To East Hartford Rotarians and Friends of the Club
Folks, I have been writing High Gear for almost 40 years as a member of the East Hartford Rotary Club. I have tried to be informative, funny, and to give you an insight into the wonderful people and activities occurring in the Club life. Never in all those year have I consciously tried to insult or hurt anyone’s feelings or to in any way undercut the contributions of a fellow member.
This week I crossed that line. My comments on this week’s meeting were sincere and reflected my reactions to what was discussed. But in expressing those feelings, I publicly embarrassed Kevin Kickery, our new President. I made it sound as if Kevin was responsible for implementing new policies that if fact are being pushed by the District and International leadership. As Kevin is trying to find his footing as our leader, I ended up undercutting his authority and made it look like he was the one who was sponsoring these changes. For that I am profoundly sorry.
Kevin is a wonderful human being. He is committed, sincere and has a great love for his community. He will be a great President of our Club and he has my full and unequivocal support. I ask that all of you join me in urging Kevin to put this disgraceful act on my part behind him and to carry on in providing us his leadership. I am devastated to consider any other resolution.
Doug Willett