Letters to the Editor
Vote Ted Little for selectman
Dear Independent,We are eager to write a letter in support of the candidacy of Ted Little for York's Board of Selectmen in the May election.
We have known Ted for about 15 years. Ted's opinions on the many issues York faces are always well considered and forthright. For example, we laud his determination to protect the town's growth cap. At the same time, he favors a much needed amendment to York's zoning ordinance to permit Work Force Affordable Housing for the benefit of people who work for the town of York, York Hospital and other local employers.
In addition, Ted is committed to keeping York's tax rate as low as possible and to that end has immersed himself in the tax history and tax policies both of York and of the state of Maine.
Even more important than these positions and accomplishments are Ted's personal qualities: We know Ted to be always a man of his word. With his ability to articulate positions so clearly that everyone can understand them, he will be a most worthy and valuable selectman for the town of York.
Sally and James Gambrill
York Beach
Ted Little cares about York
Dear Independent,Seldom do the important issues and needs of a community call forth so desirable a candidate for selectman as Ted Little. In proven ways, Ted combines a concern for the overall needs of the taxpayers and the needs of individual citizens.
He has demonstrated his concern for the problem of how much growth to allow without placing undue demands on the taxpayers. His service on committees concerned with these issues of growth and taxation and his frequent letters to these pages have consistently demonstrated his unfailing interest in and work for reasonable solutions in these areas and others, including the question of the impact on the town of the governor's proposal to consolidate Maine's public school systems.
Ted has consistently balanced these concerns with a concern for the needy. He has worked with the York Ecumenical Advocates and has consistently supported the town's General Assistance program, both of which provide emergency financial assistance for citizens in financial crisis in the way of temporary housing, heat, rent and food. He is a regular volunteer for the Table of Plenty.
A careful researcher of issues and a reasoned diplomat in debate, Ted is committed to working hard for the interests of this community. With his proven record, proven commitment and proven integrity, Ted Little deserves our vote - and York needs his able and committed service.
Rex T. Lohmann
Cape Neddick
Please help the Durkin family
Dear Independent,Through the extraordinary caring and hard work of the community, a wonderful "May Basket" donation has been established for the Durkin family, a well-loved and respected York family whose oldest son has undergone extensive therapy and a bone marrow transplant for aplastic anemia.
Many of you have been contacted to contribute to a family-oriented basket to present to them the first week of May, consisting of gas cards, gift certificates, restaurant certificates, etc., to help this deserving family get through the next several months of recuperation. If you have already committed to giving, please be sure to take a few minutes now to put your contribution in the mail or deliver it to the high school so we can present the family with a generous token of the compassion and caring that defines our town.
We have had many verbal and e-mail commitments to this cause, but the actual gifts received to date do not reflect the spoken generosity - SO THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW! Thank you in advance for helping us make this an easier time for a deserving family. Please contact Dwyer Vessey at dvessey@maine.rr.com or Jean Quinn at JeanQu4177@aol.com for details or addresses. Please act now so the May basket can be delivered by May 5.
Thanks in advance for taking a few seconds to let these folks know you care.
Jean Quinn
York Beach
What a vacation at the library
Dear Independent,Thanks to the York Public Library my kids and I had a great vacation week … even though Mother Nature chose not to cooperate.
We participated in four different activities the library offered for children during the week, plus went just to pick up some books and read. My youngest loved painting with Miss Cathy (Cathy Carter) and going to the regular story time with Kathleen; my oldest learned about the environment outside the library during a White Pines program, and for a change of scenery, we used the passes for the Boston Museum of Science and spent the day exploring. The museum program is outstanding and allowed us to visit the museum at a significantly reduced rate.
Our library has so much to offer and we are very grateful. We learned a lot last week, read a few good books, saw friends and, best of all, had fun!
Thanks, everyone at the library.
Heidi, Lily and Bailey Oliver
York
Dorrian has been good for York
Dear Independent,Selectman Len Dorrian is an individual of high moral character who possesses an exceptional sense of civic obligation. When he first proposed running for office we asked why would one subject themselves to the critics and the "carnival like" selectmen's meetings of the not-too-distant past. Len's response was "someone has to do it."
