In support of Wayne Quint

To the editor:
    As you may realize that we (the Millars) have very deep feelings about the community of Houlton and its people. Our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents proudly spent their lives there … but also gave graciously of their time to the community. I provide this prologue simply to qualify our feeling toward the current SAD 29 board’s decision not to renew Mr. Wayne Quint’s contract after 50 years’ of service.
    To say that we each were stunned by the letter that we received indicating that after 50 years’ of profound service, countless students and many, many hours of personal dedication to Houlton and its youth that the administration could even ponder a decision such as this. That left me compelled to write this letter.
    As I am certain many people of the current generation and going back into the 1960s remembers Mr. Quint’s quiet leadership, his smile, his grace and his care of the students. Yet never once letting anything unruly or out of line occur under his watch. He played by the book but did it with charm. leadership and care. I often wonder even in my own life when judging the fate of others … if I could truly be measured under my own set standards and have I and my administration lived to the letter of that standard. Possibly a point of debate for the current administration making these decisions.
    I am certain with all matters there are two sides to every story, although the compelling aspect of Mr. Quint’s side only needs the 50 years’ of service to substantiate it … we would like to publicly hear the other side. Our family has not lived in Houlton for several decades … but we each receive the Pioneer Times and read about the community weekly … to say we care goes without saying, to say we have a bird’s eye view is where we need the strength of your paper, the community and you to help.
    Please do not let this matter not be heard … we appreciate your consideration and trust in our fellow generation to do the right thing.
Jamie Millar
Weare, N.H.
Maryann Brisette
Lewiston
Beth Miller
Franklin, Mass.