Dear editor:

I am writing to express my sincere apology for the Facebook post I made in June 2024 regarding the Marotta business practices.

In that post, I used the word “corrupt” and like words in describing your business practices. I recognize these words were baseless, inappropriate and inflammatory. I regret having made such a post, which as determined by the Court was ill-motivated and showed a reckless disregard for the truth.

While I remain entitled to hold and express opinions about planning matters, I recognize that my actions went beyond what was appropriate and amounted to an attack on the integrity and reputation of both you and your businesses.

I sincerely regret any harm or distress that my words have caused you, your family or your business associates. It was not my intention to cause personal harm to your family, and I am sorry that my comments had that effect.

I respect the effort and commitment that you and your family have made over the years in building a successful business from the ground up and contributing to the town and the region, in particular the Marotta Family Hospital.

Regardless of differences of opinion over development projects, I recognize that public discourse should be conducted respectfully and without casting aspersions on others.

Stewart Hall
NOTL