After reading Kevin Lake’s March 4 guest column [“Misinformation, personal attacks, have no place in Northampton debate”], I am starting to wonder if reading comprehension is a widespread problem in this city, and not just for kids who can’t get reading services because of the mayor’s school budget.

School funding advocates have pointed out many times, in this newspaper and elsewhere, that revenues have been disproportionately underestimated compared to the previous mayor, leading to surpluses. If revenues are more accurately estimated and the mayor adopts a less conservative approach, there will be more money for operating costs, including schools and services.

People can disagree, but calling these statements “misinformation” is a bad-faith argument that fosters confusion and distrust. I hope that isn’t the goal, so I will assume good faith, and believe that Mr. Lake just didn’t do his homework on this issue.

It’s strange that advocating for children makes people in this city so uncomfortable and defensive. Criticizing the mayor’s job performance and priorities is not a personal attack. She may personally feel sad about the cuts to schools (and who wouldn’t feel sad? I feel sad too!). But as mayor, feeling sad isn’t enough. She is the only one with the power to resolve this crisis. If she cannot adjust her priorities, then we need a new mayor.

This isn’t personal; it’s democracy, which is under threat across our nation. We all need to exercise our rights to criticize our leaders and advocate for change, lest we lose those rights entirely.

Amber Clooney

Florence