Your article (www.riverreporter.com/stories/un-muraled-community-backlash-leaves-mural-half-finished-in-roscoe,210127) on the efforts by one person, Phil Vallone, to stop artistic expression by an American citizen, does not constitute “community” backlash. It is one man’s opinion and taste. It is too bad he doesn’t like the work, but it is not his place (or yours) to suggest without evidence that there is a larger group of individuals that he represents in seeking to block another’s freedoms.

Your headline suggests there has been “community backlash,” but the article does not support your headline. I looked for the evidence of a larger backlash in your story, but it was not given. It could have more accurately been headlined, “Area Man's Backlash Leaves Mural Half Finished.”

In my view, Vallone is acting in a way that is selfish and censorious and deeply un-American. If he represents others, he should gather signatures or endorsements and provide those to the public as proof of his belief that the community is displeased to the point of agreeing to block the free expression of others.

In any event, thanks for your good work in reporting on community issues and the news that matters to your readership.

Chris Sullivan

High Falls, NY