This Week's Letters
Seniors deserve a senior center
Editor:
Seniors lose again! Who has done more for whom? Has the town done more for our seniors or have our seniors done more for the town? Did anyone watch the council meeting of Oct. 4? I was there and I saw how our seniors were again denied their own little spot in town. Councilor Messer had done, to his credit, some very hard behind the scenes work to make it economically sound for Scarborough to finally give to its seniors, who have been for years quietly paying their full measure and their just dues. But his very sound plan that was off in the wings ready to go was not to be. This time the denial was done by three councilors – councilors Rancourt, O’Reilly and Most. Their denial was based on a survey/study. The study committee worked very hard and put in a lot of long hours I’m sure, but I argue with a population of 4,000 seniors and you survey only 275. I don’t care how thin you slice it and as it was said “you don’t have to drink the whole ocean to tell it’s salty,” I still would not want to take those odds to Foxwoods and bet that they truly show what the majority of senior citizens in Scarborough want or need. I have done extensive studies/research. I am on a forum of the National Conical on Aging and the National Intuition of Senior Centers. I have visited many senior centers in Maine and Massachusetts, talking not just to those running the centers but also to those seniors enjoying their centers – there is where the real street level feelings are. I am in contact with senior centers via e-mail, phone and snail mail all over the United States. The ideas expressed, like a senior center without walls, is a misnomer. A center without walls at best is only a very short stopgap while a center is being repaired or built. It must also have a hub in which you can dispatch your seniors to satellite venues. A multigenerational center should not be confused with a community center. Studies show that as the participation in these centers by the youth and young adults increases, the concentration of senior programming and services decreases because senior participation decreases. A community center has problems with scheduling (i.e. will business men/women who want to lap the pool on their lunch hour be there while seniors are in the pool? Who is using the kitchen? The Lions club, the 4H or the seniors this weekend? Will there be a sport tournament going on all week?) Remember – “it’s a community center.” Who do you think will have priority? It is simply beyond me, after doing so much research and knowing that the real proven answer is a stand-alone senior center and knowing all the copious ways to finance it’s running, that we don’t have one. With all the money that Scarborough has spent and asked their seniors to carry their share that the citizens cannot build its seniors a center. It is a proven fact when a town/city has a senior center, there is more senior participation in every aspect of community life.
Bill Billings
Scarborough
Support for Peggy Pendleton
Editor:
This fall, the voters of Scarborough have an opportunity to send one of the area’s most hardworking, experienced and impressive local citizens to Augusta. Peggy Pendleton will be the voice that Maine people need in state government. Peggy has walked her district over the last few months to listen to her neighbors, share her experiences and will work hard to improve the lives of people in her home district. As a former Scarborough State Senator and long-time community member, Peggy knows Maine. No one will work harder to create jobs, fight for healthcare coverage and promote the interests of her constituents. As a member of the legislature myself, I know how important people like Peggy are to the future of Maine. We are fortunate to have a woman running for office that cares so deeply about her district and has so much to offer.
Rep. Glenn Cummings
Portland
Vote for McDonough in District 127
Editor:
We are writing in response to the article “Candidates for District 127 seat talk about the issues” in the Sept. 22 edition of the Leader. Our state has many, many challenges to overcome. The issues of taxation, health insurance and the deteriorating business climate continue to confront all of us. John McDonough feels, as do we, that Maine must go in a new direction. It is clear to us where these candidates stand on the things that matter most to Scarborough taxpayers. John McDonough supports the “Taxpayers Bill of Rights” (TABOR). His opponent does not! John McDonough has taken a pro business approach that we need to reduce taxes to retain existing and attract new businesses to Scarborough, as is evident in his position on Cabela’s. John McDonough feels strongly that competition is the answer to reducing health care premiums. His opponent wants to tax larger businesses to fund the already existing Dirigo program, which is failing. John McDonough’s previous business and political experience make him the best candidate to represent and serve the citizens of Scarborough in Augusta. He has our full support and we hope you will join us in voting for John McDonough on Nov. 7.
