Published with permission from Ken Eyring at Granite Grok.
Many know, I have been actively involved with a State Senator and others over the past few months – pushing for a forensic audit of Windham’s voting machines and ballots from the November 3, 2020 general election. A law mandating the forensic audit was passed on April 12th. Part of my support for the Bill included keeping the public aware, and asking them to respectfully submit their thoughts to the appropriate government officials. Their responses have been overwhelming.
It is the civic duty of every citizen to get involved with our government – especially when critical decisions are made regarding the integrity of our elections. Citizen involvement is the foundation of our representative government.
This morning, I was informed by the Chairman of the Windham Board of Selectman that he received “at least two veiled death threats”. He added, “the veiled death threats have crossed the line. This is on you.” He then asked that I make a public statement.
I have had a good, healthy, and respectful relationship with the Chairman going back many years. I agree completely with him that any sort of threat – veiled or not – crosses the line. But I do not agree that “this is on me”. I am NOT responsible for the actions of any other person. I have NEVER incited – nor condoned – violence. It is irresponsible that I am being blamed for someone else’s actions.
To be helpful, I asked to get a copy of the threats so I could put them into context. The Chairman told me that one threat was made via email and the other was a voice message – and that he would forward them to me later today/tonight. Due to the serious accusation, I immediately spoke with the Town Administrator to see if he had a copy of the email. I was told that he would look at the emails and try to forward it to me.
I don’t have any reference regarding what threats were specifically made, but in the meantime, I want to make it clear that I respect the Chairman and the Select Board. Public servants should never be put into a position where they are threatened. Never.
I will not ask people to cease sending their concerns to any public official. BUT I WILL REITERATE THAT WHEN YOU DO, YOU MUST BE CORDIAL AND RESPECTFUL.
