Vote no on Article 4
Dear Independent,
In November, we who are residents in the town of York will vote on a referendum article that proposes a revision of the zoning requirements for the business district of York Beach. Among other things, this revision will increase the acceptable height of buildings and the acceptable percentage lot coverage of the properties in the district. Of great importance to local residents, it will also relax the present restrictions on open air entertainment such as "outdoor" music. The Chamber of Commerce and a number of local businesspeople are the driving force behind these changes, touting the "renaissance" of York Beach. The term renaissance means rebirth. Rebirth as what? A crowded and highly commercial town center with a traffic jam to end all traffic jams, and noisy into the bargain? An ongoing carnival from May to October? Ever taller buildings built on a former swamp not infrequently washed over by ocean storms and flooded by rain events?
We shall never recapture what York Beach once was as a small quaint seaside town: big old wooden hotels with wide porches and many rocking chairs. What do we really hope for it now? Expensive shops and high-end restaurants and condominiums? Amplified music assailing us not only from the bandstand but also from various places of business? What sort of clientele do we want to attract to this place? What obligation does the town of York have to local residents in York Beach to sustain their quality of life?
Don't get me wrong. I'm not opposed to change and prudently planned improvements, but let us first set priorities. We need to deal with the major problems of parking and inadequate storm drains. Some buildings should be repaired and others that are beyond hope should be torn down and perhaps replaced. We should do what we can to retain the ambience of a small seaside summer resort for the many, many families of modest means who have loved this place for not only years but for generations. There will always be a need for a place like this.
Vote NO for Article 4 of the referendum.
Cynthia Baldwin Dutton
York Beach
Beware of York Beach zoning plan
Dear Independent,
Be wary of the York Beach zoning ordinance! You won't see it written as such in the warrant, but this ordinance allows buildings to be 40 feet high and to cover 100 percent of the lot. It also takes approximately five acres of residential land on Main Street and puts it into the business zone.
This means that those five acres, which are currently a field, could eventually be 100 percent covered with 40-foot buildings! (This is such a horrifying thought that I tried to get clarification on it, but the town officials I contacted did not respond to my e-mails.)
This ordinance is being crammed through against the wishes of those directly affected. Seventy percent of the businessmen in York Beach are against the ordinance. The property owner of the five acres publicly stated at a selectmen's meeting that she does not want her land put into the business zone.
In case you live elsewhere in town and think this ordinance won't affect you, remember that if it passes, those who have pushed for it may very well look for more commercial opportunities in other parts of town. They may want to extend further up Main Street or go out Ridge Road; or from the Village they may want to extend the business zones further down Woodbridge and Long Sands Roads. Perhaps they will want to move into residential areas that border Route 1.
Please vote NO on the York Beach zoning ordinance. A vote against the York Beach zoning ordinance is a vote for keeping our residential neighborhoods just that - residential.
E. Bentley
Cape Neddick
York Beach ordinance is not ready
Dear Independent,
Article 4 on the November ballot is an ordinance to change York Beach Village. Is it right for York? Is it legal?
Business property owners in the downtown district asked the selectmen by letter to not send it to the voters before issues like drainage, traffic, parking and sidewalks are resolved. They stated that it could make existing conditions worse.
Do we need large-scale development? Does it encourage a change in York Beach such as is being proposed by outside developers? Is it a change that York doesn't need or want?
It permits 100-percent coverage in a flooding area that has many drainage problems.
It increases building height to 40 feet, which by York's rules, permits a roof peak of about 50 feet. For town character, York traditionally limits height to 35 feet.
It allows the Chase 5.5-acre lot, in a residential area that is zoned for single and two-family, to become a heavily developed commercial area, including businesses, hotels, amusement arcades, multi family condos, 5000-square-foot lots and 100-percent lot coverage.
The article states that it is consistent with the Comp Plan. It is not, in that the 5.5-acre Chase lot is in Land Use Area 3, not Area 1 as addressed in the article. Land Use Area 3 is zoned residential and permits only single and two-family, not all the uses listed above. Therefore it would not be legal.
You will hear others address additional problems and violations. It would be great if you would discuss this with your friends and neighbors! A NO vote will respect the request of the business property owners and allow for a new ordinance to address the issues.
Thank you.
Clifford Estes
York
Vote for workforce housing
Dear Independent,
Affordable workforce housing is a long-standing goal of our community as reflected in our town's comprehensive plan. On Nov. 4, I am going to vote in favor of Article 1, an effort to encourage the development of affordable housing in York for working households.
This amendment is a modest proposal, limiting the maximum number of units allowed to 12 per year. It is an effort to help moderate income people live and work in York, including our police officers, fire fighters, teachers, nurses and employees of our local businesses. It neither raises property taxes, nor exempts anyone from property taxes.
We are a "graying" community. This is not healthy. Article 1 is a single step toward conserving, maybe even restoring a bit of York's history of vibrant neighborhoods.
We often hear that the devil is in the details. In this instance, I think the devil might be in continued delay.
Chuck Ott
York
Support Warrant Article 1
Dear Independent,
I write to recommend a YES vote on General Referendum Warrant Article 1: Workforce Affordable Housing. I live in the middle of the town's growth area where the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance encourages development. On my street there already exist at least seven or eight multiple family dwellings; both condominiums and apartments.
I do not believe that my property values have been negatively affected by these units nor do I believe that similar future developments would degrade my property's value. The fact is that we need a greater variety of housing options for the sort of diverse workforce I would like to see here.
I can think of several sites in my own neighborhood where conversions of vacant buildings would allow multiple units of affordable housing. Some of this property is zoned RES-4, some is zoned GEN-3, some sites have been nonconforming for years. I would rather see unused buildings upgraded and converted into apartments or condominiums than to see them abandoned. Under the proposed ordinance existing buildings could be reconstructed, making positive contributions to the supply of affordable housing in York.
All that is necessary to make this happen is passage of Article 1 and the sale of the properties at reasonable prices to nonprofit developers. I believe my town and neighborhood would be improved by such developments. I will be voting Yes on Article 1 on Nov. 4 in hopes that we can bring York back to being a town where ordinary working people can afford to live.
Ron McAllister
York
Support workforce housing proposal
Dear Independent,
I am writing in support of Warrant Article l, the workforce housing proposal.
