I thank the Sun Journal for that insightful editorial Sept. 26 criticizing the Poland Regional High School Committee’s use of e-mail to discuss the public’s business. But, seconding the chairman, the editorial stated the fact that, as a committee member, I brought it up at a meeting the week before without putting it on the agenda amounted to an “ambush” and “grandstanding” and a “stunt.”

First, I offered my thoughts during the public participation section of the meeting, where unspecified non-agenda items can be raised by any member or attendee without advance notice. On many occasions, we’ve had long and fruitful discussions on such matters even though members had no inkling that they were coming. Those are specious grounds on which to attack someone. When you’re weak on substance in a debate, go after your opponent’s tactics.

Second, the rest of the committee shouldn’t have been so shocked and silenced. I brought up the same issue a year ago, and we discussed it in detail at a subsequent meeting.

Third, the editorial marks the third time that my position – the public’s position – has been aired in a daily newspaper that reaches so many homes. This letter makes it four. For that, I owe the chairman and the Sun Journal my sincere thanks.

Fourth, I will continue to use the same forum if I think we’re failing to live up to our responsibilities as elected officials, even if I have to resort to nasty little “ambushes.”

Dave Griffiths, Mechanics Falls