selectmen, not be allowed to sign the petition request?

The Voices have done exactly what the editorial says we should stop doing. They have presented petitions to the selectmen insisting on changing something the way they want it .

The request for the name change is because the name – Voices of Otisfield – itself, comes across to many, including myself, that they represent many, and they do not. Sometimes perception is everything.

More than 140 people signed the petition. They represent the people who go to the town meeting and vote.

If so many people feel this way, there is a reason.

Citizen groups are not what we are trying to limit, but the editorial was trying to limit what the 140 or so asked as a request.

That request, if done, would greatly assist in mending fences and help the group along.

Some of their requests have some merit and others do not. That is for the selectmen to decide as elected officials.

The group is not at all being targeted by the selectmen as the editorial stated and, I feel, as a citizen, I had the right to make the request even though it is not binding.

I’m very proud to serve as a selectman. The people have been very, very supportive and I can truly say it has been very enjoyable. I hope to serve our fine community for years to come.

Your editorial was not really off base, but there is so much more that makes the whole situation interesting. I just wish we would be given credit for allowing a majority of the people to speak when they asked to.

What would have been your view if we said no to them speaking and told people that they should not sign a petition that they feel strongly about?

Mark Cyr is a member of the Otisfield Board of Selectmen.