Letters to the Editor
Clerk not at fault
Dear Independent,During the Board of Selectmen's discussions on budgeting requests last spring, I made an assertion that was not factually based. In response to the question as to why the town should correct certain drainage problems on Pine Hill South, I stated that the clerk of the works for the Middle School project (the source of the problematic fill) was responsible for the fill. I have reviewed the contract documents concerning the Middle School project and find that the clerk of the works was not legally responsible for the disposal of the lower grade fill in question. This responsibility contractually belonged to the prime contractor on the project. I regret my misstatement and apologize for inconvenience or harm caused by my inaccurate remarks.
Torbert H. Macdonald, Jr.
York
Stop promoting development
Dear Independent,For some apparent bizarre reason, the Planning Department, Board of Selectmen and town manager's office prefer to waste tax dollars on repetitive "studies" rather than do the necessary homework and familiarize themselves with already existing historical resources. A perfect example is the so called "new" expensive drainage study, which by the way, conveniently skirted the legally mandated bid procedure ala "Haliburton style," which is quite similar if not identical in some respects to a 30-year-old study, moulding away in a cardboard box in the attic of the town garage/document repository next to Town Hall; a study which applicable boards and town officials have blissfully ignored.
If one ignores the foolishly similar expensive "pump schemes" of both studies, one is instantly struck by the identical conclusions of the Cleverdon, Vonney & Pike study of 1977 for the York Beach Village Corp., and the Edwards, Kelcey and Halliburton regurgitation of 2006-2007.
For instance, a key component of both studies is as follows.
The 1977 study highlights the following: "Many existing drainage problems are caused or magnified by developmental activities coupled with inadequate considerations (read lack of necessary ordinances) for storm drainage. Village regulations should require the developer to demonstrate that proper and well-conceived drainage facilities will be provided as a condition for being permitted to develop the property. Another regulation the Village may wish to consider would be one setting minimum elevations for new dwelling construction in low-lying areas. Such a restriction could improve property insurance rates for homeowners near swamps or large drainage courses, and should reduce complaints … about flooding problems. The proposed drainage facilities depend considerably on existing swampy areas for storage of runoff and reduction of peak flow rates. Consideration should be given to preserving and enhancing some of these areas for their storage capability, as well as their potential recreational and scenic value. Such preservation could also reduce or eliminate the future cost of enlarging drainage facilities by retaining or even increasing storage capacity.
Compare these ancient recommended homilies with the current "new" study recommendations as reported in your newspaper.
"…Bradstreet Hunter (of Edwards, Kelcey, Halliburton et al) and Public Works Director Bill Bray pointed out that there are things the town can do now - including drafting ordinances prohibiting additional development within certain elevations of the flood prone areas noted … to begin to remedy the situation … the town needs ordinances to help protect areas vital to proper drainage, or the problems will only get worse … citing such initiatives as new ordinances to curb development and conservation and access easements of undeveloped land."
As noted social and political philosopher Yogi Berra once noted, "It sounds like déjà vu all over again."
The Planning Department and Planning Board's only response to this dilemma was an ill-conceived attempt four or five years ago to allow all the old 1880 to 1940 swamp lots in back of Long Beach to be guaranteed development rights. In a little published Planning Board hearing one night at the Senior Center with four citizens in attendance, I asked Planning Board Chair Barrie Munro who proposed the ordinance and why, since it flies in the face of the 1977 Drainage Study? He ruled me "out of order" and said that I would be removed by the police if I persisted in that line of questioning, and then closed the hearing.
It should be noted that in the last 25 years neither the CEO, Timmy DeCoteau, nor the planning office have attempted to address these concerns, lamenting to the public, "Gee whiz, if only we had these ordinances."
The only attempts to address these ongoing concerns have been attempts by private individuals, groups or Selectman Macdonald, only to be summarily ridiculed then dismissed by the CEO, Planning Department, Planning Board and Board of Selectmen. Actions speak louder than words and it is quite obvious to a lot of York citizens that the respective boards and officials are more concerned with protecting and promoting development than regulating development in the public's interests.