Hollis and Nikki Dixon
Scarborough
New community farm presents opportunity
Editor:
I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) in securing the Merserve farm property, their vision in selecting an organic, community-oriented farming model to work the land, and welcome to our town the new family who will be leasing the property and running the farm – John Bliss, his wife, Stacy Brenner, and their daughters Emma and Florence. The SLCT had the foresight to recognize the Merserve property as a potential treasure for our town, as well as surrounding communities. Having been in continuous agricultural production for more than 150 years, the farm encompasses over 430 acres of hayfields, woodlands, wetlands and streams, and hosts a beautiful historic homestead, barns, and outbuildings. The acquisition of this property by the hard-working members of the SLCT, has essentially doubled their holdings, and offered a feasible way to restore a working farm to our community. The model of farming now being introduced on the Merserve property is called CSA or “community supported agriculture” and is an alternative to the traditional farm market approach. According to John Bliss, “The CSA model is currently the fastest growing sector of organic agriculture, which itself is the fastest growing sector in U.S. agriculture.” Traditional small farming is extremely labor- and cost-intensive, yet most often results in discouraging profits. At the same time, the small working farm is a cherished community icon – it embodies our deep connection to the earth and the foods we eat; our sense of culture and heritage; it offers visual beauty in its untouched expanses; community pride; ecosystem, watershed, and species conservation; rich educational opportunities for our children; and when managed organically, it can serve as a living, breathing example of “sustainability” – a systematic concept addressing the deep and fragile interconnectedness of all living things – a concept which our children are all actively learning in school and adults are just now beginning to grasp. Despite these values, our society has not reached out to actively support the small farm’s existence. And so, time and time again, many of us have seen cherished farmland turn to development. As an alternative to this scenario, the SLCT will lease the Merserve property to the Bliss family at a reasonable rate; in addition, the utilization of the CSA model will offer a direct, cooperative exchange between the farmer and the consumer in a subscription-based arrangement. For example, a CSA member might place an order for a vegetable/flower, poultry or pork “share” and also agree to lend a few hours of volunteer work to the farm; this defrays some of the farmer’s cumbersome preseason expenses and offers extra support with the more hands-on approach of organic farming. In return, starting in early June, the member receives 20 weeks of fresh, local, lower-cost (no middle men), seasonally-appropriate produce for their family. On top of this, the food is raised organically...so you will find no pesticides, GMOs, or growth hormones here...and the food is delicious. At their past home at Turkey Hill Farm in Cape Elizabeth, over 50 families annually were served with thousands of pounds of produce. But there is so much more. There is deep sense of place and community around a CSA farm. As a volunteer myself, I have had opportunities to learn about organic gardening practices, meet and work with volunteers and apprentices from diverse and interesting backgrounds, and get some rewarding physical activity while weeding, mulching or harvesting. It is a joy to bring the children on a “share pick-up day”, where you can watch the chickens scurrying about, hear the sounds of the animals, feed the pigs, walks the trails, smell the sweet herbs, drop off some of your yard’s leaves in the compost pile, and pick a fresh bouquet of flowers along with your “share.” John and Stacy, at their prior Turkey Hill CSA Farm in Cape Elizabeth, put out a weekly newsletter where members may have received related recipes for that week’s harvest, introductions to other members, some farm photos, poetry or related articles, invitations to walk the trails or pick some apples or notices of upcoming farm events, such as pot-lucks, May Day celebrations, potato-harvesting or weeding parties. Even non-members were able to participate in many events, access portions of the land for low-impact recreational use, and purchase farm products when available. Because John and Stacy are committed to community outreach, collaboration, and education, they have in the past hosted: field trips for school children, courses for the community, college interns, community lectures, activities with The Maine Organic Farmer and Gardeners’ Association (MOFGA) and offered space for the popular summer Farm Camp for kids. They currently host a group called “Cultivating Community”, a non-profit organization based in Portland which exposes urban youth to a working farm and distributes hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to low income families, including immigrants and the elderly. CSA members have pooled extra share payments to include a family that may not have the resources to pay for a share. And partnerships are also currently in place with the Snell Family Farm and David Buchanan’s “Cook’s List” project, in collaboration with the “Slow Foods” movement. It is clear that a new energy is being infused into the Merserve farm (proposed to be called the Broadturn Farm). However, the SLCT is still very much seeking contributions from willing members of the community to complete much needed structural renovations on the farm. John Bliss and his family, as well as volunteers, have recently begun the process of moving their farm to its new home, and once settled, they will no doubt begin putting into place some of the exciting projects noted above. Herein lies a fantastic opportunity for many of us who cherish the icon of the small family farm: to make a small difference, become part of the solution and take a step in the direction of a more sustainable Scarborough. Welcome, John Bliss and his family, to our town and thank you for your vision, SLCT.
