To the editor: No truth in the rumor
The Chester Telegraph | Feb 20, 2026 | Comments 5
Neighbors,
I want to take a moment to clear up something that has come to my attention. There’s a rumor going around that if I’m reelected to the Select Board, I will be part of a plan to fire our Town Manager, Julie Hance. That is, quite simply, a lie.
There have never been any discussions or even mentions of such an idea or plan in my presence.
I’ve worked with Julie for years, and I deeply value and appreciate the job she does. We have always had a relationship built on mutual respect and shared initiative of serving our community. Julie Hance as our Town Manager provides continuity and professional leadership for our town, and her role is invaluable.
I’ve served as a Chester Select Board member since 2012. I believe local government works best when people show up in good faith, listen to each other, and work together. Rumors and misinformation make it harder for towns like ours to function. They create unnecessary tension and pull us away from the real work of governing well. We can disagree about ideas without contributing to the rumor mill and hurting good and decent people in the process. I welcome honest debate about where our town should go and how we should get there. What I don’t support is campaigning through fear or falsehoods.
If reelected, I’ll keep doing what I’ve tried to do for years: show up, listen, work hard, and serve this community with integrity and transparency.
See you at the polls on March 3.
Arne Jonynas
Candidate for Chester Select Board
Filed Under: Commentary • Letters to the Editor
People who spread ignorant, hateful rumors have no place in public office. It is apparent that those who lack rational arguments choose hate and lies as a means to advance an ignorant agenda. Anyone who knows these individuals knows that these claims are ridiculous.
Both Arne and Julie have my full support. They have both done so much for this town, and I hope others recognize through their work and mutual respect that they are doing the hard, important tasks that keep the wheels turning and our community improving. Shame on those so willing to poison the public well in an attempt to gain a position in public office. Deplorable
My name was also attached to this rumor. As both Tim and Arne have stated, it is simply not true. I too have worked with Julie for years, most recently on the Housing Commission, and have deep respect for her both personally and professionally. We are extremely fortunate to have her as Town Manager. Those responsible for spreading this absurd story should be ashamed.
Just a word in support of Julie Hance as our Town Manager. While I tend toward the progressive end of the “left” I deeply value the objectivity and professionalism Julie brings to her work. Anyone who spreads rumors has no place in town government.
I too have been informed that a rumor is circulating claiming that I support removing Julie Hance as Town Manager. That allegation is false.
I supported Julie’s hiring, and after working directly with her for the past two years, I remain a strong supporter of her leadership. She is professional, thoughtful, and committed to continuous improvement. Chester is fortunate to have a town manager who approaches her work with honesty, accountability, and dedication to our community.
It’s disappointing to see misinformation enter a local election. Healthy debate about policy is important and welcome. Spreading false claims about individuals is not. Voters deserve straightforward, fact-based conversations about the future of our town.
Let me be clear: I support Julie Hance and value the stability and professionalism she brings to Chester’s government.
Throughout my time on the Select Board, I have focused on transparency, respectful collaboration, and putting the long-term interests of Chester first. I will continue to do so, and I trust that our community would expect the same standard from anyone seeking to serve.
Being involved in ongoing projects in Chester, my experience has been consistent – Town Manager Julie Hance is a dedicated, talented, and supportive manager who cares about the well being of our community. I have never heard anyone suggest she should not be Town Manager. I’m also grateful to Arne for continuing to be a voice of reason and for calling out the divisive rumor mongering.