Letters to the Editor
A GOOD MOON RISING. Annual bonfire raises spirits while raising funds for Hospice of York, collecting contributions for the York Community Food Pantry.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Woods
Thanks from Hospice
Dear Independent,Hospice of York is very grateful to a lot of people! Walter Woods (Graystone Builders of Maine) along with his family & friends produced their fourth annual benefit bonfire for us. A hot total of $3,600 was realized from donations, food sales, face painting and a special raffle.
Big hugs of thanks to all those who volunteered (too many to name individually) to run the food court, paint faces, set up and clean up; music by the Morelocks, Rocksmythe, Bill's Band and DJ Nathaniel Perham; George and Barbara for the use of their fence; McGarvie Signs for making the big sign, York Recreation Department, Police Department, the fire department and Town Manager Rob Yandow.
Dee Bickmore
York
Decoding TABOR
Dear Independent,Don't you wonder what TABOR decoded really means? Try Anagram Broaching Our Responsibilities under York's Independent Charter.
Town Boards Replaced, Augusta Oversees
Augusta Rules Over Town's Budgets
Bogus Rationale, Augusta Take-Over
Our Responsibilities Boldly Transferred Away
Rolled-Over Tyrannical Augusta Barrel
ROBAT rules from afar by a Palesky-esque scam, redux. Any which way you spell it, our selectmen got it right: York can best govern itself.
TABOR has my NO vote!
Tom Manzi
York
Vote for Bowman
Dear Independent,There is a very intelligent, hard working, dedicated, highly energetic, qualified and compassionate candidate in our midst that voters need to know more about. I have spent the time to research his qualifications and like what I see. His name is Peter Bowman. He has some very impressive credentials that I feel he could put to good use for us. Peter, who apparently wants to jump into the political arena rather than while away his deserved retirement, is running for the Maine Senate for District 1 (York, Eliot, Ogunquit and South Berwick). He has told us voters that he sees the senate position as a logical continuation of his 30 years of service in the Navy and nearly 20 years of work in southern Maine communities, Kittery town committees and Seacoast-area non-profits.
He spent 1987-1990 as commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He was instrumental in improving the on-time submarine schedules and significantly improved budget performance for maintenance of these critical-to-our-defense vessels, and labor-management relations, which was strained, was turned around. As a partial result of changes made on Peter's watch, PNS was identified as the gold standard, the highest award earned by a shipyard.
He later served on the Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission (known as BRAC), which voted to keep the shipyard open. Peter was a co-recipient of the 2005 Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award for co-chairing the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Centennial. These accomplishments and many others are what make Peter special to me. What impresses me most about Peter is his passionate commitment to put this valuable experience to good use for our communities.
I like what I see and it is my intent to vote for Peter. I strongly recommend that you review Peter's web page www.peterbowmanme.com and/or call him in Kittery at 439-6481 to get to know him better.
Chris DeSalvo
Ogunquit
Bowman is best
Dear Independent,I grew up in a family which was active in politics long before I was born. As a result, it is not surprising that I became active in politics when I was a child and have remained active since. Over those years I have been familiar with very many elected officials and candidates. Every now and then I will see a candidate that is particularly appealing, that makes a very refreshing impression. Peter Bowman, state senate candidate for District 1, who I met for the first time early this year, fits that profile.
Peter Bowman is a personable, approachable and friendly guy with a very impressive resume. Rarely do I see this combination of traits in a candidate running for state senate or representative in Augusta. If he has already knocked on your door to introduce himself, I am sure you agree.
I have heard him talk about the issues and opportunities that this region and the state face. He makes a lot of sense. I doubt if I agree with him on all of his positions on the issues, but that test is an impossible test for almost any candidate. What is most important is that I am very comfortable that if he is elected he will perform as state senator in a thoughtful, intelligent and competent manner utilizing his depth of knowledge and experiences.
Please take the time to consider his candidacy so that on Election Day you will be comfortable knowing you voted for a superior candidate.
Bob Dunfey
York
Vote for Dawn Hill
Dear Independent,I am writing to ask the residents of District 149 to cast their votes for Dawn Hill this November. It is time our district had a voice in Augusta, a voice that I feel will vote fairly and for the issues that are important to the people in District 149.
Enough of the bench warming and the "NO" votes by our current representative, Bradley S. Moulton. It is clear he does not represent the majority of the people in this district, having voted against the bill to protect our children from harassment and bullying in our schools, the bill to provide an increase in school aid, the bill to protect our children from lead poisoning, the bill to increase the minimum salary for Maine teachers and the resolution to support small business owners and the small business economy. It is time to elect a real leader for our district, and Dawn Hill is just the person who will work for all of us. Please join me and vote for Dawn Hill on November 7.