As one who spent the early years of his professional life as a teacher in the public schools in two very affluent communities, I can address the difficulties of finding housing in such communities when one's salary is at the lower end of the scale. One-room garage apartments or shared apartments were standard practice for young single teachers. Living in distant and less expensive communities was common for married teachers, especially those with families. The fact that the required minimum beginning salary for inexperienced teachers in Maine is $25,000 (in York it is $36,000) leads me to believe that things have not really changed much over the years.
Apply those same arguments not only to teachers but also to policemen, firemen, hospital workers, ambulance personnel, librarians and others who provide vital services for the community, and there you have a category of important citizens, many of whom cannot afford to live in York with its high cost of housing. Many affluent newcomers tend to move into economically exclusive new developments with the result that the average cost of housing rises and the population is increasingly divided economically, while the cost of living increases to the point that fewer and fewer lower paid professionals can afford housing here, thus driving the average economic category of the citizens "upscale." Thus, the average prices of housing will continue to rise.
There are those who oppose the development of "workforce" housing, fearing that it will change York. What those people fear is the question. Is it fear that the appearance of prosperity and affluence in York will be compromised by the presence of increased numbers of middle-class houses, thus diminishing either their status or their property values? If, however, they have in mind the loss the of the small-town characteristics and charm that brought most of us here, they have an opportunity with the workforce housing proposal to help preserve those characteristics and at the same time assure a better life for the lower paid professionals who serve the town and, at the same time, help provide a balanced population and preserve some of the inclusive, democratic sense of community that we now have. Without some effort to keep the possibility of living in York open to all, we will gradually lose that sense of an inclusive, participatory community that we value.
The proposed housing is attractive in design, it is very much desired by many of those for whom it is designed and it will cost the taxpayers nothing. Are we offended by the title "workforce?" We are all in the "workforce" - some are simply paid more than others. Is it a fear of a negative effect on real estate values or the old "not in my backyard" argument? Is it the conviction that it will go against current zoning restrictions, even though we know that those already have been set aside in other cases? I have no answers for those reservations, but they strike me as being specious. The arguments "for" certainly carry the weight against the "nays."
Objections to the proposal (some valid, some deflective) have been raised to keep it off the ballot. It is a proposal developed through months of hard and careful work by respected members of the York community. They deserve recognition for their service, and the proposal - and York - richly deserve a "yes" vote on Nov. 4.
Rex T. (Terry) Lohmann
Cape Neddick
Vote for housing plan
Dear Independent,
Our town officials, public safety chiefs, business owners, school and hospital officials will affirm that more and more people who work here cannot afford to live here. That is affecting the safety and vibrancy of York. Housing prices are not dropping in York the way they are in other parts of the country. A teacher, town employee or York Hospital professional making $50,000 to 60,000 a year, spending 30 percent of their income on a mortgage, could afford a $200,000 house, according to standard tables. We don't have many homes in that price range. Left alone, without affordable housing, we will passively become a different and unbalanced community.
So is the Workforce Housing Ordinance, Article 1, the right answer to how to build affordable housing? In brief, the ordinance says workforce housing can be built roughly between the rivers and east of 95, two houses per acre with sewer or town water, five houses per acre with both. See www.fhlbboston.com/communitydevelopment/profiles/garrison/index.jsp for examples of these types of houses in Brunswick. An existing building could be developed into rental properties (Harbor Home could likely be too expensive to develop for workforce housing - maybe the Ice House?) The York Housing Authority would make sure owners and renters fell within income guidelines ($25,000 to 61,000 for one resident) but development and management could come from any non-profit organization. Housing would have to be built with similar materials as the neighboring properties and conform to all applicable town building codes. Setbacks, lot coverage, landscaping and resale are all addressed in the ordinance. Twelve permits could be issued per year, no tax increase for York taxpayers.
I spoke with the two selectmen whose preference votes on the ballot are "no." They both support the need for workforce housing in York. Their concerns about the ordinance seem to be that the density is too high (yet a lot of York in this zone is as dense), the ordinance should have come from the Planning Department (Steve Burns is working on a solution but it is not yet formed), the York Housing Authority should not manage them (but these are individually owned homes and the rentals could be managed by any non-profit who can develop the property).
Keep our community healthy, read the sample ballot on the www.yorkmaine.org website opening page, read the ordinance, and vote "yes" if you agree with this piece of the solution.
Patty Hymanson
York
York Hospital supports workforce housing
Dear Independent,
York Hospital's workforce consists of over 1,000 staff members - of which only a small percentage are physicians and management. In fact, the vast majority we employ are people in such careers as nursing, laboratory services, housekeeping, patient registration, medical records and other clerical services, x-ray and imaging technology, CNAs, surgical technology and many others. These positions are vital to our success. In many cases these staff members need to be available at a moment's notice for patient care needs - such as to provide the imaging technology for a CT-Scan to diagnose a stroke, or assist a surgeon during an emergent abdominal surgery in the middle of the night.
The housing prices here continue to skyrocket, and unfortunately, the average price of a home has become too high for many of these staff members to afford, sending them to surrounding communities to live - and potentially to other hospitals that are closer to their homes - to work. York Hospital has done a lot to help staff afford to live in our community so that they remain close, but the demand is ever increasing with no end in sight. Something needs to be done.
Article 1 on the General Referendum is a start. It offers a sensible plan to make room in York for workforce homes. It provides methods for our workers - who make many contributions to the economic vitality of our community - to stay here, in affordable homes, close to the place they work and to the patients they care for. The creation of workforce housing is vitally important to York Hospital. We urge you to support Article 1 and make workforce housing a reality here in York.
Respectfully,
Board of Trustees
York Hospital
Support the Growth Ordinance
Dear Independent,
To the citizens and voters of all of the Yorks, the Residential Growth Ordinance has controlled the rate of growth in York, and the selectmen have voted 5-0 to extend it for another year. I will vote YES on Article 9 to extend the Residential Growth Ordinance.