Ronald N. Nowell
York
Vote for Windol Weaver
Dear Independent,Now that David Ott is retiring from the Maine House of Representatives, the town of York is fortunate to have a first-rate candidate to take his place. That candidate is Windol Weaver.
I've know Windol casually for years, but I haven't know him well until quite recently. The more I find out about the guy, the more my respect for him increases. For instance, I found out that he had an incredible career as an Air Force officer: he flew 524 combat missions over Vietnam, many of them extremely hazardous; he was awarded four medals for bravery; when he returned to the states, he was given a major planning role at Strategic Air Command (SAC) headquarters. Windol is such a modest person that I simply never knew he had accomplished such things.
Until recently, I knew Windol primarily as a budget watchdog. He's been on the York Budget Committee forever, so it seemed (actually, since 1998). Since I'd been closely associated with groups who wanted to get things through the Budge Committee - the schools and the library - I tended to regard Windol simply as an obstacle or problem. In the past couple of years, I've come to realize that view was grossly unfair to the man. Windol is indeed a fiscal conservative, but a fair and reasonable one. He has listened sympathetically to requests and tried to find responsible ways to approve most of them. The people I know in the schools and library like and respect Windol even though he doesn't always give them what they want.
I think the Legislature needs a person like Windol. There's some reckless spending up there, and, I feel, a certain lack of respect between the parties. As a fiscal conservative, Windol will certainly fight the spending, and, as a fair and civil person, he will foster a spirit of cooperation among House members.
I invite York voters to join me in voting for Windol Weaver on Nov. 7.
Tom Carnicelli
York Harbor
Kinley Gregg for state rep
Dear Independent,I'm writing to ask you to support Kinley Gregg for state representative from York for District 150, currently held by David Ott; David isn't running again and Kinley's opponent is Windol Weaver.
Kinley is new to politics, which in my book is a distinct plus today. She is simply a citizen who cares deeply about our community and wants to help. She has no hidden agenda; she's a very independent thinker (she and I have debated many issues - we agree on some and not on others). She's not doing this to puff herself up; she's not out to enrich herself or grab power. She approaches the job with a fresh and sincere attitude, and is listening hard to people she meets as she goes door-to-door to understand how best to represent us.
It's easy these days to feel cynical about politicians, but this is an opportunity to do something in the best tradition of politics. I've volunteered to be her treasurer, and I hope you will lend a hand as well. If you'd like to meet her, perhaps hold a coffee so you can introduce your friends to her, or help her send out thank-you notes to the people she meets in her door-to-door rounds, just call 363-7422 or e-mail her at apropos876@gwi.net. She also is available at the York Public Library on Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m.; just look for her by the fireplace. There are many ways to help, but not much time before the November ballot; just jump in!
I also enthusiastically recommend Peter Bowman for state Senate and Dawn Hill for state rep from the other York district, 149. We are very lucky to have such fine people willing to do the people's work, and I hope you'll stop in to the Democratic headquarters at Meadowbrook and get involved.
Rozanna Patane
York
Can't go wrong with Dawn
Dear Independent,Dawn Hill has been a friend and customer for many, many years. She was Dawn Hill Lauther when I first met her. Over the years, we've enjoyed each other's company through good times and bad times. At one point, both of us had family members at Mass. General Hospital. We prayed for each other as well as our families.
We sort of grew up restoring our respective homes - "the money pits." She's been in and out of our shop for many years and we've shared many laughs, and tears.
I've worked with Dawn and her husband on local issues concerning both York and Cape Neddick. She is a bright and caring person. She is dedicated to each cause she is concerned about. Many of our friends have used her as a lawyer and were completely satisfied with their representation and lauded her work on their cases. She is dedicated to whatever is in front of her and rises to the occasion.
Dawn is accessible to everyone. You couldn't go wrong voting for her.
