Dear Editor:

In case the majority of the members of the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen are not aware of it, the word "Redskin" is very offensive to many people, especially First Nation People.  Although it would be difficult for these town leaders not to be aware of this fact because recently the town high school was requested to change the name of their mascot. This was accomplished by a vote of our former RSU 12 board.

According to a recent book by Phil Di Vece, “Wiscasset and Its Times,” there are three versions as to why the gully behind the “Welcome to Wiscasset, Prettiest Village in Maine” sign is considered by some to be haunted, and all versions result in the death of a Native American by white Wiscasset settlers. 

The residents requesting a name for their new road proposed five possibilities, and one of these could of have easily chosen without giving anyone offense.

I send my thanks to Selecmen’s Chairman Pam Dunning for voting against this name and to Selectman Jeff Slack for abstaining.

Susan van Alsenoy
Wiscasset