20 December—Remember the obvious error in Wednesday’s Hearst RepublicanAmerican reported in the Monitor on Thursday? Well, evidently it wasn’t an error at all. Because rather than a correction the HRA printed this “CLARIFICATION” on Friday’s editorial page: “A Dec. 17 op-ed by the Yankee Institute’s Andrew Fowler, ‘Why Connecticut’s treatment of faith-based nonprofits matters,’ mistakenly included a photo of syndicated columnist Christine Flowers.” The clarification neglected to mention that Christine’s byline also was mistakenly included. Clarification?

Anyway, we received this letter on Wednesday:

ROUTINE DOESN’T CHANGE WITH BOROUGH BOARD

It seems that being consistent with borough decisions and replying to email communication aren’t priorities for the Litchfield Borough Board.

I will limit my reasons to a couple of issues, showing how this board is not a consistent supporter of certain causes and a steady character.

Without revisiting the yellow ribbon issue, which many residents remember. An application was submitted to add a bench to replace the ribbons to honor our veterans on the town green. After a year of meetings without much attention given, the request was withdrawn. This past year, the borough board approved several new benches for the town green and not one of the benches was offered to the prior application for our veterans. At this time, the America 250 Committee has issued an application for a boulder to honor Revolutionary War participants on the green. This request seems to be on its way for approval. Should you question which is better for the green, a boulder or a bench?

For the second time within the last three months, I have sent emails to the board without any replies. The recent email, I asked about the following statement in the November 19,2025 meeting minutes.

“Amy Sobek requested the green on 11-1-2025 for a gathering for truth and healing.” Application was withdrawn. I asked if the application was withdrawn; why was there still a gathering held on 11-1-2025?

When you scratch your head at some of the decisions made by the borough and historic district boards. You have to wonder if this application should be at the top of the list as one of the most insane and craziest applications of all time. For the 250^th anniversary of the U.S., in the town of Litchfield next year. They what to have a bonfire on North St. Extension in the middle of town. I’m going to assume this will not damage the road, as there were no worries or concerns raised at the meeting. Would having it at the community field be a safer environment for the event and everyone attending? Showing their steady character and always acting in the same manner. It seems to be a yes to have it in the middle of town, as long as the borough is added as an additional insurer. What more can you ask for?

Richard Morin, Litchfield

So the Monitor dutifully asked Borough Warden Gayle Carr for her response and here’s what she said:

Most of Mr. Morin’s statements I will not respond to. As to his question about the bonfire, it is on the road, not on the Green. The Town controls the roads and town approval was given for this use. The issue was presented to the Board in accordance with the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The America 250 report and discussion is a standing issue on our agenda for the year.

While called a bonfire, it is supposed to be in something akin to a cauldron, on a raised temporary structure above the street so that the street is not damaged. It is allegedly nothing like the bonfire which was permitted in 1976. It is being monitored and facilitated by the Fire Marshal and the fire department will be present. The board has permitted it while recognizing that to a certain extent, in being in the middle of the road, we have limited authority over it. In fact, the request to be added to the insurance policy as an additional insured to protect the Borough and its residents, was denied by the insurance company as we had no insurable interest.

[Editorial note: According to a former borough warden, the North Street Extension Rich Morin refers to is formally known as Union Street. And, as we recall, the 1976 bonfire Gayle Carr refers to was the real thing, if not as impressive as it could have been. As Gayle supposes, moreover, the celebratory blaze planned for next year won’t be a bonfire at all but will be contained in something like a 55-gallon steel drum. Ah, the good old days.]