Dottie Anni
Cape Neddick
The costs of littering
Dear Independent,I have a dog who is a friend, a companion, a nurse, a baby-sitter, a confidant, a joy and as loyal and loving as any heart can be. What do I pay for this best friend? What does she expect from me? I feed her, walk her and try to love her in the same manner as she loves me. And, oh yes, I pick up after her to keep her socially acceptable, when because of circumstances she cannot go into the woods deep enough for her privacy. There are many people who do not feel about my dog or any dog the way I do. Actually, they are either frightened or repulsed … pity.
As I walk her around our neighborhood I pick up after humankind: mattresses thrown out of cars, propane tanks discarded from cars, beer cans, coffee cups, paper plates, napkins, cigarette butts and plastic. I could fill up a large plastic garbage bag every week. This, while walking in my neighborhood. Whenever my wife shops at Hannaford's during daylight hours, I take the opportunity to exercise with a walk around the entire area. Every conceivable discardable item is thrown on the ground. Then, a miracle. Hannaford's has cleaned up the entire area and we start the whole process of discard and pick up all over again. What is the cost to all of us for the services of the Hannaford employees and the highway department doing this job? Do you really believe that it falls under the category of the cost of doing business? If you believe that, I have a bridge I want to sell you. The cost is in what you pay for food and your tax dollars going to pick up discardable garbage put there by humankind. While sitting in my car at the shopping center the other day, I witnessed many people get out of their car and throw a cigarette on the ground and even saw one driver empty the ashtray outside the car onto the ground. Do they really believe that filtered cigarettes are biodegradable or it's such a small item it doesn't matter? Do they just not care? The answer is yes, they don't care.
So, next time you feel that dogs make your life unbearable, consider the above, and also consider that possibly the same people who don't pick up after their dog are also the ones who soil our wonderful town with trash … or is it you?
Don Lippoth
York
It's time to prioritize
Dear Independent,The recent joint meeting of the School Board, Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee to get a sense of where our town leaders stand relative to the building of a $6 million arts wing at the high school at this time proved to be an extremely important milestone for York, not because the consensus was generally negative due to other major costs on the horizon, but rather that all three committees had input together in a give-and-take exercise.
Now a need-based priority list should be created with the number one priority by far, in my mind, being the $38 million price tag to fix the problems at York Beach and the number two priority being the modernization of our out-dated municipal buildings; i.e., fire, police, town hall, etc. By the time bond interest is included, we will probably be looking at over $70 million to do both over a 10-year period. That would increase our taxes by 20 percent per year for ten years without including a general additional 6 percent per year increase in operational spending for school and municipal costs and without the $6 million arts wing. Let's do our homework and create an orderly plan for the benefit of York, its taxpayers and its children.
In other words, we should study the total cost package for all capital "needs," prioritize them and see what help we can get from the state and other sources before we plunge into any one in particular.
One more thought. Let's not exacerbate the situation at York Beach by changing any of the zoning ordinances to benefit Mr. Plotkin and his development aspirations, unless and until the flooding problems are corrected. We have the time to wait and, if he truly has the desire, he can wait also.
Ted Little
York
Elect Dawn Hill
Dear Independent,As an educator, I read Rachel M. Collins' article "When Words Hurt," published by Seacoastonline and The York Weekly on Sept. 19 and 20. The article was about performer Lesley Smith's puppet show with "Sammy the Snail" and her effort to teach young children the harmful effects of bullying and harassment. I applaud the York schools and especially Counselor Kathleen Welch and Principal Jane Stephenson of Coastal Ridge Elementary School for kicking off their school's "bullying prevention program" with an effective assembly.
I also applaud the 122nd Maine State Legislature (2004-2006) for taking a lead role to pass LD 564: An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Student Code of Conduct. LD 564 requires school boards to establish policies to address bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in our schools. It created model guidelines to prevent and deal with violence and harassment in Maine schools.
