I would like to take this opportunity to respond to a quote from the president of the Kennebunkport Historical Society, Betsy Ames-Fitzgerald, in last week’s paper (“Uncertain future,” July 23, page 1).

Ames-Fitzgerald labeled me “a rogue board member.” I prefer to label myself as “a leading activist in preserving Kennebunkport’s history.”

As the debate over the future of the Nott House continues, my efforts in researching opportunities for preserving this treasure as a vital historic centerpiece in our community will surely become more public. Let it be known that I will remain on the high ground of this debate and will not stoop to misleading the membership and the community with irrelevant information and name-calling. Rather, I will continue to invest my time, resources, passion and focus toward speaking with those in our community and experts in the field of historic preservation that see a future in dynamically preserving our past.

I have been a resident of this community for 46 years and a member of the society for 20 years. I negotiated the purchase of the Pasco Exhibit Center and secured a substantial gift from Priscilla Pasco. I have been a docent at the Nott House for 12 years, am a current board member, a past president and have served in virtually every capacity of management. The contributions that I have made to preserve our local history with the help of many other fine residents are not the acts of a “rogue.”

I invite my fellow community members to contact me with questions and ideas about investing in the preservation of the Nott House and its beautiful gardens. I will listen to you with respect, open-mindedness and enthusiasm. Your passion for preserving our local history will not be sold to the highest bidder.

Larry Soule

Kennebunkport