I have refrained from responding to the defamatory attacks on my husband, Doc, but finally, I feel it necessary to speak out.  First of all, I respect Richard Remsen, who wrote a positive letter of support for Denise Munger.  Until now, this has typically been the tradition for candidates for races for local service. 

Doc decided to run because of his love of Rockport and his lengthy professional experience in public service that would be valuable while serving on the Select Board.

Why the sudden interest in one candidate’s political views? 

A small group of Rockport Village residents have written to the local papers claiming his unsuitability for service on the Rockport Select Board.  They have stooped to incredible lows. 

Unable to criticize him on his positions on the pressing issues facing Rockport (in fact, I would point out that not one word of criticism has been written about Doc’s thoughts on pressing issues facing Rockport), they instead have gone after his character and fitness to serve based on the simple fact that he is an unashamed conservative. 

What gives this group of 14 households (Peter Ralston, Richard Cadwalader and family, Katrinka Wilder and Kent Allen, Johnathan Potter, Ken and Susan Sanzone, Andrea Hungerford, Amy Jenner, Susan Chace, Melanie Herring and Rob Dybas, Bob and Cynthia Laurence, Paul Charbonneau, Becky Miller and Lex Cutliffe, Jesse Gillespie and Sarah Higdon-Sudow, and Joan Welsh) living within a half-mile radius of each other in Rockport Village, the right to tell all of Rockport for whom they should vote. 

No wonder there is a complaint about two Rockports!  

Although we too live in the Village, Doc is laser focused on serving all of Rockport. 

Interestingly, an effort was made by the town to hold a debate — something that would have helped townspeople decide for themselves on their choice.  When Doc was contacted, he readily agreed.  Apparently, Ms. Munger was unavailable to participate.

The last time I checked, Select Board service is non-partisan.  I urge you to focus on the issues – and vote for the person who seems best to work on the Select Board to keep Rockport’s beauty, legacy, and address the needs of all of Rockport.

Haunani Wallace lives in Rockport