Andrew F. Antoniuk
Ogunquit
Hill for District 149
Dear Independent,With the election only a couple of weeks away, I am writing to ask the residents of District 149 to vote for Dawn Hill. She is a candidate who cares for her district and who will study and weigh each issue, taking into consideration the wishes of the people in her district, before voting. We need someone in Augusta to stand up for us and not vote "NO" on major issues like support for small businesses, bullying in our schools, protecting our children from lead poisoning and against raising the minimum salary for Maine teachers.
Help me put a real leader in Augusta from District 149. Vote for Dawn Hill on Nov. 7.
Douglas C. Flint
Ogunquit
Hill for the House
Dear Independent,I urge voters in House District 149 (Kittery, York, Cape Neddick, Ogunquit, Moody) to vote for Dawn Hill to represent us on Nov. 7. I have had a long love affair with my town of Ogunquit but am witnessing the erosion of this seacoast corridor and am betting on Ms. Hill to be the legislator who will vote in ways that will preserve our quality of life without thwarting needed progress.
I became a community activist in my village because I was unaware that there was any official I could address my concerns to who would speak for me at the State House. My present legislator is worse than invisible; his voting record reflects thinking that harms us financially and environmentally. He's voted against increasing teacher's minimum salaries, against capping local property taxes, against new ways of protecting victims of domestic violence, against increasing the minimum wage and against banning discrimination, which would allow educational and housing opportunities to all.
Dawn Hill is available to hear us all. Her concerns run the gamut in this diverse community where issues of residents, tourists, businesses, retirees and young families, developers and environmentalists merge. We face huge local challenges with taxes, congestion and development. Dawn has assured me that she will have constituency services available once elected. I believe that voting for Dawn Hill will assure that we each will have a piece of the rock in our own neighborhoods. We owe it to our futures.
Bobbi Treen
Ogunquit
Weaver for District 150
Dear Independent,I am writing to voice my support for Windol Weaver to fill the position being vacated by Dave Ott as our District 150 representative to the Maine State Legislature.
For the past 16 years, York has been well represented in that slot by Dave Ott and Mary Andrews, both of whom have endorsed Windol Weaver's candidacy.
We must continue to elect people with common sense, intelligence and sound judgment to represent us in Augusta. For sure, Windol Weaver fills the bill. He has demonstrated his leadership ability throughout his career, serving for 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, where as a pilot he flew 524 combat missions during three tours in Vietnam, later retiring from a distinguished military career with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
During the 26 years he and his wife Sondra have resided in York, Windol has been active in the community, serving on the York Budget Committee since 1998, including three terms as chairman. During that time, Windol has been a good steward for the town of York, making every attempt to control spending while seeing to it that our town would continue to function smoothly. Windol has the ear of the townsfolk, being a lifetime member of York's VFW Post as well as the American Legion.
If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Windol in person, I would urge you to attempt to do so prior to Nov. 7. A chat with Windol will convince you that he is the man to represent us in Augusta.
I urge you to vote for the candidate with common sense, sound judgment and integrity. Vote for Windol Weaver for state representative.
Ann MacAulay
York
Vote against Article 12
Dear Independent,Why should you vote NO on Article 12 regarding changes to the town of York Comprehensive Plan?
The present Comp Plan states that a steering committee should be appointed every 5 to 7 years to reexamine the direction provided by the plan. It was developed by a committee, and in the process, hundreds of volunteers helped develop the words and insisted that the plan should be specific, with details, not a generic approach. Article 12, now before us, deletes the process using a steering committee.
Article 12, as it appears on the ballot, does not tell you that the process using a steering committee every 5 to 7 years is being eliminated. It essentially states that the Planning Board will revise the comp plan annually. Is this wording fair or legal?
Certainly there can be a process where changes to the Comp Plan are recommended by the town planner and the Planning Board on a regular basis. You may hear that the public will be asked to participate in the development of some of these items. That's fine, but the steering committee process should not be eliminated.
Also, changes being proposed in other articles remove many of the specifics. I recommend a NO vote on Article 12 and a careful look at Articles 7 through 19.
Clifford Estes
York
Mitchell endorses Bowman
Dear Independent,I strongly urge the voters in Maine Senate District 1 (York, Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick and Ogunquit) to vote for Peter Bowman for state senator. Capt. Bowman is exceptionally well-qualified and has demonstrated his passionate commitment to the community and his ability to serve by his remarkable record. He will represent the voters with strong leadership, compassion and great integrity.