Dave Emery
York
Vote Dawn Hill for District 149
Dear Independent,
Two years ago I became active in a campaign for Dawn Hill, a new-to-politics candidate for the House seat in District 149. What prompted my interest in helping her with her campaign were her professional credentials and her being new to politics. As I reviewed her qualifications, I became intrigued with her described experience as an attorney and a trainer of dogs! I was totally perplexed as to how the two areas were connected, if at all. What also sparked my interest was her being a new face to politics at a time that I felt new blood was needed in Augusta. When I approached Dawn and asked her about her life's professional journey and why she was running for office, she stated that after experiencing many years of satisfying work in her legal profession, she had decided to pursue one of her other passions in life, which was a love of dogs and the fulfillment she would receive training them to be the best friends they could be for their owners. She also mentioned that she was initially reluctant to run for office, but friends convinced her that she had the right temperament, objectivity and had an ingrained sense for "doing the right thing." So she had decided to jump in with both feet and give it a go. And give it a go she did. As I would learn from observing, Dawn had the attitude that if she was going to run, she would put her heart and soul into it. Her door-to-door campaigning turned out to be an epiphany for her. She discovered her love for campaigning, which she stated, had helped her to become a better listener and very sensitive to the needs of her soon-to-be constituents.
Well, Dawn got elected. After Dawn was sworn in, she absorbed all she could about how the process works to assure she would have the knowledge and wherewithal to accomplish her task of knowing how to work within the system to accomplish her objectives for her constituents. After a short training period Dawn, became a thoughtful and independent contributor to the House. Dawn has used her skillful knowledge gained as an attorney and the diplomatic, sensitive, listening skills she used in her second career with her canines to help her achieve many benefits for her constituents. She created what has turned out to be a very impressive first term of results. To learn about Dawn's achievements, I recommend you visit her web site www.dawnhill.org.
Two years later, Dawn is asking for an opportunity to continue a job that she feels very excited about. She has told me that she has some unfinished business to attend to. I will vote for her again because Dawn has demonstrated to me that she has the stuff that makes for excellent politicians. She is thoughtful, objective, honest, hard working, compromising when she feels the need to be and, above all, she has come to understand that she loves Maine far more than she ever realized and wants to do what is right for her state.
Please join me in voting for Dawn and allow her to continue to help us to help ourselves in these tough times.
Chris DeSalvo
Ogunquit
Reelect Rep. Dawn Hill
Dear Independent,
Our near and dear state legislator, Rep. Dawn Hill of Cape Neddick, is up for reelection to continue the work she began two years ago on behalf of the residents of Ogunquit and sections of York, Wells and Kittery. Her accomplishments during her first term include a bill to require violators of the Shoreland Protection District to make restitution (in addition to paying a fine) by replacing what they have cut with similar growth - not merely a 36-inch sapling to replace a 30-foot tree - and a measure to insure stricter enforcement of dog-license and rabies-shot requirements, with half of the additional revenues going to the Animal Welfare Fund.
Her aspirations for her second term include reducing tax burdens on individuals by establishing incentives for small businesses to grow and create more job opportunities; getting FEMA to update its 35-year-old floodplain maps to reflect contemporary geography - currently, property owners in the old floodplain areas must buy floodplain insurance or pay to have a new map drawn for their site; continuing to work to create a more sensible sex offender registry by establishing categories of high risk, moderate, low threat, and what-all else her constituents might find compelling.
Rep. Hill is very receptive to input from people who appreciate access to her.
If any of Dawn Hill's concerns resonate with some of yours, don't forget to vote for her on Nov. 4 and invite a friend or neighbor to ride to the polling site with you. On Election Day, the polls open early: Kittery at 7 a.m., Ogunquit at 8 a.m., York at 8 a.m. and Wells at 7 a.m.
Isabel Lewando
Ogunquit
Vote for Weaver for District 150
Dear Independent,
This letter is written in support of Windol Weaver for re-election to the Maine State House of Representatives.
Rep. Weaver demonstrated his leadership abilities while a member of York's Budget Committee from 1998-2006. He was elected chairman of the committee four times. As a member of the Budget Committee from 2001 to 2008, I saw firsthand Rep. Weaver's ability to lead, organize and explain complicated budget issues enabling committee members and the public to clearly understand issues and to make well-informed decisions.
Rep. Weaver's commitment to serve began as an Air Force pilot, flying 524 combat missions in Vietnam. He was a former flight commander of the 393rd Fighter Bomb Squad.
Rep. Weaver voted against a $478 million budget increase, tax increases which would additionally burden Maine residents and school consolidation which would increase education taxes in York as well as change York's high standards of education forever. His voting attendance record in the House is 99.1 percent.
Rep. Weaver is a man of commitment and integrity who will work relentlessly to protect our interests in Augusta. I encourage everyone to vote to re-elect Windol Weaver to the Maine House of Representatives.
Lin Napier
York
Ron McAllister for District 150
Dear Independent,
I am writing in support of Ron McAllister for Maine State Legislature District 150 -York, York Beach and York Harbor.
Since becoming the Democratic Town Chair, Ron McAllister has become my friend. Talking with Ron you can expect to engage with him on a variety of subjects he is both knowledgeable about and committed to, from work force housing to energy conservation to education.
Ron not only works hard but thinks smart. Ron appreciates the complexity of issues. He is not a black or white thinker, nor are his solutions simplistic. His mind grasps the specifics of the problem while embracing the bigger picture. His manner is mild, he is a good listener and has a great sense of humor.
Ron has had a successful career in academics, has raised a family (five sons), and has been a community leader and activist. The state legislature is the next logical step for this gifted and compassionate man.
Ron will bring new energy and vitality to this legislative seat. WE need him in Augusta. Please join me in voting for Ron McAllister on Nov. 4.
Victoria Simon
York
Weaver has served York well
Dear Independent,
In these days of uncertainty and questions about who is honest, who to trust and who has York's best interest at the top of their agenda, please read and think about the following accomplishments of our State Rep. Windol Weaver.
He has the experience to make the tough decisions that must be made now in order to reduce state spending, bring healthcare costs down to affordable levels, adequately fund education and create opportunity to keep our graduates in the great state of Maine. He has character, integrity and essential decency.
He voted against tax increases in the last session and has pledged to continue to work to reduce the tax burden on Maine's working families and senior citizens. He lives right here in York and knows how the tax structure works. Who can afford more taxes? He's had four years of experience as chairman of the York Budget Committee and two years on the York Finance Committee. He knows the score!
He introduced, and passed in the House, legislation to delay and study for one more year the relocation of the York tollbooth, a needless creation that puts the state's burden on residents of York with no appreciable benefit to York residents.
