Dear Editor:

I write in support of Charlie Culbertson’s candidacy for Third Selectman in Alna. I find his thinking in concert with my own on two very important issues: rivers and schools.

It might be said that my soul is embedded in the ebb and flow of the Sheepscot River. In the 1930s, I learned to swim in the Sheepscot River; in the ’40s to row a dinghy; in the ’50s I learned to fish; in the ’60s to shoot ducks; and in more recent years, to paddle a kayak and revere the eagles, kingfishers, otters and mink … and ducks.

Charlie also is deeply involved with rivers; he lives on the Sheepscot in Sheepscot; but more important, rivers constitute his work as a field biologist, immersed in matters of water quality, river flow, fish access and plant and animal habitat. In this era of climate change and growing home construction along rivers, he worries, as I do, about invasive species, runoff, water and noise contamination, and the violation of the peaceful sanctuary that rivers have provided for so many of us over the years. He wants to ensure that our children and grandchildren find the same river.

In short, Charlie’s commitment to protecting rivers, in general, and the Sheepscot, in particular, is profoundly personal and deeply professional.

I find Charlie’s commitment to public schools also mirrors my own. I attended the Puddle Dock one room schoolhouse in Alna and proudly display on my wall a 1950 graduation certificate from 7th grade at the Head Tide School. I have been a teacher and principal in several public schools. I care deeply that youngsters are well served by our schools.

Charlie’s two children attend public schools. He is particularly passionate about experiential learning, about rigorous instruction in civics, and about teaching critical thinking skills.

Charlie Culbertson’s well-informed commitment to protecting and preserving the Sheepscot River and his hearty support of good public schools for all children are reasons I will vote for him to join Alna’s Board of Selectmen.

Roland S. Barth

Alna