I have been privileged to know Capt. Bowman since 1987, when he was the commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. I was so impressed by his expertise and clear thinking that I nominated him to serve on the 1993 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC), where he performed with distinction. He was a highly effective CEO who initiated the outstanding union-management teamwork for which the shipyard is still known. When Bowman arrived at the shipyard, all of the submarines at the shipyard were behind schedule and over budget; when he departed, all of the submarines at the shipyard were on schedule and on budget. His successors built upon these achievements, and last year's BRAC termed the shipyard's performance the gold standard.
I know that Peter Bowman cares deeply, not only about the Navy and the shipyard, but also his community. Since retiring from the Navy and while engaged in the demanding job of vice president of a manufacturing company, Peter found time to chair the Portsmouth Music Hall board. He has taken on a number of other significant responsibilities and in 2005 he was selected as co-recipient of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year award.
Peter's greatest strength is the compassion that he brings to his responsibilities. Having a learning-disabled daughter and serving on the board of trustees of her supportive community has reinforced for him the value and worth of all people. Politics is, in its essence, about the ability of government to develop programs to make our society work for the benefit of its citizens. Peter will never lose sight of the human element of this task while ensuring that the practical limitations that government must observe are respected.
Maine faces substantial challenges in the years to come, particularly in the areas of economic development, health care and education. Peter Bowman has the knowledge and experience that will help Maine find innovative, workable and fiscally responsible solutions in each of these areas. I also know that he will bring creativity and great energy to Maine's Legislature.
Peter Bowman is the best candidate to serve the citizens of Senate District 1. I strongly urge you to vote for him on Nov. 7.
George J. Mitchell
Seal Harbor
Ott endorses Lemont
Dear Independent,I am writing in support of my friend, neighbor and fellow legislator Ken Lemont. I had the pleasure of serving with Ken for eight years in the State Legislature and have seen firsthand the commitment and dedication he has for his constituents. Ken was always the first in his legislative office in the morning and the last to leave his desk at night, responding to your letters of concern. Ken truly works for his community.
While serving together, I had the opportunity to work with Ken in the appropriation of $50,000 to help save the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Ken was always well known and respected throughout the legislature for his remarkable ability to put partisan politics aside and work together to achieve the best result for his district and the state.
Ken has always been there when southern York County has needed him, and I know he will continue to be as he fights for us in Augusta.
I urge you to join me in voting Ken Lemont as our next state senator.
Hon. David Ott
State Representative
District 150 (York)
Lemont for senate
Dear Independent,I am writing in support of Ken Lemont's campaign for state senate in southern York County. I had the pleasure of watching Ken growing up with my children and watching him develop into the dedicated and compassionate community leader that he is today.
Even during his adolescence, Ken was greatly involved with helping the community. Throughout his childhood, he was a member of the local Methodist Youth Fellowship and DeMolay International, an organization that is dedicated to fostering civic leaders. Ken was also among the two percent of all Boy Scouts to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and continued to reach out to the scouts ranking beneath him. Ken has always been a leader of our community.
The remarkable quality about Ken is that he has never stopped giving back to his community. Aside from serving in the legislature for 12 years, Ken has served as a member and director of the Seacoast Shipyard Association, past member of the Kittery School Committee and numerous other organizations. He knows the importance of having roots in a community and that is why Ken is the best choice for us in the state senate. We know Ken will never stop fighting for his community, because he never has.
Joann Lancaster
Kittery
Thanks from the Dream Factory
Dear Independent,On behalf of the Dream Factory of Maine, I would like to thank the following businesses and people who helped to make our 16th Annual Golf Tournament a success. Without their help and support we would not have been able to raise over $10,000.
Our major sponsors: Kennebunk Savings Bank and CB Builders and our co-sponsors: Anchorage Inn and Anchorage by the Sea. Hole sponsors: Bolz' Service, Little River Truck & Auto, Performance Plumbing, Investment Management Cons., Union Bluff, Abbott Brothers, TD Banknorth and Erwin, Ott, Clark, Orso and Campbell. Course sponsors: Flo's Hot Dogs, Camp Eaton, Wyman Rooming House, York Hannaford and Lavine Enterprises. Cart sponsors: Lontine Financial Group, Coastal Landscaping, Henry's Barber Shop, Hale's Landscaping Inc., Eyescape, Coldwell Banker Yorke Realty, Corey's Tractor Service, Shoreline Construction, LLC, Gammon Lawn Care, Green with Envy Landscaping, York Fish & Game Association and Curves of Wells.
We would also like to thank the Lobster Barn Restaurant, Ogunquit Lobster Pound, Ruby's Wood Grill, Cape Neddick Country Club, Eric Laster and all of our golfers.