Windol has served on the York County Budget Committee for three years. He voted against the $478 million budget increase and will continue to find ways to reduce the size, cost and complexity of state government. He maintains a critical focus on job creation and economic and community development incentives to benefit York County. He opposed school consolidation because it would increase education costs for York. We already have a fine school system with dedicated teachers and administrators. Let's not pay the price to fix something that isn't broke!
Windol's attendance and voting record speak for themselves. His voting attendance record is 99.1 percent. He's doing the job you sent him to Augusta to do! How many legislators have that kind of record? He's earned high marks on his environmental scoreboard. Five out of five issues he has championed have succeeded.
The qualities that Windol Weaver exhibits are the same qualities that mattered in our first president... character, integrity and essential decency. In a crisis, leadership rises to the top. On Election Day, make your vote count by voting for Windol Weaver for the Maine House of Representatives. This is one important decision that is in your hands. You can make a difference!
Sincerely,
Shirley Harris
York
McAllister is the right choice
Dear Independent,
This November, York citizens will arrive at the polls to vote for Ron McAllister, a Democrat running for District 150 in the Maine State Legislature.
McAllister is running for office because he cares about the issues that face the people of York, such as rising oil prices, elderly affairs, and the troubled state of public education. Having known Ron personally for years, I can attest that he is genuinely interested in helping the citizens of York address these needs.
But there is another reason, even more important, why Ron McAllister would make an excellent state representative: he is a sociologist. Ron is trained to examine social problems - the problems that impact large numbers of people - on two levels: the individual level and the larger community level. He can look at social concerns comprehensively and does so in an objective and bi-partisan way. His professional training and work over the years has required him to put aside his personal biases to address issues facing divided communities. His background will help him better assess proposals, government programs, and current policies, and help him judge the impact on citizens of District 150.
York, like the rest of Maine, is struggling to pay bills, to provide affordable healthcare, to fund affordable education for all children, and to plan economic development so that our college graduates want to stay in Maine. York needs compassionate and highly skilled representatives like Ron McAllister who can understand and address these complex issues.
Katrina Hoop
Portland
Reelect Weaver to the House
Dear Independent,
I lived in a number of large cities during my working career and spent many summer vacations in Maine.
By the time I retired in 1988, my wife, who died a few years ago, and I decided that we wanted to live here permanently. We made a reconnaissance trip... got as far as York and made our decision. We were sold on the location, accessibility and infrastructure. We never regretted that decision.
Over the years, I have come to learn that it is the people who make York such an agreeable place... for the most part friendly, helpful and accommodating. Those folks run the gamut from Mary-Anne and her staff at Town Hall to Annie at True Value and on to Sharon, Jim, Art and Scottie at Hannaford and to many others too numerous to mention.
As I have gotten older, I have needed more help with property care. Thanks to Mickey Warner, Doug Blaisdell and Tom Chase for the competent, dependable assistance they have continued to provide.
In this season I must mention State Rep. Windol Weaver. He is in the same mold, dealing effectively with problems impacting our town; i.e., the proposed "Jersey-style" toll booth, which would force some folks from their homes, and with more mundane matters of street lighting, telephone lines and the like. Windol brings a caring, competent concern to the solution of York's residents' needs. He is the only politician with whom I have dealt who does not accept political contributions. I can no longer vote for him because one of us now lives on the wrong side of "the tracks." Nonetheless, my front lawn proudly displays his sign. I like Weaver's Way.
Jim Park
York
York needs McAllister
Dear Independent,
Fear and loathing is rampant on Wall Street. The mysteries of financial "rocket science" threaten to bring recession to Maine. Ideologues who for years have had only one message - "government is the problem" and one policy "cut taxes, cut taxes, cut taxes" - are now begging Congress for $700 billion.
This may all seem remote from York, Maine, but it is the central reason I support Ron McAllister to be our state representative in Augusta. We've had enough of antigovernment, do-nothing Republicans. We need intelligent people of good will who have the patience to work with their colleagues to make our government work for us. Ron McAllister is just the man we need for that job. He knows York and is committed not to fighting government but to making it work for us. People like Ron McAllister are what makes democracy work.
Let's all get behind him and make it work for York.
Chuck Lawton
York
McAllister offers balance
Dear Independent,
In the Nov. 4 election, York voters in District 150 will have a chance to vote for an extraordinary candidate for state representative. Ron McAllister is eminently qualified in many ways to represent us. The breadth of his knowledge of issues has been shown in the exhaustive list of columns he has written, ranging from aging to home heating oil to the York Toll Plaza controversy to school funding to healthcare and autism, to mention but a few.
His service to our York and Southern Maine community is shown in his activity as chair of the York Parks and Recreation Board, member of the York Energy Efficiency Committee and the KEYS (Kittery, Eliot, York and South Berwick) Wellness Coalition.
Ron is retired after 35 years as a college professor but he has also served as an administrator, having been dean and provost and acting president of a college. Thus, the practical side of running a complicated business (which is what a college really is) remains an important part of his experience.
These are trying times for all of us and as history shows, a Recession can easily turn into a Depression, as it did under Herbert Hoover, who took the position, as I understand Ron's opponent has, of voting No on all expenditures. I would count on a mature, experienced person like Ron to take a balanced view of what we need to do in Augusta to keep our ship of State afloat. Please vote for Ron McAllister.
Neil Rolde
York
Vote for Ron McAllister
Dear Independent,
I am writing in support of the candidacy of Ron McAllister for state representative for York Beach, York Harbor and York Village. Over the last year I have come to appreciate Ron's thoughtful stance on a number of the pressing issues that face our community and the state of Maine.
For example, Ron has made the insightful connection between the urgency of developing new businesses and jobs in our area and of promoting renewable energy resources as a promising means of promoting that development, while maintaining the pristine environment for which our state is celebrated.
In addition, Ron has been instrumental in providing a solid foundation for the efforts of many in the York community in support of workforce affordable housing for the benefit of people who work in town. He recognizes that York is aging and losing both school population and income diversity, thus causing the labor force to consume unnecessary gas and time commuting to York from towns farther and farther away where housing is less costly.
For these and many other reasons, I will vote for Ron McAllister for our state representative on Nov. 4 and encourage other readers of this newspaper to do the same.
James H. Gambrill
York
McAllister will serve York well
Dear Independent,
Every year we hear how important it is to vote. I believe in these troubled times, this is particularly true. We need representation that will speak for us with honor and integrity, willing to make the tough choices compassionately. To that end, I urge you to vote for Ron McAllister for Maine House of Representatives.