The York schools have taken to heart its commitment of this law. Everyday we strive to educate our young students that "words can hurt."
But, there is more to this story, and you may not be aware of its impact on our students, educators and the community. While LD 564 passed by a wide margin (roll call #251: 106 Yeas, 29 Nays, 16 Absent) our current Rep. Bradley S. Moulton (R) of District 149, voted against it and thereby effectively voted against protecting Maine children from harassment and bullying in our schools.
This is especially dubious, because on his political card Brad Moulton touts his "Education and Experience" as having served on the "York County Child Abuse/Neglect Council 1981-1994." He claims to want to "improve investment in education," but voted against LD 1, which, in part, increased school aid; voted against LD 1034, designed to protect Maine children from lead poisoning, and voted against increasing the minimum salary (from 1980's level) for Maine teachers (LD 13381).
On Nov. 7, I strongly urge you to consider these facts and decide it is time for a change. Let's elect Dawn Hill in November!
Bertha Rocray,
Director, Jack & Jill Nursery School
York
Vote no on TABOR
Dear Independent,If Question 1 (a.k.a. TABOR) passes in this November's election, services provided by towns and the state, as well as the quality of our children's education, could be significantly compromised. Furthermore, in York, we would effectively surrender the autonomy and democratic process that we currently have under our Home Rule Charter to manage our town budget and the level of services provided to our citizens.
TABOR is a flawed solution for a real problem that exists in certain communities in Maine, because these towns have not governed and controlled their spending in a responsible manner like the leadership and townspeople of York. Consequently, frustrated constituents have initiated TABOR and hope to implement it throughout Maine via the Nov. 7 election.
If passed, TABOR will effectively limit annual budget increases to inflation plus or minus the percentage change in population for the state or respective municipality. In the case of school budgets, the limit will be inflation plus or minus the percentage change in student enrollment. On the surface, this may seem rather benign because most of us support controlling spending and taxes. However, there are numerous shortcomings with such a rigid and formulaic approach as supported by the failure of TABOR in Colorado.
Examples include:
- The state or towns may have capital needs, which are independent of changes in inflation or population/student enrollment. Our town is a perfect example, as we need to replace outdated facilities such as the Town Hall, Police Department and High School Auditorium. TABOR would effectively preclude us from pursuing any of these initiatives without cutting critical town or school programs.
- TABOR implies that all costs are driven by inflation and population/student enrollment. The reality is that the majority of a town, school or state budget is fixed or driven by various other factors, and doesn't correlate with inflation and yearly population/student enrollment fluctuations. As an example, a 30-student reduction across grades K-12 would not generate measurable cost savings because an average loss of 2 students per grade is not substantial enough to eliminate a class; however, the TABOR formula would require a 2.5% or roughly $575,000 cut in the school budget, forcing the elimination of teacher positions and school programs.
- There are numerous situations where towns might want to improve services and are willing to pay for it beyond what the formula allows; e.g., more extensive road repair, foreign language in the elementary schools, senior programs, extended hours for the library, etc.
Our opinion about any potential additional spending is not the issue here. Rather, the issue is that today the citizens of York have an effective system for governing spending, including the town's Tax Task Force formula, which enables us to make choices using a democratic process while controlling spending. If TABOR passes, we forfeit our right to make our own choices, and the repercussions will be detrimental to us all.
Please join me on Nov. 7 in rejecting TABOR for York and the state of Maine!
John D'Aquila
School Committee Member
Look closely at Articles 7 through 19
Dear Independent,Do you know that major changes to York's Comprehensive Plan will be on the November ballot? These were prepared without use of a steering committee.
The comp plan, which included guidance with specifics, was developed by a public process a few years ago. This process involved hundreds of people participating and insisting on a comp plan that wasn't vague or generic. The changes now on the ballot remove much of what was approved by the voters. The plan loses some of its usefulness when it becomes too general.
Article 12 on the ballot removes the existing process that requires that a steering committee be appointed every five to seven years to reexamine the direction provided by the plan.
