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 of Charlie Kirk rattled our nation. She references those incidents, insinuating a connection between criticism of the school board and the threat of violence.

Members of the community have expressed concern about the board’s decisions and actions in regards to the rain garden, the proposed bathroom policy, paying more taxpayer dollars for a second law firm, and other issues. I’ve been among them. We’ve spoken at board meetings and written letters to the editor. We’ve exercised our First Amendment rights. For that, Smith intimated we’re not engaging with the board like “normal people.”

So which is it? Does Smith want to ensure peaceful civil discourse? Or does she want to silence those who hold opposing views by dehumanizing us and inciting fear?

The board members became public figures when they took office. They make decisions that affect the children of our community. They spend our tax dollars. They opened themselves up to public scrutiny.

When members of the public question or criticize the board’s decisions, it’s accountability — not harassment.

YVONNE LAFAVE JOHNSON

Alpena Township