It has been my pleasure to work with Ron on the Parks and Recreation Board for the past year and a half. He has proven to be a powerful leader who communicates in a refreshingly open and honest way. He cares deeply for the health and wellness of our community, always trying to encourage our department to incorporate healthy and responsible options to improve our collective wellbeing. Ron believes access to healthcare is a basic human right. To save money in the long run, we should provide access to screenings and wellness initiatives to detect or even prevent more serious conditions. His balanced approach to the state's healthcare problems would include the need to control the costs of healthcare delivery to make coverage attainable for every Maine citizen. It seems so simple and obvious but the obstacles are overwhelming. We need legislators like Ron who are willing to put in the work to obtain the outcome.
I encourage everyone to vote and when you are making your choices, vote for Ron McAllister. He will represent us well in Augusta.
Thank you.
Heidi Hayes
York Beach
Bowman for Maine Senate
Dear Independent,
For the citizens of South Berwick, York, Kittery, Eliot and Ogunquit, the reelection of Peter Bowman for state senator will mean continued compassionate, informed and creative attention to the needs of his constituents. Regional and statewide issues will continue to be addressed with energy and intelligence.
Peter has proven that he understands the profound challenges facing our state. In his first term as state senator, Peter had a 100-percent attendance record. He supported 48 bills that passed. He sponsored numerous bills, including one (strongly endorsed by GrowSmart Maine) to form a high-level "BRAC-like" Commission (patterned after the federal Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission on which Bowman served) to recommend to the legislature and governor reductions in state spending and consequently taxes. Under this process, like the Congress and president at the national level, the Maine Legislature and governor would either accept or reject the commission's recommendations in whole; i.e., no picking and choosing. As this bill did not pass, he will resubmit in the next term.
He will continue to be a strong, knowledgeable advocate for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Let us all support the re-election of Peter Bowman for state senator.
Helen and Sumner Winebaum
York
Attack ad was misleading
Dear Independent,
An attack advertisement appeared in a past issue of the Weekly Sentinel accusing Sen. Peter Bowman of voting for new taxes. It raised that familiar Republican Party "alarm" that is designed to scare people into voting for his opponent.
To set the record straight on Peter Bowman's position regarding taxes/spending, voters should consider the following.
Bowman voted for "An Act to Cut Taxes on Maine Residents by Over $140,000,000," which sought to reform Maine's tax structure. Although this bill received bipartisan support it was defeated in 2007.
Based on his experience at the national level, Bowman sponsored a bill to create a high-level "BRAC-like" commission (a term taken from the federal Defense Based Closure and Realignment process) to recommend reductions in state spending such that, like the federal legislation, the Governor and Legislature could only accept or reject the commission's recommendations in whole. Unfortunately, this bill was also defeated in 2008.
In order to keep Dirigo Health serving approximately 15,000 of Maine's poor and small businesses, Bowman reluctantly voted for the bill that supplanted the highly controversial Savings Offset Payment for funding Dirigo Health and imposed a few pennies per bottle tax on beer, wine and soda and a fee on medical claims. (This was the subject of the Sentinel advertisement).
Peter Bowman believes that the real debate should be over the size of state government in Maine and not over a few cents per drink. Bowman deserves your consideration on his record; true and factual. He is a hard working, compassionate, fair-minded senator and we would be privileged to have him represent us for another term.
Victoria Simon
York
Reelect Peter Bowman
Dear Independent,
I want to thank Peter Bowman for his leadership and hard work on behalf of our seacoast community. His acknowledgement of Maine's challenges for our area of the state and support of our state industries is refreshing.
I am a resident of this great community and owner of two seacoast businesses. His understanding and effort to preserve Maine's working waterfront is greatly appreciated. He has directly responded to any concern I have had with respect to issues and proposed legislation that can impact my industry. He has documented his positions clearly and has a realistic perspective and opinion of their impacts. He has my utmost respect in the positions he has taken thus far in the senate regardless of any differing opinions we may have had. In short, Peter Bowman is a representative I trust, that does his homework, and makes confident and informed decisions for the betterment of our community.
His attendance and voting record speaks clearly of his work ethic and ability not just to see, but to understand issues on both sides of the isle. His focus and tenacity in making difficult decisions and bringing two sides together is what we need in the senate. I believe his naval background bodes well for his approach to resolving issues and making things happen.
A senator that has these innate qualities, but has resolve in his decision making, is rare and appreciated.
There is no doubt in my support of Senator Bowman. He is the best man for the job.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Allen
President
Kittery Point Yacht Yard
Vote for Susan Collins
Dear Independent,
I have never voted for a Republican and in general don't trust them. However, I feel I owe Susan Collins my vote and this letter.
I am disabled and live on a very low income. I have written many of my state and federal representatives and senators, including Gov. Baldacci, about the struggles of many with disabilities who have suffered the most from federal and state budget cuts.
I have a great deal of fear about how I will pay for heat this winter, and have learned that budget cuts at my local mental health center are forcing me to have to travel over 35 miles to see a doctor I do not even know. Those who do not have to deal with this have no idea how devastating the cuts have been. In addition, my IRS stimulus payment never came due to an error in processing.
The only government official who responded to my concerns was Sen. Susan Collins. She had someone on her staff contact the IRS and I learned that my stimulus payment is on the way. She has also asked me to keep her up to date about my application for fuel assistance, and other problems which may arise for me in this economic downturn.
I may not agree with many of her opinions and voting record, but when it comes down to caring about me as an individual, she not only has my vote but a sincere "thanks" for the help.
Arin Quintel
York
A tribute to compassion
Dear Independent,
In September, on a day of clear blue skies, a wounded seagull paid a visit to Spring Pond Estates here in York. It was hugging a patch of grass on a neighbor's lawn.
I called the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick and was told to contact the animal control officer via the York Police Department. Happily, within minutes Officer Larry arrived with his trusty net.
His first attempt to bag the bird set it off and up for a short flight to Styles Lane. Clearly, the gull was hurting.
Larry maneuvered around Spring Pond Circle while a resident - with his approval - slowly approached the bird from another angle to distract it.
Down came the net, and our visitor was rescued and en route to the wildlife center for medical attention. Larry showed the resident that the bird had blood in its mouth and had been pecking at a wound in its side.
