Letters to the Editor
Hoffman for selectman
Dear Independent,Vote for leadership, not advertising.
I am a candidate for the office of selectman in Ogunquit. In recent days, a number of voters have approached me and asked, "Where are your yard signs?"
I have no yard signs for two reasons. First, I view yard signs as "landscape pollution." Second, I believe informed voters base their decisions on more than name recognition.
My campaign is focused on personal contact with voters and my availability to respond to their concerns, principles which I will continue to follow as a selectman.
Sincerely,
Herbert J. Hoffman
Support the library
Dear Independent,I am writing on behalf of the children and families who attend Jack and Jill Nursery School. I would like to commend the York Public Library for the many services and programs they provide for the entire community.
Children have a place where they can attend story hours, participate in crafts, attend special programs, check out books and even purchase slightly used books.
Parents also have many opportunities to attend book discussions, watch a movie, use computers, check out talking books and movies and attend many special interest programs, just to mention a few services. New Jack and Jill families often comment on the many programs provided by our library and that it is a gathering place for so many.
The families and staff at Jack and Jill send a special thank you to Robert and his staff for their time and effort in providing all of us with so very much.
Bertha H. Rocray, Director
Jack and Jill Nursery School
Surfing: Can we talk?
Dear Independent,I am a principle in a growing surf-related business that located in York entirely because of the local surf scene, though I am not a resident. I attended the March 26 Selectmen's hearing on the proposed changes to surf zone at Long Sands, where it was clear from testimony that almost no one - on any side of the issue - is satisfied with the result.
Isn't this predictable? Both the original and amended ordinances seem drafted to breed contention. They say that at some times and some places 'group A' can use the ocean and 'group B' is excluded. In other times and places, the opposite is true. With each proposed expansion or contraction of the places and/or times, each group needs to struggle to maintain access. Both the original and the contemplated amendment perpetuate exclusion, bad feeling and conflict between your residents - as well as the visitors and businesses that help support the local economy. There must be a better way.
Beyond the conceptual issues, another pivotal problem with the current discussion is that individuals on both "sides" of this purely policy-generated issue feel that hearings were posted and conducted in a manner they found confusing and that more time needs to be devoted to developing a solution. At the hearing scheduled for April 2 - or indeed any subsequent meeting prior to town meeting - the selectmen could make everyone feel better about the process by polling each member on the following question: "Will you participate in and support further discussions on an ocean access amendment for possible inclusion on the November ballot?"
I believe that all parties - Chief Bracy, Parks Director Sullivan, the Board of Selectmen and the other citizens that have participated in this effort were all working in good faith. I am personally grateful to them all for their time and efforts. But whether the town chooses to post the currently contemplated - but conceptually problematic - new section for the upcoming town meeting or not, residents and the local economy will be best served if the issue is later revisited with the goal of creating a policy that is as inclusive as possible rather than discriminatory and divisive. The selectmen have only to assure the people that this is their intent, then the voters can decide on this "interim" amendment with confidence that additional opportunities to work together are in the offing.
As it is at many other locales around the country, the beach and the ocean can be shared and enjoyed by everybody with only a few reasonable guidelines required. Would you all consider talking about it a bit more? Thanks.
Brad Anderson
Grain Surfboards
When it's not safe to swim
Dear Independent,I do not surf and probably never will, but I grew up here on the ocean of York. I do not fear the ocean, but have great respect for it.
Red flags, when flying, mean there is a danger in or on the ocean. In my estimation, when those flags are flying no one should be swimming. How many people are caught in rip tides? Some are rescued, some are not.
Now we come to the issue of surfing in York. I have listened to all the talk and read all the articles on the subject. I do not understand why some people think the beach is going to be closed to them. You can still walk, wade the beach or sit there and watch the surfers.
If surf is up, red flags are flying. If you value your life, your children's and grandchildren's lives, then you all should not be swimming. Period.
Sincerely,
Anna J. Woodward
York
Abbott, Hoffman both good candidates
Dear Independent,As I witness towns in the area plea for citizens to step forward and serve a municipal role, it strikes me all the more how fortunate Ogunquit is to have two well-qualified individuals vying for the position of selectman. Herb Hoffman and John Abbott present the residents of Ogunquit with the excitement of two committed candidates who are running wholesome campaigns.
I have had the pleasure of coming to know both through my own state representative race last year. When I stepped with trepidation into my first campaign, John Abbott came forward to help with my Clean Election qualification and signage. As my campaign moved forward, Herb Hoffman was introduced to me by a dear friend that we held in common. Thereafter, Herb donated many hours to the campaign and became a close friend in the process.
Four months later, when John Abbott advised me he was going to re-run, I was excited for him and agreed to appear on his list of supporters. To my surprise, a few weeks later, my friend Herb Hoffman called and advised he, too, was going to run for selectman. I then shared with both men my conversations with each of them. Both were very kind and understanding about my compromised position.
Their campaigns have taught me one of the first lessons as a legislator. While up in Augusta serving my constituents, watch local politics from afar.
It is unfortunate that Ogunquit does not have two openings on its Board of Selectmen. I wish these fine gentlemen all the best.
Dawn Hill
State Representative
York
"Surf Diva Mamas" share perspectives
Dear Independent,Gratitude for the chance to surf in our hometown with our children, husbands and friends, inspires us to share some thoughts about the surf ordinance.
At a time when modern life has so distanced us from the natural world, surfing is one way to find a meaningful connection to nature - in "West of Jesus," Steven Kotler writes, "there have been many theories about the spiritual nature of this sport, and most involve some form of watery communion. At the far end of this spectrum are the surfers who believe that since the ocean was the place where life began on this planet, the act of riding on a wave allows the surfer to momentarily connect with this living memory."
For some of us, surfing is another way to experience the awesome nature of God's creation. For others of us, surfing has become a way to spend time with our teenage children. Do we sound like the rebellious anarchists referred to by some in these recent surf ordinance discussions?
As 40-something women, we may be in the minority in the Long Sands surf lineup, but our experience in York reinforces what Shaun Tomson writes of in "Surfer's Code," that "even if surfers are out having fun for themselves… inherent to the sport and to all good surfers is accepting a degree of responsibility for other people who are also out there enjoying the waves." Learning the code is every surfer's responsibility, and while there may be a few exuberant, if not yet experienced, surfers making mistakes, being selfish or inconsiderate, time and guidance from fellow surfers will surely have a positive impact. Disrespectful behavior toward lifeguards or police is not condoned nor supported by anyone mature enough to be considered a responsible citizen surfer, especially the surf diva mamas!
Unfortunately, disrespect comes in many forms, not just mouthing off to an authority figure, but leaving dirty diapers on our beautiful beach, tossing cigarette butts onto the sand, or leaving behind unwanted toys, beach chairs or various and sundry plastic items after a week's vacation has concluded. We all share this beach and many of us cherish the time we have there with our families - playing catch, walking, swimming, making sandcastles, reading, boogie-boarding, just sitting, all the things non-surfers enjoy - we just consider ourselves fortunate enough to add surfing to the list.
We support an ordinance that would make surfing accessible and safe for everyone in the water -being jammed together in a relatively narrow zone isn't safe; it's an invitation for disaster, especially on those big surf days, and folks from all over the Seacoast flock to our beautiful beach to enjoy what Mother Nature has in store. Our gratitude goes out to all those who worked diligently to find a workable solution, and countless others who care about surfing, surfers and the broader community. May their good work find its way to the beach this summer, despite some bureaucratic hiccups this spring.
Sincerely yours,
Amy Beal, Kristen Gustavsen,
Kirsten Fryling and Kate Gardoqui
York
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