Weeks after Bow selectmen voted to keep the Celebrating Children preschool a town-supported program, town members and officials are divided over alleged bigotry and political misunderstanding.

During the Nov. 28 meeting, about 75 supporters showed up to tell selectmen why they do not believe the school should be asked to switch to a privately funded organization. Among the supporters were three former Celebrating Children students, now at Bow Elementary School, who read cards saying how the preschool helped them.

Selectman Tom Keane, who questioned during the meeting if the school should remain town funded, voiced his opinion through a letter to the editor in The Bow Times on Dec. 13.

“I was extremely disappointed to find that there was no tolerance whatsoever for a discussion of which organizational status would maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of this quality program,” Keane said in the letter. “Most disturbing was the use of three young minority siblings to read scripted notes on how valuable the preschool was to their lives.”

Fellow Selectman Harry Judd responded with a letter of his own on Dec. 20, with harsh words for Keane.

“I am writing to assure the citizens of Bow that racism and bigotry will never be considered in setting policy by the Board of Selectmen,” he began his letter. “Tom, you may have found that ‘most disturbing,’ but the rest of the selectmen viewed it as yet another example of the community participation and tolerance that makes Bow a wonderful place to live.”

Residents have since written letters to the editor on both sides of the argument, with resident Brad Hutton saying in the Jan. 10 issue, “H.T. Judd should resign immediately as a Bow selectman.

His attack on Tom Keane is out of character for a person representing the town.”

Keane said he didn’t intend for race to be the main issue of his statement, as in the past he worked to set up a program that helps minority families. He has an issue, hoewever, awith any adult using any children at meetings to gain favor.

“In general, I’m always disappointed when adults use children for political purposes, no matter the issue,” said Keane.

“Those are discussions adults should have and voice opinions on. In this case they were reading from cards, and I felt badly they were being used by adults.”

Judd said he was glad to see younger residents taking part in the meeting.

“We should encourage all residents to participate. Particularly we should encourage young people to be part of the community, speak up and be heard,” he said. “We’ve had young people give presentations and I think it’s terrific they choose to participate.”

Board Chairman Leon Kenison said the disagreement has not yet come to a point where he foresees himself stepping in.

“I found some of (Tom Keane’s) writing to be somewhat offensive, and Harry Judd obviously did as well. I think, frankly, some people have missed the point,” he said. “We try to be as civil as we can be. We don’t need fist-pounding, stomping or anything because that’s when the system breaks down. I keep the peace and I’m not rushing in to write an opinion. Hopefully, I can keep a neutral posture and the people on right and left can be respectful.”

Keane does not see the issue becoming a problem at future meetings.

“It’s unfortunate and unnecessary that it happened. Our job is to represent the best interests of the citizens of Bow. It’s not the end of the world. Some of it is nasty politics as usual,” said Keane.

Judd and Keane have not yet spoken about the issue, though Judd said he would welcome such a conversation.

“Anytime, pick the time and place and I’d be happy to discuss racism and citizen rights. I would be happy to discuss any issues with him,” he said.

A meeting may be necessary between the two, Keane said. “I don’t know. I’d have to think about (having a conversation about the disagreement with Judd). If there’s an opportunity, I’ll say something to him.

If he really believes I am a racist and bigot, then we really do need to have a conversation,” he said. “If it’s politics, then it’s just politics. I’m big boy and I can move on with it. But if he believes those things then there is a problem.”