We in York owe a great debt to the public and private agencies that keep York running so smoothly.
A phone call the day after elicited the sad news that the gull had died within an hour of its rescue. Evidently, it had been struck by a car.
Wherever Jonathan Livingston Seagull may be today, I believe he would be happy to know that, here, his least brethren will be cared for and - in some cases - survive to fly again above the beautiful shores.
Warren LeMon
York
Where is the MTA hiding?
Dear Independent,
Where is the MTA? We read in the papers and hear on the television that the MTA revenue is down approximately 5 percent for the year against predictions of 2.5 percent growth. We know there were NO traffic/capacity problems at the York Toll Plaza during the entire summer season.
What we do not know is why the MTA has not kept the citizens of York, the elected legislators and the York Selectmen "involved in the process." On May 14, 2008, the MTA visited York. After their presentation, the MTA informed us we would be "part of the process." How can we be part of the process when no one in York has been contacted? How can we be part of the process when the MTA has asked us no questions and given us no information?
Are we left to assume the MTA plans to present the citizens of York with a final plan and no input and no conversation with anyone in York?
Joan Jarvis
York Harbor
How not to build a toll
Dear Independent,
Well here we are with the fall season upon us, and it seems like traffic volume and safety issues were not a problem at the York Toll Plaza during the peak traffic volume of holiday weekends or at any other time.
So why does the MTA insist that the relocating the York Toll Plaza is still at the top of their priority list?
With revenues down and the possibility of having to layoff turnpike personnel would it not be wiser to repair the present plaza to save $40 million-plus on new construction costs?
MTA states that their construction company HNTB is studying the feasibility of repair versus relocation.
Why are there not other construction companies weighing in on this proposed repair/reconstruction project? HNTB built the existing plaza which is supposedly sinking one inch per year because it was built on wetlands, so why relocate it to another wetland?
Can anyone tell me what HNTB stands for? Can it be - How Not To Build?
Lou Potvin
York
"Green" candidates?
Dear Independent,
It was nice to learn that two of the newer office seekers are now using bicycles. They can join those of us who got the message long ago. After all, Mary Andrews is well known for walking when meeting voters. Windol Weaver has joined with Mary and on his own for this and his prior run for office. People ask me if I still have my bicycle, which I have used several times including this year while asking for votes and circulating the petition to recall the school consolidation law.
However, use of the term "green" seems too trendy and temporary. When growing up here in York, I always heard the expression, "making do with less," which seems far more appropriate. Would it not be more responsible to take this as our message to Augusta, come November?
Brad Moulton
Cape Neddick
Hats off to the Independent
Dear Independent,
Yes. Hats off to you.
You finally wrote an editorial that will help the thinking people of York come to a very important decision. Small IS beautiful in York Beach.
You took a stand on a very substantial issue - three issues, in fact, which puts you in opposition with some of your advertisers. For this I applaud you. Whether or not I agree with your views, it was a good read, short and sweet, to the point.
I would like to end this letter by saying I totally agree with your views on all fronts: York Beach zoning, Cathy Goodwin's conflict of interest and Mr. Plotkin's ‘what if' proposal.
I strongly urge the voters of York to turn out in record numbers to defeat this amendment.
Sincerely,
Howard Koeppel
York
A solution for Town Hall?
Dear Independent,
A newspaper headline says, "New Town Hall silent for now." After all the work and money that has been put into trying to generate continuing interest for anew Town Hall, can we find a solution?
Our Town Hall is old and lacks so many current necessities. It's overcrowded and we all feel the need is great for a new facility. Are there options?
Could the First Parish Church allow us to remodel and expand at the back for the present building so as not to have to move, buy property, etc.? To do this and continue business as usual, we could rent the Ice House, which is for sale, just a skip and hop away, for an interval period while our Town Hall reinvents itself with an addition at the back to include an elevator and basement, storage, etc.
Surely the First Parish Church won't want to use our old building if we should leave, and might consider our renovation a plus for them and us. When we left the old library, they built on at the back for more room for them. That's what we'd do to the Town Hall and be in conformance with their renovation of the library. We could be partners in a remodeling plan! By allowing us to expand on their property with their approval of design, and making a more useful building for both parties, they, too, would benefit. Think what that would mean!
A possible solution?
Cynthia Raymond
York
Thanks from YCSA
Dear Independent,
I would like to extend my thanks to Stephen and Kimberly Martin of the Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home for their hard work and efforts organizing another successful backpack drive this year. Many of you who donated backpacks and school supplies will be happy to know that they were handed out to children in the community so that they could start the school year off with all the essential supplies needed.
Everyone who helped and contributed to this cause put smiles on the faces of these children. It was very apparent to them, to know that there are people who care in the town of York.
A thank you to those who generously gave to make this happen!
Lorna Ryan
YCSA
Bonfire a success
Dear Independent,
Labor Day Weekend, Graystone Builders of Maine held their Annual Benefit Bonfire on Long Sands Beach. This year's event benefited the York Community Service Association's "Warm Hearts, Warm Homes" fuel assistance program as well as the York Food Pantry. Hundreds of people enjoyed an evening full of music, food and friends as well as a fantastic bonfire on the beach. A total of $5,500 was raised for the YCSA fuel assistance program and will directly benefit citizens of the town of York. All of this would not have been possible without the generosity of our local stores, businesses and the volunteers who come every year to support this event.
We would like to take a moment to thank the Town of York, York Beach Fire Department, York Parks & Recreation Department, and the York Police Department for supporting our annual bonfire event. Special thanks to the following for their generosity in providing services and gift certificates for the benefit: the Morlock's Band, Nathaniel Perhem Productions, Holly Chase Face Painting, Kennebunk Savings Bank, York Oil, Harvey Industries, LaValley Lumber, the Boston Red Sox, the Portland Sea Dogs, York Flower Shop, Daisy Trading Co., Anthony's Food Shop, Greenleaves, The Meat House, Village Scoop, York Harbor Inn, Sweet Josie's Candy, Harbor Adventures, York House of Pizza, the Union Bluff, Surface Skate Shop, Bill & Bob's Jewelers, Inn on the Blues, Panda & Sakura, Mainiax Café, Berger's Bike Shop, Sticks Restaurant, Eldredge Lumber, Wild Willy's Burgers, The Barn, Yorke Shears and especially our family and friends who volunteered their time and efforts to make this event a success.
