L E T T E R S
PRINCIPAL KELLY APOLOGIZES TO FAMILY

The following letter was also submitted to A.J. Montijo and his family.

Dear A. J. and Family:

I am deeply sorry for the omission of your name on the graduation program. The program was proofread, but I apologize that the error was not corrected. We are having programs printed that address this for you and members of your family. I also apologize for the error in not presenting you with the scholarships for which you have been selected.

Apparently, the paper clip which attached your scholarships became attached to another student's packet. I am sorry that you were not given the recognition for your three substantial and well-deserved scholarships, which total $4,500.00. I am contacting the appropriate media to publicly correct this oversight.

You are recognized for being an outstanding student and young man who has contributed greatly to the overall life of our school. You have always behaved as a gentleman, and your efforts to further your development beyond the school year are most commendable. You have exhibited academic excellence, leadership and school and community service throughout your four years at Nantucket High School. I am certain that your future at the University of Massachusetts and beyond will be successful.

Again, I am sorry that we did not adequately recognize your achievement at the graduation ceremony. I do wish you the best in all of your future endeavors. Sincerely,

- George Kelly

NHS Principal DIDN'T KNOW I WAS A CRONY

To the editor:

To quote my favorite president, "There you go again," Grant. If I did'nt know you, I would suspect you were once a gymnast turned writer, as you are quite good - I must admit - at walking the balance beam between satire and critique.

My critical response to your YACK On column (June 7) would be simply that there are numerous cases involving selectmen serving on multiple boards or commissions.You may want to note that many who have, would fall on the side of limiting or "managing" growth. Also, by the fact that the BOS serves as the County Commissioners and the Board of Health in and of itself creates, at times, the perception of controversy. We will continue to have past, present and future individuals qualified to serve impartially on more than one public position.

Mr.Chadwick certainly has proven rather quickly to be quite able to do that.

Now, for my attempt at satire to your column. As if you don't know already: "Happily for Brian, the NP&EDC is stacked with old-time Nantucket Cronies, including his uncle, who voted him in handily on Monday night." I will accept that as the highest compliment from a leader of our local "Washashore Rebellion."

Funny that, if my research is accurate, I could be the youngest crony with the oldest bloodlines. My great-grandmother was a direct descendant of Ben Franklin's mother, Abiah Folger. My great-grandfathers' side arrived here some 100 year later. Washashores in their day, I suppose. Kinda cool, huh?

I remember as a young boy heading out the Polpis Road with my dad to help Brian's grandfather, Stuart Chadwick, till his beloved garden. Dad would'nt let him retire from doing what he loved. You don't forget those lessons in life.

There are many non-cronies (anyone who wants limits on houses, cars or sewer connections!) representing our community on every local board or commission.(see HDC & Zoning Officer). That is certainly quite clear to anyone keeping score. However, most cronies (working stiffs .. oops!) do not. I support them wholeheartedly in their efforts as American citizens and residents of Nantucket. But there are times when a very qualified person may have to be a little more patient and wait their turn.That's just the way it has always been and will continue to be in a small island town with many old trees and a lot of roots.

- Nathaniel E. Lowell

GET A GRIP

To the editor:

I was outraged by the article in The Independent on June 7, 2006 concerning the reporter Peter Brace calling upon the zoning officer of Nantucket ("When informed by this reporter on May 30 to Gray Lady's infraction") concerning their 2 year CO problem.

Here is a viable island business already working overtime to help all islanders get their boats ready for the season and trying to make do; while also fully trying to work with an already burdensome (and burdened) local enforcement agency. Why don't we let them work it out without anonymous callers and butt head reporters trying to interject their obvious bias into the process?

Here is a perfect example of two hard working groups just trying to do their respective jobs. If the few small minded citizens of Nantucket have nothing better to do with their time; then may I suggest volunteering at the hospital or concentrating on cleaning up the litter on the beaches as a more productive outlet. Respectively,

- Craig Roos

Editor's Note: Peter B. Brace informed the zoning enforcement officer of a tip he received that Grey Lady Marine may be operating without a CO. When questioned, Silverstein did not know of the alleged violations and said that he would look into it. His investigation led to the cease and desist order. The Independent recognizes the hard work and community service Grey Lady Marine performs getting boats into and out of the water, and repairing and maintaining them. We also acknowledge the chal- lenging tasks facing the town's Zoning Enforcement Officer and the sheer volume of daily duties Marcus Silverstein must perform.

IN LIGHT OF THE DAY

To the editor:

This year, the Nantucket Lighthouse School was the winner of Something Natural's annual Nonprofit Day. For three years, islanders have been invited to vote for their favorite nonprofit by visiting Something Natural in May.

As the non-profit organization with the most votes, the Nantucket Lighthouse School was the recipient of the day's bakery receipts and a portion of the t-shirt sales on June 8. The staff at Something Natural also generously donated their tips for the day. The Nantucket Independent added a dollar to the donation for each free cookie coupon cut from the paper and redeemed in May at Something Natural.

All of us at Lighthouse School thank Matt Fee and his staff at Something Natural for establishing Nonprofit Day. It represents a commitment to our island community that, as a nonprofit, we truly appreciate.

We are very grateful to the Nantucket community for choosing Lighthouse as their favorite nonprofit, and for braving the construction on Cliff Road to make the day such a success.

We also wish to thank The Nantucket Independent for their donation to the Lighthouse School through their cookie coupon program.

The money raised on June 8 for Lighthouse School will go towards the construction of a new school building on Fairgrounds Road to house our growing student body. Because we are the recipient of a matching gift, the donation has been doubled.

At Lighthouse School we are deeply committed to serving the community in which we live by providing dynamic and creative educational programming for our island's youngest members. We thank and applaud Something Natural for giving back to the community through Nonprofit Day, and The Nantucket Independent, for donating to such a worthy cause. Sincerely,

- Elizabeth Sundell and Lizbet Carroll Fuller,

Co-Founders, Nantucket Lighthouse School

LET'S MAKE A DEAL

To the editor:

Air traffic controllers in Nantucket and the flying public owe a great debt of gratitude to Representative William Delahunt who this week stood up for fairness and air safety by voting in favor of bill HR 5449 - a piece of legislation that sought to restore fairness and accountability in the FAA contract negotiating process.

With his vote, Congressman Delahunt sent a clear message to the FAA: get back to the negotiating table and make a deal in the interests of Massachusetts taxpayers and air travelers.

While the vote on this bill did not achieve the necessary 2/3rds tally by a very slim margin, thanks to the support of Congressman Delahunt, a clear bipartisan majority of the House demonstrated they want current contract negotiations to be reopened and resolved. His vote said they do not believe allowing the FAA to impose a contract on our nation's controllers is a safe or smart way to address the challenges we face as we prepare our national aviation system for the next generation.

America's air traffic controllers salute Congressman Delahunt for his courage and leadership and we urge the FAA to heed this message. Sincerely,

- Jake Allegrini

President National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Local ACK Nantucket Air Traffic Control Tower