So much for Sununu

As a centrist independent, I give Gov. Sununu mostly high marks for his governorship, particularly his leadership during the pandemic. I didn’t agree with everything he did, but he generally governed moderately, stopping many far-right initiatives and compromising with the left as made sense.

However, his response to questions from ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday’s “This Week” program lead me to conclude that Sununu will be likely be known to history as a fool. He, like most every other Republican leader has now “kissed the ring,” nay kissed the naked foot (I’d prefer to use arse) of D.J. Trump, and will be supporting and fundraising for him even if Trump is convicted in one or more of Trump’s criminal trials. Sununu will do this despite his acknowledgement that Trump enabled a failed insurrection, falsely claimed he lost the 2020 election and unconstitutionally tried to hang on to power.

I once thought you to be man of high integrity and moral certainty, Chris. I no longer feel that way. At this critical moment you are a coward. Your failure to stand tall and do what’s right for conservatism and the nation will be remembered. You say you are doing this because you are concerned about your party’s down ballot candidates. I doubt this. You are doing this because you have no political future otherwise. You are putting your personal political desires ahead of doing what’s right. You had a chance to be a truly great political figure. I’m sorry that you blew it.

Tim Jennings

Enfield

Lebanon ceasefire debate is a waste

May I ask how many hours and resources have been spent on scheduling meetings, discussion and drafting the resolution to “call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza?”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our city could actually influence Hamas to release the citizens of Israel, Thailand and other countries that they kidnapped on Oct. 7 as a step toward the end of war?

Shouldn’t our City Councilors and the DEI Commission show equal concern with the Ukrainian citizenry, the conscripted Russian soldiers, the Rohingya, Karen and Shan in Myanmar, the Uyghurs and Tibetans in Northern China, the women and girls in Afghanistan, the innocent citizens in Haiti, and each of the other many conflicts around the world?

Our city leaders, employees and volunteers have neither the expertise nor resources to weigh in on international politics.

The original petition to consider a resolution was presented by the coalition group Upper Valley for Palestine. Fewer than 30% of the signatures were from Lebanon residents. A well-meaning, vocal group of mostly outsiders has been allowed to foist an issue divisive to many of our residents upon us. As a resident taxpayer, I question the utility, relevance and resources for our city to weigh in on any issue of international politics, especially one as complicated as the Hamas war with Israel.

We all wish for the end of war and suffering in the Middle East and around the world. But let’s keep international politics out of our daily City of Lebanon business.

Nancie Severs

Lebanon

Rivendell principal deserves thanks

The Annual Report of the Rivendell Interstate School District did much to highlight the dedicated work of our schools’ teachers and staff. There was, however, one glaring omission. There was no mention of the Head of School Dr. Keri Gelenian, no acknowledgement of his many years of tireless service to our community. Attempts by the School Board and superintendent to explain Gelenian’s abrupt departure are deemed by many district residents to be untenable.

I cannot let the district’s snub go unanswered. As a member of the community and the parent of a Rivendell alum, let me voice my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Keri Gelenian for your leadership of Rivendell Academy and for the care you have given to our students. Thank you, Keri.

Gail Dimick

Orford

Program on how deer harm forests

I am writing to encourage you to attend a series of programs designed to educate residents, landowners, policymakers and municipal governments about the importance of healthy, resilient forests, with a focus on the effects of deer overabundance and invasive species on forest health.

The first event, Why Forests are Essential, held on April 18, is an introduction to the importance of forest ecosystems, and some of the threats to healthy forest regeneration.

Subsequent events will look at the importance of hunting and the effects of deer and invasive species on forest regeneration and biodiversity:

■Oh Deer: Impact of Deer on Upper Valley Forests, 6 to 7:30 p.m., May 1

<sbull value="sbull"><text xmlns="urn:schemas-teradp-com:gn4tera"></text></sbull>(Open) Space Invaders: How Invasive Plants Threaten Biodiversity, 6 to 7:30 p.m., May 22

These three events will be held in person at the Howe Library’s Mayer Room in Hanover and via Zoom.

No registration required in person; register for Zoom through the Howe Library’s website or the Lebanon Conservation Commission’s website.

Sarah Riley

Lebanon

The writer chairs the Lebanon Conservation Commission.