The ability to disagree with elected representatives — and each other — is a cornerstone of our democratic process and community wellbeing. That’s why Teresa Smith’s September 13th letter to the editor is so worrying, especially due to its timing and tone.

Smith claimed concern about the safety of the situation with the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education, yet she used inflammatory language to describe those with which she disagrees. Referring to your neighbors as an “angry mob” having a “full-blown meltdown” is dangerous.

Smith refers to targeting board members’ children, smearing their businesses, and dissecting their personal lives. Yet Smith offers no proof of her incendiary claims, which are false.

Smith’s letter appeared days after more school shootings and the assassination

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