I disagree with the Alpena County commissioners’ recent actions and stated reasons concerning our library board.

The library board rightfully refused to follow the dictates of a limited segment of our population regarding its collection management.

Contrary to doing nothing, that board preserved the library’s independence by following its best judgment in serving the diverse needs of our entire community.

I understand why people question the sexual education material, but it conveys information factually and effectively. Though it’s graphic, it’s not erotic or pornographic and contains no violence. Differences should be respected, but unsuccessful objectors should not be able to determine the material’s placement or exclusion.

Had the commissioners’ action to remove library trustees been predicated on a concern the library mileage may not pass, I would have disagreed with that conclusion but understood their concern.

But their action is couched in terms that reinforce the slander endured by the library trustees.

One commissioner’s reported statement, “I believe they will continue to do what they want regardless of what anybody says,” reveals a total lack of understanding of the issues involved and occurred in conjunction with another commissioner’s derogatory comment: “The library board president looks worn out,” and he has “lost his ability to lead.”

Omissions of perception and decency that are both surprising and astounding.

County board Chairman Travis Konarzewski — the only commissioner to vote against removing members of the library board — expressed this concern:

“I feel, by doing so, we may open up the door to other groups who may not agree with something and demand someone or something else be eliminated.”

Chairman Konarzewski identified the slippery edge our library board had to navigate, an edge now set as an arc trending downward.

DOUGLAS A. PUGH,

Alpena