Traditionally in York and in the state, the comp plan is a people's document. The town planner and Planning Board implement the comp plan that the public develops. Of course, the town planner and the Planning Board provide leadership and propose changes.
Please don't allow this public right to be taken away. Changes in the process may be necessary with changing times and should be approved by the voters, but a steering committee should remain the basis for the process.
Please vote no on Article 12, which would eliminate the requirement for a steering committee. Also, please review all of the comp plan articles, which are Articles 7 thru 19, and vote no on any of these articles that you find questionable.
Thank you.
Clifford Estes
York
Vote for Brad Moulton
Dear Independent,I am writing in support of the re-election of Brad Moulton to House District 149, including York and Ogunquit. My family and I have lived on Chebeague Island for many years. We were concerned that changes in the schools and governance of our island threatened its future as a year-round community. The committee responsible for negotiating for separation from the town of Cumberland invited Brad Moulton and members of his legislative committee back in December, 2005, to see the island and meet with many of us.
Brad Moulton was one of a handful of committee members and other legislators to come on a Saturday. Initially, we were concerned because he asked many questions related to our plans to govern ourselves. However, we quickly found out that Brad worked hard to gather the information needed for his committee and the entire Legislature in order to make a responsible decision. Brad Moulton played a key role in helping us present a comprehensive report to the Legislature as we completed our other work in negotiating with the town and school district.
Spending many days watching the many items in front of the state and local committee, I was so impressed with the amount of work and time Rep. Moulton put into each item that was presented. He clearly did his homework and made sure that we all had done ours when we presented our case. When our bill came up for hearing, we received a warm welcome from the entire committee. Brad Moulton and the other committee members made sure that all speakers, including those opposed to separation, were given an opportunity to present their side. Brad Moulton was well aware of our situation and the difficulties we would have because he lived in Ogunquit when it separated from Wells. We were also impressed with the role your representative played in other issues and are glad that he did not oppose our bill. Through all his questions, concerns and history, he made sure that we presented our best case to improve our chances of success.
I am happy to report that our success came with the hard work of many people and was made easier by the role that Brad Moulton played in its passage. I encourage you to vote for his re-election, because he demonstrates a commitment and love for our great state and his own home community that reflects the pride and love that we have for our island.
Beverly Johnson
Chebeague Island
Light the Night a huge success
Dear Independent,Thanks to all who joined us this Saturday for our Ninth Annual Light the Night Walk. We had over 600 registered walkers, well over 1,000 total walkers, and we will raise over $60,000. This year's fundraising efforts will put our nine-year total at close to $450,000. While the money absolutely fuels our efforts to find a cure, the memories we continue to make at this event are genuinely priceless.
Team Andrew had close to 100 people on their team, to include a busload of high school cheerleaders from Dover, N.H. Atta boy Andrew. Team Barry raised over $7,000. Best news of all, Barry Chase is cancer fee! Betty's Boops (Betty Chase's team) looked terrific in their periwinkle T-shirts and helped with considerable donations. Team Goldenrod, who has walked and raised huge amounts of money for our cause every year, was walking this year in memory of their co-worker who died this spring from cancer. Justin Roy once again brought dozens of Team Marshwood Junior High kids with him, along with donations totaling well over $1,000. Team Bottomline Technologies and Team Relyco made a huge difference with over $4,000 in donations. To all the other teams who walked, we say thanks as well. You make up so much of the heart and soul of this event and have become our key to success.
Kortnee Cribby and a bunch of her friends came and had a huge impact on our event. They did the face painting and tattooing and made the children's experiences that much more memorable. Several of her friends helped break down the event and pick up instead of walking. Thanks, ladies, you made a huge difference!
