Editor:

The condescending arrogance displayed by Cumberland’s Board of Supervisors at the recent public hearing on the landfill issue was stunning.

The board is apparently upset with citizens for interfering in county business. The board laments the years of failure by citizens to attend their meetings and be involved in their decisions. The board criticizes citizens for speaking out against proposals they did not agree with. And yet the board of supervisors is quick to hire lawyers and file suit against citizens when they exercise their rights under the law. It is our right to speak out, it is our right to question, and it is our right to demand answers.

The board, in this case, fails to understand who put them in office. Citizens should expect their board members to come to their meetings prepared to pay attention, i.e., don’t slouch, chew gum and attend to your cell phones during the meeting; stop referring to the citizens of Cumberland as “you people”; and understand that you are supporting a plan that disrupts the lives and livelihood of many people and they have a right to be upset.

The board deserves all the criticism it is getting. When you hide behind closed doors for months and at the last moment spring something as life changing as this landfill is on unsuspecting residents you should expect to get anger and criticism. You are getting what you deserve.

Beverly Speas

Cumberland