Terri Candelmo Eddy
Scarborough
CSA member and volunteer
A community center is a good idea
Editor:
I was disappointed to read recently that since the YMCA pulled out of Scarborough and the senior center is back on the table. That does not mean that I don’t support the need for a place for seniors to gather, it’s just that a community center, which could serve people of all ages, seems a better way to spend resources. Sadly, our town has seemed divided between “young and old” when it comes to approving limited funding for projects. What better way to rally a community together than with a community center. It has been a real plus for communities like South Portland. Hopefully corporations and individuals would pledge money as they did for the YMCA so that part of the center could be privately funded. A location near the town center and a design so that “wish list additions” could be built in the future as funding permitted would be ideal. To start, I propose a central lobby, large function room with kitchen, two smaller meeting rooms, computer room, pool and locker rooms. There is currently no pool in Scarborough and I think it would be a great asset which could be used for preschool classes and senior classes during the day and at other times for things like school swim teams and open swim. As for building the center, how about a novel concept – have the community build it. Habitat for Humanity builds this way, which allows a lot of cost savings. We have a lot of people in this town who are in the trades or are just “handy” or “energetic.” I would hope that Scarborough could come up with quite the volunteer list. Wouldn’t it be great to see teenagers, parents, and seniors working side by side on our community center? That would be a town anyone would be very proud to live in!
Debra Fuchs-Ertman
Scarborough
TABOR will have ‘detrimental impact’
Editor:
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report questioning TABOR’s ability to reduce taxes. I sincerely hope that Mainers are smart enough not to fall for the misleading, dumbed-down rhetoric that is claimed by TABOR. Once people do research and learn the truth about the detrimental impact on Maine’s communities and quality of life that will result from TABOR’s cookie-cutter methodology, there can be no alternative other than voting no. The one-size-fits-all method of controlling state spending will negatively affect our infrastructure, public safety, public education system (early childhood education through higher education) and protections for our most vulnerable citizens. Should a natural or unnatural disaster occur, the additional bureaucracy required by TABOR will preclude a rapid response. In this post 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina world, this is no longer acceptable. Let’s learn from Colorado’s mistakes, where they have suspended their version of TABOR because it was so harmful to services and did not reduce taxes. Maine’s version of TABOR is even more rigid. There are those who believe that TABOR is a national strategy that is being pushed in Maine by far right extremists who are not concerned with the interests of Maine citizens (Check out a special report on Maine’s Public Broadcasting Network “Now” program for background information). Groups that support TABOR with the sole intent of sending a message to our legislature that we need tax reform are embarking on a dangerous strategy. Yes, Maine needs tax reform, but not at the expense of Maine’s children, working families, senior citizens or quality of life. Let’s hold our elected officials accountable regarding true tax reform that doesn’t hurt the people it is intended to help. Do your homework, don’t be fooled and vote no on TABOR!
