In later years I have tried to stay away from “worthy causes” that involve the “principle of the thing,” because they always get me in trouble. But after attending the Solon budget committee meeting for the special town meeting on Thursday, I must speak out.

Article 2 is about the removal of a stone wall on the former Herbie Hanson farm that town officials want removed or they are going to take the matter to court — if the residents vote to spend the money to do so.

The current owners of the farm, Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Olson, have built this stone wall from rocks that were placed there many years ago, and it is in back of the telephone poles.

Town officials claim it is within the road limits and must be removed. There are many stone walls and fences in Solon and South Solon, but this family, which has created a work of art, is being punished. It is simply spite and malice.

I have been having a ball lately watching old westerns on TV. I can’t help but compare this stone wall issue to some of the themes in those old shows. You know the scene: The people in power (mayor and his cohorts) run a town, and when they get upset with someone they wreak their vengeance to get their own way, or else.

It seems such a shame at the injustice and hullabaloo about the stone wall. Kurt Olson suffered injuries near this wall and so much sweat and possibly tears went into improving the looks of their property, and then to have town officials say they have to remove it.

As Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Distrust all men in whom the impulse to punish is powerful.”

Marilyn Rogers

Solon