Sincere Regrets

To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to make a public apology for my behavior during the public comment portion of our Charter Review Commission meeting this past Tuesday evening, October 10.

First to Al Cramer, the chairman of our commission, I would like to express my deepest regret. My loud attempts to engage in dialogue with those who spoke during the second public comment portion of the meeting, and my inappropriate reaction to your attempts to reestablish order, were not only way out of line, but highly disrespectful of you personally. For that I am deeply sorry. I commit to you I will conduct myself in an appropriate orderly fashion at our meetings going forward.

To those members of the public who spoke during that second public comment period, not expecting nor deserving additional commentary, I am very sorry. My lack of understanding, and appreciation of the need to follow, Robert’s Rules of Order dawned on me too late to stop my rude interjections. I would like to express my sincere regret and promise more orderly behavior in the future.

To those who read in The Bee of my loose comments during our board meeting the prior week, and were offended, I apologize. I appreciate the comments of those that came to our meeting this past Tuesday and expressed their displeasure. I promise I will be more careful at future meetings, to choose my words and phrasing more carefully, and to carry a tone more respectful of the long hours and hard work members of our government bodies give to our town.

I look forward to working with you all in the future in a manner more respectful of those on the Legislative Council who appointed me to this commission.

Respectfully,

Guy W. Howard

Charter Revision Commission

10 Elizabeth Street, Newtown                             October 12, 2006