TO THE EDITOR: THE NORTHFIELD NEWS HATS OFF to the Northfield News for the news story and editorial concerning the short-lived elimination of the position of Superintendent of Public Works from the budgets of the town and village.

The News coverage was in the best tradition of effective local journalism. It uncovered the facts, brought those facts to the attention of the public and rallied public opinion in support of the restoration of the position to both budgets.

Hats off also to the town selectboard and the village trustees for quickly reversing their earlier action in the face of public opposition and a shaky legal foundation for their previous action.

Budgets are important and we are all concerned about property taxes, but these concerns do not override due procedure and respect for a person who has served this community as long and as well as Bill Lyon has.

My own experience on the selectboard led me to the conclusion that Bill Lyon actually saved the community money as superintendent of public works. Functions under his control operated with the minimum of equipment and personnel to do the job and expenditures under his control were always within budget. If there was a need to cut expenditures in order to deal with unexpected costs, Bill always found a way to make do with less.

Doubtless, Bill will eventually enter a well-deserved retirement. Let us hope that when that time comes, it is in accord with the long and distinguished service that he has given to the Town and Village of Northfield.

BRAD DENNY

Northfield