Dear Editor:

I’m writing in support of Select Board Chairman Mike Tomko, whose integrity has come under unfair attack following a May 29 meeting with Code Enforcement Officer Dan Feeney and attorney Tony Muri.

The accusation that Tomko engaged in some kind of improper backroom dealing does not match the facts. The meeting took place in the town office, not in secret, and it happened before any matter was even pending before Feeney. Tomko didn’t insert himself into it; he was there at Feeney’s own request, to help a new CEO get up to speed on a complicated, years-long issue.

That’s not misconduct. That’s a chairman doing his job. The Select Board appointed Feeney, and as our elected representative, Tomko has every right, and responsibility to want him to succeed.

I’ve watched Mike Tomko serve this town, and what stands out is his honesty. He doesn’t hide from hard issues, and he doesn’t operate behind closed doors. Trying to turn a routine, transparent conversation into a scandal does a disservice to a man who has consistently acted in good faith for Boothbay Harbor.

Mike Tomko deserves our support and our thanks, not baseless accusations aimed at undermining his character.

Andrea Nielsen

On behalf of Waterfront Preservation

Boothbay Harbor