I am writing to first apologize to Natalie Andrews, Bethel’s town manager.

A recent article quoted Selectperson Meryl Kelly saying “I had people in our community come to me and say Scott Cole told them Natalie was a liar and a criminal.” The article then stated my agreement with Meryl Kelly’s quote.

I am sorry for the pain inflicted on Natalie and everyone closest to her. None of it is good, and I apologize for my role in it.

As for the article itself, the lying part is accurate but the criminal description is not. Last week, when a reporter asked if I had called Natalie a “liar,” I confirmed that I had and provided supportive reasoning. Apparently the word “criminal” was in the reporter’s same question over the phone, and I concurred. For this slip-up in attention I am dreadfully sorry.

I have no recollection of telling any “people in our community” that Natalie was a criminal. I cannot think of anyone, because I do not think I said what has since been published.

Nor has Meryl Kelly identified these people who have come to her. While I have been openly critical of Bethel town officials in recent months concerning a blatantly illegal board meeting held April 18 and subsequently ignored, I do not believe that Natalie or any of them are criminals.

The time is now for Meryl Kelly to identify those individuals who have come to her with their statements. No more hearsay.

Scott Cole, Bethel