Thank you all very much.
Walter Woods
Graystone Builders
Thanks from Memory Walk Committee
Dear Independent,
What if there was no Alzheimer's disease? What if progression of the disease could be stopped so people could live longer, more independent lives?
On Sept. 20, Home Instead Senior Care and York Hospital Home Care partnered up with the Maine Alzheimer's Association and approximately 75 walkers who were on the MOVE to end Alzheimer's disease. They gathered at the York Beach Ball Field to help make this a reality by joining the Tenth Annual York Memory Walk to benefit the Maine Alzheimer's Association. A total of approximately $15,000 was raised from walker pledges and corporate sponsors to fund research to develop better Alzheimer treatments and for programs to help those affected by this fatal disease. All funds raised remain in Maine.
Before walkers headed out on their scenic three-mile walk along York Beach's Ocean Ave to Sohier Park and the Nubble Lighthouse, they were treated to a continental breakfast donated by York's Hannaford Bros. and coffee from York Beach's The Daily Grind. Bonnie Gould, estate and elder attorney of Gould & Moore, LLC, in Berwick, welcomed our volunteers and walkers, sharing stories of her experience working with families with Alzheimer's disease. The executive director from the Alzheimer's Association's Maine Chapter, Joy Heptner, shared statistics of those afflicted with this devastating disease and Mike Bierley, member of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, thanked all our generous sponsors, donors and committee members. Howard L. Schultz, president and owner of Home Instead Senior Care Kennebunk and York Offices, kicked off the walk and presented awards. Trophies and prizes were awarded to the following: the Business Team that raised the most money, Sentry Hill at York Harbor; the Family team that raised the most money, The Donohue Family; the Individual who raised the most money, Laurie Rowan; the oldest walker, Bea Marden, and the youngest "walker," C. Corriveau.
Many thanks to the following: Co-chairs of the event York Hospital Home Care and Home Instead Senior Care; Presenting sponsor Genworth Financial; Regional Corporate Sponsor Beacon Hospice; National Sponsors BAE Systems, Home Instead Senior Care, Kindred Healthcare, Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc.; Corporate Sponsors Sentry Hill at York Harbor and York Hospital Home Care; Way Station Sponsors Susan Heckaman of Edward Jones Financial; Local Business Sponsors Nicole Waldron of Coastal Finance, LLC, and Elaine Morgillo of Morgillo Financial Services; Local Donors Bob Duddy, Fiona's Porch, Ruby's Bar and Grill, Lee Tree, Libby's Oceanside Camp, R & W Engraving, Biddeford, A&W Promotional, Arundel, town of York, York Fire Department, York Police Department, and Bob Modee of White Crane Bodywork provided massage therapy to the walkers and volunteers.
With your support the York Memory Walk will make a difference for the more than 30,000 families in Maine who are affected by Alzheimer's disease.
With much gratitude,
York Memory Walk 2008 Committee members from Home Instead Senior Care,
York Hospital Home Care,
Beacon Hospice,
Curves for Women and Coastal Finance
"Drinking Problem" comments
Dear Independent,
I'd like to write a bit of a response to Al Diamon's folksy dump on those who oppose privatization of the groundwater in Maine. I'm not a York resident, but have connections to the area to my south in Maine in many ways, and feel particularly attached to the issue of water in Maine.
The statistics that are published in Mr. Diamon's paper are probably all not far from correct. We receive a great deal more water from rain than we can possibly use at present, and it is a great boon - our own little "oil." However, I might suggest that the whole amount of that water IS used today: humans use some for home and business (I've heard that homeowners use closer to 70 gallons a day - and potentially more at work - but the exact amounts are a minor issue); yes, Virginia, trees do take up water in the summer and evaporate that water - sometimes providing up to nearly 100,000 BTU per day of cooling per tree as well as maintaining and growing the tree itself (and, I'll point out, those trees support many a Mainer with recreation, wood, and other services... oh yes, and many species of those same trees 'channel' rain and melt water from the surface into the groundwater supplies we use and some want to tap for profit); many of our streams take water from groundwater and fill ponds, lakes, rivers, maintaining those habitats, or allow that water to flow from estuaries to maintain coastal habitats that all - again - employ a great many Mainers (bloodworms, lobsters, clams, mussels, fish, recreation again... need we continue?); oh yes, did we consider the domestic vegetation that the water supports? The ecosystem services that water - surface water and groundwater - supports make up a huge list. One aspect of that list might just be salable water in commercial amounts.
Here's the catch. Although right now, in many watersheds, there is plenty of groundwater - as Nestle and other tests happily verify, primarily through drilling, pumping, and measuring the flow rate - it "ain't" always so. We know (sorry, folks, but I remember this and I'm not all that old...) there are dry years in which wells run dry, where stream flows slow or stop, when the boats are beached (no more parties on the lake!), and where the trees are parched and gasping for every bit of moisture they can get. These tough periods also see fish die, ecosystems fail, swimming areas close, and society's "waste" concentrations reach hazardous levels, among other effects. And this "drought" occurs without the commercial exploitation of water (or at least without increasing exploitation of water). Now, obviously, the answer is to only take the "extra" water that is available during the good years, right? And we might write some condition for that into the contract, correct?
Here's where the rub comes in. When water is scarce, as we all know it is in some years, how do we decide how much to "sell?" The 30-year contract proposed for the KKWWD Branch Brook watershed water (for example) allowed some control over the Nestle pumping, but (arguably) only over some portion of the extraction (some additional portion appeared to be completely unregulated...) and only on the basis of the flow of water to the KKWWD branch brook outflow (their exact measurement location escapes me at the moment). There is nothing in that document that allows a renegotiation of withdrawals should the rate be too high based on any other consequence. If, during several years of drought the watershed's forests (extremely important to the very existence of the groundwater) be threatened, Nestle doesn't have to care. If wells go dry and people are driving their water in from elsewhere at great expense, Nestle doesn't have to care. If rivers, streams, and lakes dry, if estuary life can no longer exist, if the recreational value of Maine's land and coast decrease because, year after year, June, July, and August are dry and our ecosystems cannot tolerate the high withdrawal rates of no-longer-extra water, Nestle does not have to care.
