It was a lengthy and bureaucratic start, but a start nonetheless in Rumford.

After nine executive sessions on Thursday, the town’s Board of Selectmen showed some overdue and needed leadership by censuring two of its members for overstepping their authority. These are the now-noted lumberjacks, Frank DiConzo and Arthur Boivin, who felled two town trees last month to make a point.

Now, the rest of the board has made theirs. DiConzo and Boivin were ordered to read aloud essays about the importance of “following proper procedure” at the next selectmen’s meeting on Dec. 20, a schoolhouse punishment befitting their juvenile behavior.

In the fallout from the falling trees, debate has raged about Rumford’s image. There’s been an inclination to blame messengers rather than violators, and to unearth old grudges instead of settling new disputes. Ethics have been questioned, reputations smeared, and tempers have flared.

Political cauldrons aren’t great for public relations. With each heated dispute or abuse of power, the town looks rudderless against the beating tide of an out-of-control situation. But there’s nobody with deep-seated reasons to sabotage Rumford, or make it suffer. In our opinion, the reality of the situation is quite the contrary.

From a civic perspective, Rumford is jumping. There are people devoted to public service and devout in their concern for the town’s welfare. They represent myriad backgrounds and possess many specialties. This kind of public engagement is so valuable, but only when it’s channeled into the right efforts.

There are great ideas buzzing around the community. Tom Carey, the town’s attorney, has a winner with his kayak course in the Swift River. His son, Seth, has an idea we’re against – a casino – but we’re supportive of his enthusiasm to bring prosperity to his hometown. There are many hard decisions ahead as well.

Which is why sideshows like the tree-cutting are so frustrating. Everyone in Rumford governance is there for the same goal – a better town, a better community – yet instead of working together, the difference-makers seem engaged in endless displays of one-upmanship and battles of who’s in charge.

Everybody who wants the best for Rumford is right. After this tree-cutting nightmare is over, we urge the town’s leaders to drop the acrimony, and embrace compromise and consensus. The image of a community starts from the top – if those in charge cannot lead, there’s nobody to follow.

And those who will not lead, should get out of the way.