As a citizen of South Portland I am embarrassed and outraged at the way the city treated Deb Smith. It feels like a violation of something sacred. I am appalled that the city did not seek alternative ways of saving money, such as asking everyone to take a cut in salary or increasing fees and taxes for the businesses in the western part of the city rather than giving the shaft to people who have served the city for many years. This is not the way a community operates, especially in tough economic times.

I have been an instructor of Yoga for Ordinary People and Everyday Life and Stress Reduction at the community center for nearly 15 years and have loved the opportunity to provide resources that allow people to enrich the quality of their lives at reasonable prices and in a welcoming and supportive environment. I have loved working with Deb and the staff at the community center whose mission is the health and well being of the residents of South Portland through quality programs. The depth of support, commitment, respect and availability as well as tremendous capacity to juggle a multitude of programs are hallmarks of Deb’s talents. They are elements of the sacred in ordinary life and they were profoundly violated in the way Deb was “laid off.” It was more like a hit squad eliminating an irritant.

I have always been happy to have a third of my earnings go to the city. I felt I was part of a community, part of something special. I do not want the fruits of my labor going to a city that is willing to follow legal advice that totally disregards human kindness.

I urge the council to find a bigger, more creative, human and respectful way to deal with the economic crisis. I urge you to be big enough and courageous enough to stand up and say, “We made a mistake.”

This is South Portland, where the motto is, “Making all things possible.” Certainly there must be some creative individuals who can find solutions that cut costs and enhance the community in a way that makes people feel proud to live there.

Arline M. Saturdayborn

South Portland