Editor’s note: This commentary is by Paul Bruhn, of South Burlington, who is executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont. It is also signed by Gil Livingston, of Burlington; Marc Mihaly, of Calais; Nancy Owens, of Burlington; Brenda Torpy, of South Hero; and Amy Wright, of Burlington. All the co-signers are leaders of Vermont nonprofit organizations.
Calls for civility and polite discourse seem inadequate in the face of what Vermonters witnessed last week: the personal family privacy of Chris Recchia and Julie Iffland was invaded on May 25 by chainsaw-wielding, spray-paint spreading, trespassing “demonstrators.” What were the crimes that warranted this treatment? Chris has spent his career focused on protecting Vermont’s environment, an especially passionate advocate for wise energy use and conservation. Julie worked as an exemplary public land protection advocate, and now serves her local community focused on economic development – her current passion is to build affordable housing for seniors in Randolph.
Reasonable people can disagree with positions the Department of Public Service has taken on controversial issues. In fact, there are differences among those of us who have signed this commentary. But Wednesday’s invasion of Chris and Julie’s home and privacy is terribly at odds with Vermont values. The event crossed a very important line.
We are able to disagree about strongly held views, yet still enjoy each other at the general store, places of worship, Memorial Day picnics, play softball on the same team, volunteer in the local school and pick up trash together on Green Up Day.
We take great pride in our town meeting tradition of vociferous airing of differences, but with a passionate commitment to solving problems together in civil conversation. We are well aware that citizens come from a variety of political and social perspectives, but we work together as neighbors respecting each other’s individuality. We are able to disagree about strongly held views, yet still enjoy each other at the general store, places of worship, Memorial Day picnics, play softball on the same team, volunteer in the local school and pick up trash together on Green Up Day. And sometimes we get really mad at our opponents, but it generally doesn’t last long because we could be teaming up with them the following week.
We can only assume that the loss of civility and progress in Washington, and the particularly offensive presidential campaign this year has provided cover and given tacit permission for this kind of over-the-line behavior. But we condemn this thinking: Chris and Julie deserve far better from their community, and we all aspire for disagreement that is consistent with Vermont’s traditions.
We also hope this isn’t the “canary in the coal mine” about civil behavior in Vermont. Please join us in condemning the shameful invasion of Julie and Chris’ home life, and speak up on behalf of Vermont-style respectfulness.
