Last November, I made a terrible error. In a moment of anger, I wrote an article about Covid-19, masks, and the overall political situation, both locally and nationally. The focus of the article was Scotland, and my job here, and the article concerned a conflict I had with Barbara Syme. It was published in a magazine called The Baffler. I should not have done that. My emotions were too raw for public consumption, and I should have known better than to handle them this way. But I did not, and it was wrong of me not to think this all the way through.
This was a breach of trust. People in town have to be able to deal with me, including disagreeing with me and even making me angry, without fear of this kind of reprisal, especially not when I continue to hold this position. I regret that I did not understand the effects that publishing the article would have on the trust that townspeople must have in order to feel like I am taking care of them the way they expect me to. I had no right to publish this article, at least not so long as I was entrusted with the care of the town. And I will not make that mistake again.
Perhaps more grievous and regrettable, I was unkind to Barbara. We disagreed. I should not have used that as an excuse to hurt her, and I am ashamed that I did. Barbara is an important and dedicated member of this community, and she is a devoted partner to Dan, and the two of them have enough to think about without my making their lives more difficult.
I don’t think there’s anything I can do to remedy this situation beyond making this apology, promising not to repeat the error, and asking for your forgiveness in hopes that whatever trust I’ve lost I can regain. This of course is entirely up to you, and I hope you will consider it.
As always, feel free to contact me.
Gary Greenberg
First Selectman
Town of Scotland