One of the most difficult things for a person to do is stand up for his convictions in the face of overwhelming public scorn. Ed Spromberg, veteran of three wars and former mayor of Coupeville, is such a person. Most people do not know that Ed is sensitive about the hostility he engenders because of his opposition to amplified music in the Town Park pavilion. He keenly feels the loneliness of his position. While many of us would not choose to protest the way he does, most of us also lack the courage to defy the majority to do what we fell is right.

Ed lived in his home before there was a pavilion, before there were weddings with amplified music, before Concerts on the Cove. He is not like someone who moves next to an airport and then complains about the sound of jets overhead. It would, of course, be easier for most everyone (and certainly for him) if he just gave up his crusade and crammed his head under his mattress, but that is not Ed’s way.

I know the town has its grievances about Ed and I know he does tend to go too far sometimes, but I also feel that were it not for Ed Spromberg, the noise in the park would be much worse today and then it would be me who would have to call 911 and be considered a crabby nuisance.

Though I don’t always agree with him and I personally love Concerts on the Cove, I still admire Ed, who is old, sick and alone, and for also being one hell of a brave guy.

Sally Hayton Keeva

Coupeville