Social capital – the theory that good comes from civic involvement – is not a new concept.

L.J. Hanifan, state supervisor of rural schools in West Virginia in 1916, first defined social capital. Individuals, if left to themselves, are helpless socially, he observed. But, when we come in contact with neighbors in partnership and cooperation, our communities are better for it.

But when social capital goes bad, there is another term for it: “anti social capital.”

There is also a place for it: Rumford.

The fallout of anti social capital has been studied in Pakistan and Romania, so it’s not unique to Rumford, it’s just so much closer to home and so troublesome to see firsthand.

Rumford is a terrifically scenic valley town surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is also a mill town, full of good people struggling to re-define themselves as something else. They have the desire, energy and commitment, but admit they lack the skills or structure to do it. Yet.

In Rumford, desire for change has been trampled by real actions and cyber-backstabbing. The actions – like rogue selectmen felling trees – can be held accountable, but the elusive anonymity of the Web provides a forum where anything goes. Where destruction reigns. Where real people get hurt, disillusioned and downright nasty.

Where the town’s social capital is being destroyed one kilobyte at a time.

Rumford’s anti-social capital crusaders spew drivel on many Web sites, including sunjournal.com. Worst among them is the so-called “Rumford Reporter,” which spends inordinate energy unleashing vitriolic personal attacks against anybody who disagrees with its anonymous editor’s viewpoints.

Others craft layered conspiracy theories about town government, and refer to the town manager, Jim Doar, as an “unethical weak-minded town manager who only makes things worse.”

Really?

Doar is the guy who took the job, despite an anonymous message sent to his New York home warning him not to come to Rumford. He hadn’t even started before he was being chased away, and this chase only got uglier and more intense as the past year unfolded.

So he’s leaving.

Now “Uncle Charlie’s Political Funhouse,” another Internet embarrassment which has Doar dancing a hula in a grass skirt, won’t have him to kick around any more. What a travesty.

The town has lost a good man for nothing.

Rumford can put some of this mess to rest. There is an election for selectmen next month, and an opportunity for voters to allow the hiring of a part-time town manager.

What voters decide is critical to Rumford’s future, and whether the town can redirect the destructive social capital that once was so positive in this hard-working town.

Turnout is traditionally strong in Rumford but on June 10, it must be enormous.

It must stomp the antisocial capital infesting the town, fed by venom such as the following from May 11, posted on sunjournal.com, by a Rumford resident toward other vocal citizens:

“All posts made by the same uneducated scum who are unfortunately from our town. Get a life SAD, T, YOU FOOLS, and MARK!!! And, MOVE!!! Everyone would be happier.”

Would they?

This is what Rumford citizens have the power to decide.