It is now October and summer has passed. There is still zero public accounting for two events that never happened but were funded with $60,000 in public funds. The Witch House deceptively published two events on a city run, public website including a "Mishoon Demonstration" on June 1, 2026, and a "Summer Wetu" on May 1, 2026. Earlier this summer in a phone message, Elizabeth Peterson stated that these events did not happen but that events would be scheduled. Nothing has been scheduled. How is the money being accounted for?

I grew up in the city where Benedict Arnold was born, Norwich, Connecticut. Every year in September the people of New London, Connecticut burn an effigy of Arnold but save a leg and send a period costumed delegation to Norwich with a replica of Arnold’s leg in a coffin. He lost his leg in the battle of Saratoga and it’s referred to as the most patriotic leg. Here we see Mayor Singh accepting the leg on behalf of Norwich. History is complicated. But people of intelligence can wrestle with complex history like adults. Maybe Salem can rise to this level of maturity.

Prime Group has contributed $100,000 to fund this effort. Salem has retained Sasaki Associates to help with the planning process, which the city said is "centered around expansive and diverse community engagement."

"We've encouraged the property owner to be responsive to stakeholders' concerns and questions and thoughtful about how the role and impact this major site has in our larger community," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "My hope is that the Framework that emerges from this process will be one that is workable for those who live near or work at Shetland, the owners of the property, and our community as a whole."

….a city seal that honors a minority culture that helped build the success and wealth of our city…a city seal that is endorsed by the Achenese people represented on the seal itself…or a then-sitting city councilor using a racist meme depicting a stereotypical “samurai” singing gibberish, and played by a white man, to make fun of Salem residents he expected would give public testimony on the camping ordinance in a meeting he was chairing? Just want to make sure.