By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — As Jaime Rolfe and other organizers of this year’s Christmas in Harrison festivities checked their lists of things to do, one box remained unchecked.

Put up the Christmas in Harrison flags on downtown utility poles.

No one could find the flags, so Rolfe attended last Thursday’s Select Board meeting to get some answers and attempt to dispel some rumors circulating around town.

“We just thought it would be good to come to a public setting to try to be transparent about the questions that we have, the potential items that we are working on, and try to clarify some stuff and limit some of the commotion in town,” said Rolfe during the public participation segment of the meeting agenda. “We are working together.”

One rumor was the town would not allow Christmas in Harrison flags to be placed on utility poles in the downtown, starting from the day after Veterans Day through the end of the holiday event, which has been part of the festivities for years.

“We just have been told through the town that we aren’t able to do that and that new flags are being designed. We have not heard that from the town specifically,” Rolfe said.

Select Board member Deb Kane responded, “What we discussed as far as the flags is that they cannot be holiday specific or celebration specific when they’re on town or governmental property. So, the town, as far as I know, is designing new flags that are seasonal and should work for everyone.”

Town Manager Cass Newell said four months ago, in the middle of summer, staff members told her some of the flags were in “tatters” and needed replacement.

A complaint was received last year regarding “Christmas flags” and the town “not being inclusive of other holidays.” The complaint asked the town to be inclusive.

Newell contacted the state for guidance in the matter, and informed the Select Board, “So as far as the state is concerned with municipalities — if people like to have Christmas or have Hanukkah or have Kwanza, it’s not illegal, but it is strongly discouraged that a town do that because then it is perceived that the town has become bias or is biased for one holiday or another unless you do them all.”

“So, it sounds like we’re not sure about the old flags. We can check on that. The new flags will be completely separate from Christmas and Harrison,” Rolfe asked.

Newell noted her job is to research matters, find answers and pass along the information to the Select Board, which ultimately makes decisions.

She added that Christmas in Harrison can continue to use its logo on flags, but those flags will need to be elsewhere (not on the utility poles). Two possibilities are private property or business locations.

Selectman Nate Sessions pointed out, “You (town manager) said it’s not against the law, it’s a recommendation.” Session sought for the board to vote on the matter, but Chairman Matt Frank refused.

“I don’t think that’s appropriate under the circumstances,” he said. “Personally, I might prefer Christmas, but I’m not going to go against our higher authorities, which means Washington, D.C. and Augusta.”

One citizen asked if town staff knew months ago that some flags were tattered and there was an issue regarding using utility poles to exhibit them, “why does it in a small town take so long to make a stupid decision?”

The matter struck a chord with social media followers. Comments posted included:

“Now more than ever, I think respect, kindness, and civility matter. Why can’t we celebrate the ways in which we are not all alike, and share in the beauty of what gives meaning to each other? Personally, I like the flags and don’t feel they exclude or disrespect other holidays, individuals, or groups of people. I think of Christmas as both a secular (for me) and religious (for others) holiday, and one that brings a lot of joy in the darkest month of the year. I’ll do my small part by baking cookies. Again, thank you to the board for keeping the spirit of Christmas and other celebrations alive.”

“Who is going to stand up to the town council (Select Board)? This is unacceptable. DEI is a joke. There is nothing wrong with tradition and culture. It does not offend other traditions.”

DEI — Diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Pretty soon out Xmas lights will be banned.”

“I’m disgusted with the flag situation! The people that voted on this should be ashamed of themselves! Christmas? Are these people trying to do away with Christmas now too?”

“I think it’s nice to learn about other’s holidays and hope people want to learn about ours.”

“DEI is not a bad idea, but it is being misinterpreted by someone on the town board and has nothing to do with trying to hide the fact that Christmas exists. The idea of it is not to deny people’s rights to celebrate an old and valued tradition, but to allow everyone to celebrate in any way they want to. Does the town board really believe that a celebration of Christmas.... a secular celebration ... with Santa Claus and reindeer is going to offend anyone? This is crazy.”

Following the social media firestorm, Harrison Select Board chairman Matthew Frank issued a public statement, which was sent to The News Tuesday night.

He addressed several points, including where the flags are, who owns the flags, and why those flags can’t be placed on CMP poles.

“Regarding this year’s flags, having no other information to indicate otherwise up to this point, the town’s initial presumption was that the flags were town property, and a process was initiated to include an array of holiday symbols on the flags,” Frank said. “Holiday symbols were carefully selected for simplicity and inclusion of all things germane to holiday spirit (for example, bells, snowflakes, candy canes, singular candles, Menorahs, wreaths, snowmen, a Christmas tree, a cornucopia of fruit, stockings, a Dreidel, stars, gingerbread cookies, holiday lights, ornaments, wrapped presents, mistletoe and holly ivy).”

Frank continued, “The town in no way was intentionally trying to step on any group’s toes. In fact, quite the opposite. It is always the position of the town and the job of the town manager and Select Board to do their best to protect the best interests of this town. The town manager’s attempt to be inclusive of everyone was based directly on a particular party experiencing exclusion,” Frank’s statement reads. “It is the town’s responsibility to create an inclusive atmosphere for all citizens. Municipalities are governed by state and town government regulations and policies. As the Town of Harrison, we are an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are obligated to follow State of Maine guidance, including rules, policies and regulations. The Town of Harrison follows and adheres to non-discriminatory language and keeps an employee handbook detailing inclusionary practices. (Let’s remember, we all have the town’s best interests at heart).”

Frank provided some history noting that the original flags were donated to the town by the Harrison Lions Club 38 years ago.

“As with all things, they have aged over time and are now tattered, worn and threadbare,” Frank wrote.

Thus, the town is set to replace them with new designs.

Flag poles were initially donated by a former chairperson of the Christmas in Harrison Committee. Frank noted that poles have since been replaced by the town, the Committee, and private donors.

Up to two years ago, Frank stored the flags, poles and other event items in his barn. “They have since been moved by Christmas in Harrison members to locations which were unknown to me,” he pointed out.

The town manager and town staff did locate 19 flags on poles, 5 empty extra poles and 6 were “found to be beyond repair.”

As to the use of utility poles, town officials have reached out to Central Maine Power for “any historical information relative to an agreement (likely made in the last 38 years) with CMP and use of their poles,” Frank said.

“The current administration has not amended or terminated any such agreement,” he added. “As soon as the town knows more from a historical perspective, the town will share the information with the public.”

Due to liability, Frank said town staff would be responsible for attaching poles, flags and new bracket systems “as they have always done.”

In closing, Frank said, “I hope that this clears up any questions and we, as citizens, can move forward and enjoy the upcoming festivities. Let’s be considerate toward others and work together to make this holiday season and Christmas in Harrison the best year yet. Be kind to each other and we will continue to be the Friendly Village.”