Len is one of the most honest and hardest working individuals we have had the pleasure of knowing. His tireless research as a volunteer for York's Tax Task Force was instrumental in introducing fiscal restraint and reason into the town's budget building process. This has contributed immensely to the cap on the annual growth of both the municipal and the school's operational budget. His commitment to investigating and researching issues continued as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Service the town of York needs as we face increasing pressures in making fiscally sound decisions.
Recently Len has been subjected to the character assassination that tabloid news is so accustomed to printing. We are disappointed in the recent return to sensationalized press that loses sight of the greater picture. And oh, by the way, please provide information on how one "de-registers" from a voter registration list.
Marjory and David Stewart
York Harbor
Visitors praise people of York
Dear Independent,I must tell you a story that warmed our hearts to the fine people of York.
Me and my 15-year-old son Phil and 11-year-old son Tim vacationed April 11-14 in York Beach and stayed at the Anchorage Inn. It was our first getaway since my wife and the kids' mother died late last year, and we were hoping for a pleasant time.
On Friday we stopped at Hannaford on Route 1. When we came back to the car with groceries the car would not start - just a click. We are miles from our home in Albany, N.Y., and it is after 5 p.m. on a Friday. We were distressed and did not know what to do.
When we went back into the store to ask for a phone book and people immediately started to offer help. Complete strangers who have never seen us before offered us rides and help of all sorts. People waited patiently in line as one checker tried to give us advice, even offering us the use of his AAA card.
We decided to first check with a nearby Ford dealer. When we walked through the door, they were just wrapping up business for the day and preparing to go home to their families and talking about the impending storm. I was shocked when they jumped right in with not just advice but comfort. They told us to just leave the car there in the parking lot and someone would get it the next morning and check it out for us. I was even more shocked when the owner, Dave Starkey, walked up and made arrangements for us with his service manager and then drove us himself back to the hotel with our groceries.
The next day their mechanic called and said he found nothing wrong with the car. It was starting fine and it must have been a fluke. Again, a man came from the dealer and picked us up at the hotel. When I got to the dealership I was told there would be no charge.
"You've had a rough stretch and we want you to enjoy the rest of your vacation," I was told.
So thanks to the lady at Hannaford who was putting her film in the processing box, the young checker, a tall lady who knew of a repair shop nearby and the nice lady with the minivan who went out of her way to try to help. Thank you, Dave, and all the people at Starkey Ford.
And, thank you York. We'll see you again soon.
Bob, Phil and Tim Gardinier
Albany N.Y.
Vote for competence, integrity and care
Dear Independent,If you are concerned about the future of York and the surrounding region you may wish to join me in voting for Ted Little as selectman on May 19th or via absentee ballot.
I have known Ted for over 10 years as a family man, fellow parishioner and civic-minded activist. He can be characterized as a caring human being with his eye on the future, a man of intelligence open to various points of view and a person of high integrity, energy and tenacity. He's just the sort of person we need at the helm.
Dick Balkite
Western Point
Dunfey supports Dorrian for selectman
Dear Independent,I have known Len Dorrian, my neighbor since he built his house near mine over a decade ago. It took us a little time to overcome our different viewpoints when it came to state or national politics that triggered some lively conversations, but we found significant common ground when it came to fiscal responsibility and the business of the town of York.
I feel Len's contribution through the Tax Force Committee, the Capital Review Committee and as a selectman has been greater than many understand. At his request I have spent some time on the both committees. He has helped to create a more fiscally responsible and predictable process when it comes to the town budget and the capital projects list.
It is my observation that the other members of the Board of Selectmen value Len's financial management skills and frequently seek his opinion or his review on a matter that requires some financial analysis.
As far as his positions on other town matters we frequently agree, but not always. When we disagree I understand how he arrived at his position and we both respect each other's opinion.
I strongly encourage you to support Len Dorrian for reelection as the selectman so that we can continue to get greater value for the taxes we pay the town of York.
Bob Dunfey
York
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