Trustees say thanks to town employees

To the Editor:

I am writing to thank the many professionals of the town of Westminster who assisted the library during the recent flooding. On Tuesday, Jan. 22, a heating coil in a third-floor heating unit burst, sending water through all three floors of the library. By the time I arrived at the library, the crisis had been underway for about 2.5 hours. What struck me upon entering the building was the extent of damage throughout the building and the manner in which town officials were dealing with what can safely be called a near-catastrophe. Library staff, volunteers from the Fire Department and Town Custodian Bob Cramm, lead by Director Margaret Howe-Soper, were collecting and moving the fine art collection to safety. Town Clerk Denise MacAloney and Town Coordinator Karen Murphy were on hand helping to coordinate the disaster response with state and insurance officials. Fire Chief Brent MacAloney and his superb crew of firemen were everywhere at once calmly covering the stacks with tarps and pulling water up from the floor and carpets. When the "experts" at water removal arrived, they repeatedly commented on how the fire department's swift response had greatly limited the damage to the building and collection.

In this era of fiscal limitations and restraints, it is understandable for citizens to question the cost of government, as well as its size, at the local, state and federal levels. Additionally, citizens question the competence, or lack thereof, of government to accomplish the tasks we set for it. The citizens of Westminster are fortunate to be served by dedicated and competent professionals at all levels. On behalf of all the trustees, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who helped us in our crisis. We are fortunate to live in a town where such uncommon ability and work ethic is the everyday, quiet norm.

Dana Altobelli Chairman of the Forbush Library Trustees