Letters to the Editor
Dorrian goes after Independent Editor
Dear Independent:Normally, professional journalists welcome rigorous public debate. They relish a "give and take" of ideas. Newspapers worthy of citizen trust foster open discourse because a rich dialogue informs readers. With that background, I was dismayed by the July 26th Independent Editorial about the Town's newly acquired Coventry Hall property "…this talk of a public safety center should be squashed now before it goes any further". "Squashed" - like in Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.2.1) - "annihilate, extinguish, shut down, smash, suppress, trample, etc."
In contrast to the Independent's admonishing editorial, Paul Mann the former owner and an individual of often unpopular opinion listened when you had a differing point of view. Mr. Stephen Rasche, the new Independent owner, appears to exhibit a less admirable philosophy.
A few points to consider about the Coventry Hall property.
First, Article Fifty-Four on the May 20th Budget Referendum stated that the Coventry Hall property to be purchased for, and I quote, "…constructing a municipal facility". It did not restrict use to a Town Hall building. York voters approved this article based on this Statement of Fact by almost a two to one margin.
Second, the Board of Selectmen publicly stated they would consider various uses for the property. A decision on what municipal facilities to place at the Coventry Hall property will not be made until analysis and study is complete, starting but not ending with a Police Station requirements study now underway.
Third, the Independent's office overlooks the Village Fire Station, close to Coventry Hall. Almost twice a day, emergency vehicles are dispatched from that Fire Station. Police vehicles, however, are normally dispatched while on routine patrol. The Village Fire Station may not be in an ideal location, but comparing its use to the Police Station mixes "apples" and "oranges".
Finally, combining a Town Hall with a Police Facility may save taxpayer money. All else being equal (and in most cases they are not) it would be cost-effective (Kittery for example). Do not overlook the fact that the Editor of the Independent has a bias - "York residents can afford more taxes."
Determining which municipal facilities to locate on Coventry Hall is a valid subject for public input, debate and decision making. I have faith in the collective wisdom of the people of York. Perhaps when all is considered the Coventry Hall property will only be used for a Town Hall. But such a decision should be made based on facts and careful analysis, not as Mr. Rasche noted his "...cursory observation of the traffic patterns."
Suppressing citizen input, stopping dialogue among town officials, inhibiting town-wide involvement is shamefully elitist. Such an approach is never in our best interest, especially when York decides how best to use the Coventry Hall property.
Len Dorrian
York
Send your letters to the Editor at PO Box 6, York, ME 03909 or via email to editor@yorkindependent.net. Deadline for publication is 12:00 noon on the Monday prior to that week's publication
