letters

to the editor

To the Editor:

Last week’s edition of the Record gave an account of a “scolding” to a Marion resident at a recent Marion City Commission meeting.

I have known Bradford Harrington for nearly 40 years, one of our last interactions was when he shingled the roof of our farmhouse southwest of Marion before we sold the farm. When I first met Bradford he was a junior high English teacher and a pretty decent banjo player in a local bluegrass band. From time to time, Bradford and I would share memories of Turkey, where I had traveled and he had served in the military using his Russian language skills. Later on, having established a photography business, Bradford took group photos of my daughters with their school athletic teams. Of late, Bradford has had some health issues and as he revealed, is surviving on a very small social security check.

Why is anybody subject to the rude and disrespectful “scolding” delivered by the Mayor in a public meeting? Bradford Harrington has lived a productive and useful life in Marion and served his country in the military. While there may be an issue with some of his property, that is no excuse for rude and disrespectful behavior. Maybe the Mayor needs to drop by the office of a USD 408 counselor and get a session on bullying or get some professional help for anger management.

Harry E. Bennett

Madison, Wisconsin