It is painful to be the subject of a recall, especially when I believe I’m doing a good job on the assembly. Harder still is that all I have in terms of my career as a writer and a role model to my grandchildren are my integrity, honesty and goodwill. Mr. Turner’s recall is stealing them from me and that’s wrong. His charges are not true. I have never used my assembly position for financial gain. For 20 years I’ve written obituaries for the CVN. I earn about $1,000 annually, more in sad years. My blog is free to readers and costs me to maintain. The Police Blotter is not featured. 

  I also have not violated the open meetings law. I replied to one email from one assembly member that was not in a group thread or cc’d to anyone. Furthermore, we disagreed, so it did not alter the outcome of a public vote.

What worries me most about the recall, no matter how it ends, is who on earth will run for office and subject themselves to personal attacks like this?

Before each meeting, I write two phrases on my agenda: from Becky Nash, “Be kind, be brave, be thankful,” and from Garrison Keillor, “Anger is poison. Meet hostility with courtesy.” The best response to the recall is not anger. Instead, grab a trash bag from the chamber office, head outside, and help clean up our lovely community. Thank you.

Heather Lende 

Author