For a long time, we wished Hartford could have a selectman such as Mark Silber. From this side of the Nezinscot River, everything looked so civilized over there.

On summer Sundays, we could leave our blueberry-stained kitchen to visit Hedgehog Hill Farm and hear Mark or Terry tell us about perennials or herbs or some other aspect of gardening. There was also herb tea, and others to chat with. It was so much more than a break.

Our son, Max, worked there for years (he is now in Brunswick with his four children). It was a great job and he made good friends. Mark let him have his wedding at the farm. We all owe this guy, big-time.

Sumner has benefited greatly from Silber’s leadership. Whether or not we agree with him about wind power, his career has been in the best tradition of integrity and public service.

Elizabeth Garcia O’Keefe and Arthur Harvey, Hartford Center