Rumford’s present political climate has been painted as out of control and hostile.

As a Rumford citizen, I think it is a healthy political climate, because citizens are paying attention to their government and getting involved when they think they should.

I congratulate Thomas Carey and Len Greaney for their rational opposition to recent activities of Rumford’s town manager and selectmen. Both men have challenged elected officials without hostility.

Ron Theriault has presented information at selectmen meetings that sheds new light on the renovation of the Rumford Town Hall. This information was not available to voters when they were asked to approve $3 million for the town hall.

New selectman Mark Belanger has led a group of citizens to campaign for secret-ballot voting on the town’s budget to spur greater voter participation. Complaints were voiced for years that too few people attend town meetings and become involved in town politics, but nothing was done.

Arthur Boivin, another new selectman, is promoting attention to the Rumford town charter simply because it has been ignored in the past so often that some think we can continue ignoring it.

While the present Rumford situation can be difficult for those on opposite sides, we are simply seeing the active work of democracy. That is healthy for any American town.

Tom Fallon, Rumford