That's appropriate, as the requirements of business in our nation and the world are written. But, given that situation, signing such a contract is somewhat similar to agreeing that our lives and livelihoods are all subject to forfeiture for Nestle's profits (and the company has, in the past, shown a particular lack of concern for lives and livelihoods of those it impacts...). With the best predictions of global warming effects for our area including long (three month plus) droughts on an annual basis long before 2100, and large torrential downpours (whose detrimental effects - such as flooding - are ameliorated by a properly functioning, forested watershed) only infrequently providing most of the water to the region, the 'deals' that are often proposed by water extraction companies are not deals I believe are in Mainers' interests. Now I must admit that these companies might just be economically forced to require the long time extents and extraction guarantees that they do to ensure a proper return on investment - I'm not necessarily saying they're evil, just that their primary goal is their own profit, not Mainers' survival or welfare.
Is there the possibility of exploiting the water bounty Maine sometimes has? I believe there is. However, the faucet control must always - ALWAYS - be in the hands of those who are most significantly and immediately affected by the extraction - local Mainers. And there lies the rub.
Some good information on watersheds can be found at the SWIM website of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (swim.wellsreserve.org/home.php). Do your homework, think - a lot - about what it might mean for your future and your children's future, consider very carefully the question of uncertainty and chance - if a really bad series of years might happen, you know it will sometime, then make a decision for long-term good. But a whole lot of water ought to flow under the dam while any contract is carefully reviewed and scrutinized - if we've got so much water, there shouldn't be such a rush to take it as we've seen so many times.
Thank you.
Pete Hayes
Cumberland
The hunt to be fed in October
Dear Independent,
There's nothing more exhilarating than a brisk Autumn day with the convertible top down exploring New England's foliage while skirting around curves as crisp fall leaves dance.
It's good for your soul and great for your appetite. It's also the time of year when restaurants recharge by revamping their menus. The warm days of summer give way to exciting new flavors brought to the table from local farm harvests. Pumpkin, squash and heartier meats have a chance to be invented by hot new chefs proving themselves and well seasoned cooks excited to turn the pages of yesterday's specials.
A quick trip through the Kennebunks finds us enjoying one of Southern Maine's most romantic restaurants; On the Marsh, the exquisitely decorated, 8 time winner of the Wine Spectator Award and renowned for their incredible flavors that Executive Chef Jeffery Savage serves up nightly. While still staying true to some of this restaurant's star menu items like Lobster Steak, an amazing dish that combines 2 lobster tails and bursts of flavors that have visitors returning year after year requesting it as their very own special and the Deconstructed Beef Wellington; Center cut beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelle, foie gras torchon, puff pastry, potato pancake, truffle demi glace with asparagus and carrots. Savage has decided that there are too many choices to pick from this autumn season so he's decided to treat diners to a new adventure for their palate every week. For starters, you must start with the Butternut squash-honey crisp apple bisque that he has perfected beyond belief. Besides the one-of-a- kind presentations, On the Marsh has mastered the art of fine dining service. Their wait staff is extremely knowledgeable in wines and trusting their recommendations can take a fabulous evening meal and turn it into a dining experience that's fondly recalled for years. "It is around the table that friends and family best understand the warmth of being together" Denise Rubin believes wholeheartedly, and it shows with every accolade she and her staff receives. They've added an extensive Fall bar menu for those that prefer a less than the extravagant meal. Without sacrificing the flavor and zest of the entrée meals. It's perfect for a girl's night out, early bird diners or quick after work treat.
Just down the road and in Dock Square is the family owned and tourist favorite Bartley's Dockside. Living up to its reputation of good hearty food at reasonable prices, all within a funky atmosphere, they have invigorated their family friendly menu with "The Townie Menu"- a separate offering of new flavors recession priced. Bartley's has found a way to put a new twist on favorite staples such as Stabbed Steak - loaded with whole cloves of garlic that is sure to put a smile on garlic lover's faces. And to broaden that smile, order the creamy garlic infused mashed potatoes with the best of everything. Not garlicky enough yet? Add the sweetened caramelized onions sautéed with even more garlic! The Pucci Pasta with hand squeezed tomato sauce constructed in the kitchen by the area's hottest new chefs that make it a fashion statement for the plate. If your druthers appear to be chicken, be prepared to experience their Amaretto Chicken; the remarkable flavors yet to be duplicated are simple and guarded. Save room for dessert because in addition to their world famous Blueberry Pie made daily and shipped all over the country, they have a decadent dessert called "Big Brown". Don't even ask for an explanation for the outrageous chocolate desert - just order it and then try not to order it for every course! "We find that our takeout business is rivaling our dining in business. It could be the weather or it could be television reality shows!" Brian Bartley laughs as he explains the new type of business that has become to be the norm.
That's exactly what Kennebunkport based Silver Tureen Catering Company discovered when they began filling orders for dinner deliveries. "On a stormy evening, we double our orders for dinner delivery." co-owner Robb Schoonmaker says as he explains the nature of their latest branch of their business. "And, especially when American Idol and Dancing with the Stars are on TV" partner Bill Munette chimes in. Their menu changes weekly because of so many repeat customers. This season's Autumn driven menu celebrates the harvest of local farmers. They specialize in "doctor ordered" food restrictions and vegetarian friendly choices but they have learned that there's always room for dessert when it means you can enjoy later in the evening. The flat fee of $28.00 feeds 2 people and includes entrée, vegetables, starch, salad, rolls and dessert. The Fall menu is posted on their website www.Silvertureen.com. If you are computer friendly, you may order it on line or by dialing them directly. If their Rosemary Herb Crusted Lamb Chops are on the menu, do not hesitate to check it yes! Another favorite of the Silver Tureen dinners is the Beef Tenderloin. A full service catering, The Silver Tureen is known for their lavish theme parties, beautifully orchestrated weddings and well executed corporate functions. "This is our 3rd year delivering dinners and lunches and word of mouth has been terrific. Our customers have become like family because we see them daily and weekly and understand how they enjoy their food prepared" Schoonmaker adds.
October has a reputation for easing us into the chiller months of Winter with spectacular foliage, Halloween celebrations and the promise of nights in front of home fires, but most of all, the delightful change of scenery on Autumn leaves and on your palate! Begin your hunt to be fed in October with these 3 business establishments or find your own special restaurant that's changed their menus enticing you to enjoy heartier meals and fantastic flavors - all in the name of Autumn.
Danie Connolly
Kennebunk