The Dream Factory realizes the dreams of seriously and chronically ill children between the ages of 3 through 8. If you would like more information on the Dream Factory please contact us at Dream Factory, Box 653, Cape Neddick, ME 03902 or e-mail us at maine@dreamfactoryinc.com.
Next year's golf tournament will be on Friday, Sept. 21, at the Cape Neddick Country Club. Hope you can make it! Again, thank you for your continued help and support.
Sincerely,
Virginia M. Avery
Area Coordinator
Dream Factory of Maine
Vote against Article 22
Dear Independent,"Let's be fair and equitable to land owners." Proposed ordinance amendments presented on Sept. 18 at the selectmen's meeting "citizen's forum" one speaker noted the English in the booklet did not match the English on the ballots. After receiving my ballot, I realized what he was talking about. In the booklet its amendment 3, page 4, shoreland setback variances. Amendment 18.8.2.4.D, Part D02. The average footprint area of the 10 nearest single family residences (measured as the closest point of the house to the closest point of the lot) exclusive of their detached accessory buildings.
These lines are crossed out and removed. Substituted for this, the footprint cannot be larger than 1,000 square feet. (A normal size two-car garage, 24 feet square, would take up 576 square feet, leaving a very small size of 424 square feet for the house footprint.)
Now for the unfair part. Article 22 on the official ballot does not state that this new footprint is 1,000 square feet. (Does this make Article 22 illegal?) How can anyone vote on this without knowing the size?
The second unfairness is non-residents who own some of these lots cannot vote on this item. (Is this democracy?)
The third unfairness is it doesn't matter if the lot is a half acre, one acre or even 10 acres. It will still be 1,000 square feet for the footprint.
Those lots, which were subdivided as registered lots before these rules and amendments were made, should be exempt from them. It won't be long before these lots become worthless, after paying full taxes on them for many years.
Please read all these comprehensive articles carefully when you vote. Please vote No on Article 22.
Jack Macdonald
York Harbor
Praise for Bowman
Dear Independent,Voters in York, Kittery, Eliot, Ogunquit and South Berwick should pay special attention to an exciting new candidate for the Maine State Senate - Peter Bowman - a career high-ranking Navy officer who was commander of the shipyard in Kittery for three years before he retired.
It is not simply because of Peter's leadership role at the shipyard and his devotion to its continued operation that voters should elect him to office. No doubt his opponent, who has worked at the shipyard off and on, also holds it in high regard. But in 1993, Peter was appointed by then-U.S. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell to serve on the base closing commission of that year. His experience of knowing the ins and outs of the BRAC Commission will be invaluable in the future if, as expected, the shipyard has to face another round of closures. We all know what a close call we had last year.
Yet Peter Bowman is not just a military man with a distinguished career. Retiring after 30 years in the Navy, he went on to work in private business in the technology field for 11 years and also participated as a volunteer in non-profit and governmental affairs, such as being co-chair of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Anniversary (it was actually signed in Kittery) and a member of the Maine Regulatory Fairness Board, among other activities.
As someone, myself, who served in Augusta for more than 20 years as a gubernatorial assistant and an elected house member, I have to say that Peter Bowman bears all the hallmarks of becoming as superlative legislator, following in the footsteps of other outstanding Democratic state senators from Kittery like Steve Estes and Mark Lawrence.
He is innovative, yet wonderfully experienced, thoughtful and well-read, full of energy, as shown by his tireless door-to-door campaigning since April, and a man who listens to people and has the wherewithal to help them. He would be a new face in Augusta, and I have heard many people say that this is just what we need in these difficult times.
Neil Rolde
York
Support the troops
Dear Independent,The VFW Post 6977 Boardman Ellis Post has taken first place in community service in support of the troops/families three years in a row.
For the holidays, Christmas and Thanksgiving, the VFW will be sending phone cards to the troops. We will not be sending homemade cookies for the holidays.
We are still sending packages containing toiletry articles, stationery items and individually wrapped snack items.
Veterans' Day, Nov. 11, 2006, we will be disposing of worn out U.S. flags properly. If you have any flags that are torn or worn, bring them to the VFW post on Route 1-A.
We would like to thank the citizens and businesses of the Seacoast area for their generous contributions and donations since 9/11.
Richard Filliettaz
Service Officer
VFW Post #6977
York Beach
The Independent Letters Policy: The Independent welcomes letters and opinions on any subject. We do not accept anonymous letters. Letters should be 200 words or less. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, accuracy, and/or legal reasons and to reject any material considered unsuitable for publication. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of The Independent or its staff.
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
