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Dear VNews,

I was incredibly disturbed to read the front page article in Sunday's paper, "Gruff Guy with a Heart of Gold" by Gregory Trotter. The article paints Bob Pickering as a man who does good for the community and has a huge heart. It could not be any further from the truth. Mr. Pickering is a bigot, verbally abusive and physically threatening. I have personally experience this behavior myself.

People FEAR Mr. Pickering. I am most disturbed by Daniel Johnson's statements that what Mr. Pickering "does is so good." White River Junction has been working very hard to rebuild itself. The community is certainly open to diversity but Mr. Pickering is hostile to those diverse groups. He has negatively impacted businesses, not just Mr. Ford's.

It is also interesting that these comments supporting Mr. Pickering come from residents of Norwich and Wilder. I wonder if VN writer, Mr. Trotter, could taken the time to speak to residents of White River Junction. People, who have been the recipients of Mr. Pickerings verbal abuse and threats.

Finally, I would encourage those who support Mr. Pickering and believe he just needs "a little love" to help him relocate to their town and set up his shop there. Then he can be closer to you and you can give him all the love he needs.

This is not about helping others with differing social backgrounds, Mr. Johnson. This is about citizens of WRJ NOT supporting abusive, homophobic, racist, bigots that negatively impact a small village trying to get back on its feet.

Michelle L. Roy White River Junction, VT