The Rev. Sarah Foulger of the Congregational Church sent a letter of apology to Boothbay Harbor Planning Board Chairman Mike Tomko for remarks made at a March 9 selectmen’s meeting.

At the meeting, a delegation from the Congregational Church came to express displeasure with the municipal process that, they felt, would force their building permit application into Superior Court.

During the discussion, Building Committee Chairman Bob Hilscher accused Tomko of shirking his duties as chairman, and suggested he be removed from the planning board.

At the March 23 meeting of the Boothbay Harbor selectmen, Chairman Denise Griffin read the letter from Foulger, which read as follows:

“Dear Mike, We apologize for our comments that you should be removed as chair of the planning board for Boothbay Harbor. We recognize your conscientious and thoughtful approach to this difficult situation and trust you will know that our utter frustration resulted in harsh words that should not have been said. Please accept our sincere apology and recognize that we appreciate your countless hours of work on behalf of the entire community.”

The letter was signed by Foulger and she indicated it was from the entire Congregational Church Building Committee, including Hilscher.

Griffin said the apology was appreciated and she hoped the rest of the planning board would also read the letter. Tomko, who was at the meeting, said he would provide it.

“I appreciate her statement recognizing the hours of effort that I, other members of the planning board, and other boards give towards this community that we love and value,” Tomko said.

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