Costanzo’s
Contribution

The recent letter of resignation from Correspondent Costanzo of the Herald strikes a sad note for the town of Bethel. For years, Chris and the Herald have provided thorough and balanced coverage of important and noteworthy events.

The good life of small towns like Bethel depends on these extraordinary efforts by caring citizens. Be they selectpersons, members of local boards and organizations, the fire department, or just plain folks who care enough to find important ways to be of service, the value of these contributions should never be underestimated nor go un-thanked.

After a distinguished cloak-and-dagger career, Chris Costanzo might well have passed gently into quiet retirement. He chose instead to devote himself to a near full time job for scant pay, immersing himself in local politics, business, day-to-day life and culture.

If it was happening in Bethel, Chris was there paying attention. He has been our town crier in announcing and celebrating big and small events, helping us understand and know ourselves better, and shining a light on what might otherwise have been missed.

While Chris has written about the circumstances which led to his resignation in this past week’s Herald, I feel further comment is necessary. Chris Costanzo was and remains first and foremost, a resident and taxpayer of this town. As we all do, he has the right to attend and fully participate in any and all public meetings. If he chooses to take on the additional role of a member of the press, this in no way compromises the right of participation that is his as a citizen.

Unlike Chairman Mao, if Chairman Fox wishes to change the rules of procedure, state statute requires he do so as the result of an open process. He may not simply announce it as a done deal in the name of "being able to more clearly focus on business."

Democracy is indeed sometimes a messy business. Totalitarian rule may be tidier but suppression of public participation was clearly not what our founders had in mind. The bottom line is that participation of concerned citizens is the measure of a healthy democracy.

Garrison Keillor once said he reckoned God writes more comedies than tragedies but unfortunately he has some seriously bad actors to work with down here. I move we take a timeout, shake hands and then give this a happy ending. Neil Fox owes no less to himself, to Chris Costanzo and to this community.

Let’s move forward together.

John Fago

Bethel