#MiddleburyCT #Letters #VoterForum
These two letters refer to a statement by Selectman Brian Shaban as he spoke about financial responsibility during the June 16, 2026, voter forum. Shaban said of the Middlebury Poet Laureate, “It’s great to have a poet, but do we need to spend a thousand dollars of your money to have a poet for the town or could someone volunteer to do that?”
Poetry in Middlebury
To the Editor:
I was disheartened at the ill-informed and gratuitous potshot at Middlebury’s Poet Laureate position that candidate Shaban took at the recent Candidates’ Forum. As an extensively published literary critic of modern American poetry, I would like to offer a broader view — and correct a few possibly mistaken impressions.
Most importantly, the arts (including poetry) are the lifeblood and measure of any society. John F. Kennedy: “When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations.”
Some politicians have long treated the arts as frivolous, elitist, or suspect. But the arts, in all their forms, cultivate imagination, empathy, nuance, and respect for language.
Public figures who disparage the arts often seem uncomfortable with complexity and ambiguity, both critical aspects of public service.
Poets laureate usually write in celebration of their community, its people, their achievements, and other positive themes. Is this a critical need? Perhaps not. But is this desirable? Of course. Especially as a unifying force to bring people together.
Many economic impact studies have shown the tremendous economic benefits that the arts bring to communities. It’s a subtle background effect, but without question reflected in home values and other aspects of towns being considered by buyers.
Finally, candidate Shaban seemed to imply that a $1000 stipend for Middlebury’s Poet Laureate came out of the Town budget, perhaps annually. In fact, as First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr has explained, the stipend is $750 for two years ($375/year), paid for by her personally out of her own salary.
But poetry says it best:
A man who mocks the Muse
Has advertised his limits
More plainly than his views.
©2026
W. Scott Peterson, M.D.
Middlebury, CT
The Arts are more than a “Nice to Have”
To the Editor:
As an English teacher, one of my favorite quotes comes from the film, “Dead Poet’s Society:” “We do not read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race.” That is why I, as well as others in attendance, couldn’t help but audibly gasp from a comment made by selectman candidate Brian Shaban at Tuesday night’s candidate forum. The comment he made should concern anyone who cares about the arts, education, and the kind of community Middlebury aspires to be.
When asked about cost of living and taxes, Shaban suggested we do not need a poet laureate. He called it nice to have, questioned paying “$1,000,” and suggested perhaps the poet should do it for free.
First, the stipend is $750, not $1,000, and it is paid by First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr out of her own salary. So this was not exactly a serious fiscal argument.
But more importantly, what a dangerous thing to dismiss.
The literacy crisis here in America is frightening. According to the 2024 Nation’s Report Card, only 30% of fourth-grade public school students were reading at or above proficient, while 40% were below even the basic level. By eighth grade, 33% were below basic. Federal adult literacy data is also concerning: in 2023, only 44% of U.S. adults ages 16 to 65 scored at a strong literacy level, while 28% scored at the lowest levels. Too many children and adults are struggling with reading. This is not the moment to treat writing, poetry, and the arts as a flippant “extra.” This is the moment to create more opportunities for people to connect through language.
Middlebury’s Poet Laureate is not a simple title. Bailey Quinn has visited schools, worked with Pomperaug students, led poetry prompts and workshops, written for Memorial Day and town events, highlighted local writers, and connected residents to the literary life of our community — which exists and is thriving.
That is exactly the kind of work we should want more of, not less. Both Casey Larkin
and Brian Shaban spoke that night of the need to bring our community together and end the divisiveness. Well, one way to do this is through language and words, stories and human connections.
And to be frank, the suggestion that an artist should simply work for free is insulting. Writing is labor. Teaching is labor. Community programming is labor. If we truly value education and promoting human connections, we should value and compensate the people doing that work.
Middlebury deserves leaders who understand that literacy, culture, and civic pride are not “nice to have.” They are necessities of a meaningful community. Casey Larkin and his family have understood that for generations. Their “love for Middlebury” is not a campaign slogan; it is visible when residents enjoy a hike on the Larkin Trail, go picnicking on the Larkin land trust, or gather for learning and conversation in the Larkin Room at the library. That is what real investment in a community looks like.
Sincerely,
Shannon Martin
Middlebury
