Graham, Donna
From: Tara Canaway'
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2022 9:14 AM
To: Board of Aldermen
Subject: Comments about last night’s meeting
CAUTION: This email came from outside of the organization. Do not click links/open attachments if source is
unknown.
Good morning,
I am writing to follow up on some comments that were made last night regarding masks.
1) I can assure you that I, and all of the like-minded Nashua residents that I know, respect the law. I love the
City of Nashua, where my husband was raised and where we are now raising our four sons. I was offended by
Alderman Lopez’s comment and wanted to respond to this on behalf of all the Nashua citizens who are troubled
with the mask ordinance but most definitely are good, law abiding people.
2) The comments around application of the mandate regarding masking kids during athletics and impact to
guest policy at the high schools was troubling. When you order a mask mandate in all indoor settings for anyone
over age 2 what do you think is going to happen? With children in elementary, middle and high school,
participating in many different local and travel leagues, I can attest to the mind-numbing and inconsistent
application of the broad mandates that cities impose on their citizens. If you don’t want kids playing basketball
to wear masks, don’t vote for it. The ridiculous guest policy at the high schools is nothing new. Last year I was
unable to bring all my sons to watch their big brother play because only 2 guests were allowed per player. I
suspect these things seem like no big deal and small sacrifices for the greater good to some members. We reject
this, as should you. The well-being of our children and families in this city is being stomped on and I will not
stop pointing it out or apologize for doing so.
3) Re: comments made about a parent with kids in private school commenting on the public schools. (I don't use
Facebook and am unaware of the parent mentioned, but wanted to respond in general to this concept.) My kids
are in private school right now. We moved my oldest out of North this year, where before covid he was very
successful and happy in both academics and sports, because of the severe dysfunction of Nashua Public
Schools, We did not send our freshman there this year, as we had planned, for the same reason. A major factor
was our concern that masking would be implemented again this year. I am a tax-payer and still have all the
same concerns about students in Nashua that I had last year. I am worried sick about them actually, knowing
that the dysfunction remains. Having seen first hand how private schools are functioning in person and have
been mask optional for the majority of this school year makes me more resolute in drawing attention to the
failure of the schools in this city. Masking students impacts their ability to communicate and therefore learn.
How much devastation of our youth is acceptable? When does their crisis and loss rise in urgency to the point
that you, elected officials, will take action to protect them?
Thank you.
Tara Canaway
4 Elliott St.
Ward 3