Captain Chemo (Don Clark) was present again this year and showed all who know him what a true superhero looks like. Gretchen Seaver continues to give selflessly to ensure the success of this event. Thanks Gretchen! D.D. Britton, who lost her daughter Bonnie to cancer, said to me Saturday that the walk is like Christmas; a very special occasion that is part of her year. How great to think that this event has become an annual tradition for people to come together to remember loved ones lost and, at the same time, help fight for all who are battling to beat cancer.
Special thanks to When Pigs Fly Bakery, Coastal Fitness, York Hospital, York Flower Shop, Fox's Restaurant, Bottomline Technologies the York Parks and Recreation Department, York Police Department and York Beach Fire Department, who all supported our cause again this year. Thanks also to Brian Fogarty and WQSO.
For those that have not yet participated, we would love to see you next year. If you would like to get involved next year (we are always looking for new committee members) or inquire about how the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society may be able to help you or someone you know who is battling cancer, please give me a call at 363-7342 or e-mail me at jbarrows@redhat.com.
Thanks again, everyone. Make it a healthy, safe, enjoyable and memorable year!
Jay Barrows
Committee Chair
Diversity Day is Oct. 6
Dear Independent,October is National Diversity Month. Oct. 6, this year, has been established as National Diversity Day on the Chase's Calendar of Events. This is a time to celebrate and embrace our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality or disability. It is a day to reflect on, and learn about, different cultures and ideologies. It is a day to vow acceptance and tolerance; a day to consciously address these areas at educational and religious institutions, as well as in the workplace and at home. National Diversity Day is an annual event on the first Friday in October.
This celebration is particularly pertinent in light of two stories published recently in the Portsmouth Herald. One story concerns Vincent Frank, chairman of the Newington Conservation Commission, who made a prejudiced remark about Jews, and although he was censured by the selectmen, he refused to resign. His excuse was there were no Jews in the room at the time he made the comment! The other story is that of Portsmouth Port Director Geno Marconi, who made disparaging remarks about an Arab. Mr. Marconi was required to participate in diversity training.
Many people think that there is no prejudice in this area, but these two incidents indicate that minorities often become the focus of frustration, anger, hatred and bigotry.
The York Diversity Forum is a grassroots group that began about three years ago to honor, protect and defend the growing diversity of the York Community. We strive to reduce the incidence of prejudicial language and actions and to increase understanding and acceptance.
To increase the awareness of National Diversity Day in York, a special exhibit is on display at the York Public Library featuring multicultural books and videos. If anyone is interested in finding out more about National Diversity Day, go to www.nationaldiversityday.com.
If anyone wants more information about the York Diversity Forum please send me an e-mail at cadavisME@aol.com.
Carol A. Davis
Chair, York Diversity Forum
Peter Bowman for Maine Senate
Dear Independent,I write with pleasure for the purpose of supporting the candidacy of Peter Bowman for Maine State Senate, for the Senate District including Kittery, York, Ogunquit, South Berwick and Eliot. I have known Peter for several years as a leader committed to giving back to his community. I have always been impressed by his clear-eyed vision, his organizational talents and his humanity.
As many of us know, Peter served his country in the Navy as a submariner, most recently as the commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The same qualities that made him successful in those endeavors have enabled him to serve his community well. I first got to know Peter well through the Portsmouth Music Hall. Peter, a former chair of the Music Hall Board of Directors, had been asked to chair the search committee charged with hiring a new executive director. This committee included as diverse a group as the Music Hall could put together. Peter skillfully wove together the diverse perspectives of the members of the committee with patience and unfailing good humor. I came to appreciate, in the course of the search process, that the devotion to detail and leadership that Peter had demonstrated while shipyard commander, was devoted to every project in which he became engaged.
I have now had the pleasure of working with Peter on his campaign for state senate, which I serve as treasurer. Shades of the shipyard and the Music Hall search committee! His thoroughness and unflagging good humor and dedication to every detail of the campaign have made it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me.
We need more people like Peter Bowman in politics and our community. I urge you to cast your vote for Peter Bowman for the Maine Senate on Nov. 7.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Harvell
Kittery
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