Lori Freid Moses
Scarborough
Councilor explains her vote on senior center bond
Editor:
I am writing with regard to my vote at the Oct. 4 Town Council meeting regarding a $400,000 challenge bond for the purpose of building a senior center. I sat as the council representative on the Senior Citizen Study Committee. The committee did a very thorough job of meeting its charge from the Town Council. We conducted a survey of resources available for use by seniors in the town, contracted with Critical Insights to obtain representative opinions of the 4,000 seniors living in town and made both short and long- term recommendations to meet senior needs. Although I have long been a supporter of a senior center for Scarborough seniors and momentarily considered the $400,000 challenge bond, my council role as a representative of all citizens won out. When a majority of citizens voted not to build a senior center, I respected that vote. In a democracy the will of the people rules no matter how slim the margin. Democracy allows for the voters to change their minds as well, even though that change of mind may take longer than some would like. The support of the voters for a project in which tax dollars spent may very well exceed the initial bond amount is vital. The operation of a center will cost significant tax support no matter how it’s building is funded. After the voter’s rejection of the senior center referendum, the council asked for a study committee to ascertain the needs and priorities of Scarborough’s seniors. The recommendations of the Senior Study Committee are important and should be listened to and acted upon by the Town Council. Among them are many short-term recommendations and four long-term recommendations (three to five years): develop a center for seniors, develop a fitness park, develop better communication to and with seniors and repeat the senior study to keep abreast of the changing needs of seniors in town. Along the way, the study committee did learn of at least two possible projects that may lead to an answer for a senior meeting and gathering space. Cyndy Milliken Taylor, whose non-profit corporation is turning the Bessey School into senior housing, has proposed that some of the Bessey land may be available for use as a senior center and Laurence Gross, executive director of Southern Maine Agency on Aging (my employer), another non-profit agency, shared with the committee that he has plans to add a second story to the current building on Route One allowing the first floor to be turned into a senior center. Both of the options would be public/private collaborations toward the goal of providing a venue for senior services and activities. They deserve further study. Although neither of the options may come to fruition, other recommendations of the senior study have merit ¬– including a concept that a community center may be more desirable to the citizens now that the YMCA is no more. I hope that tempers will cool and that we in Scarborough can proceed together to find a solution for serving the growing older population. One thing I do know, votes should be respected and voters trusted. Although on Wednesday I suffered a momentary hesitation before the vote, I know that when the time is right, Scarborough voters will support services and programs for its senior citizens one way or another.
Carol S. Rancourt
Scarborough town councilor
Editor:
Seniors lose again! Who has done more for whom? Has the town done more for our seniors or have our seniors done more for the town? Did anyone watch the council meeting of Oct. 4? I was there and I saw how our seniors were again denied their own little spot in town. Councilor Messer had done, to his credit, some very hard behind the scenes work to make it economically sound for Scarborough to finally give to its seniors, who have been for years quietly paying their full measure and their just dues. But his very sound plan that was off in the wings ready to go was not to be. This time the denial was done by three councilors – councilors Rancourt, O’Reilly and Most. Their denial was based on a survey/study. The study committee worked very hard and put in a lot of long hours I’m sure, but I argue with a population of 4,000 seniors and you survey only 275. I don’t care how thin you slice it and as it was said “you don’t have to drink the whole ocean to tell it’s salty,” I still would not want to take those odds to Foxwoods and bet that they truly show what the majority of senior citizens in Scarborough want or need. I have done extensive studies/research. I am on a forum of the National Conical on Aging and the National Intuition of Senior Centers. I have visited many senior centers in Maine and Massachusetts, talking not just to those running the centers but also to those seniors enjoying their centers – there is where the real street level feelings are. I am in contact with senior centers via e-mail, phone and snail mail all over the United States. The ideas expressed, like a senior center without walls, is a misnomer. A center without walls at best is only a very short stopgap while a center is being repaired or built. It must also have a hub in which you can dispatch your seniors to satellite venues. A multigenerational center should not be confused with a community center. Studies show that as the participation in these centers by the youth and young adults increases, the concentration of senior programming and services decreases because senior participation decreases. A community center has problems with scheduling (i.e. will business men/women who want to lap the pool on their lunch hour be there while seniors are in the pool? Who is using the kitchen? The Lions club, the 4H or the seniors this weekend? Will there be a sport tournament going on all week?) Remember – “it’s a community center.” Who do you think will have priority? It is simply beyond me, after doing so much research and knowing that the real proven answer is a stand-alone senior center and knowing all the copious ways to finance it’s running, that we don’t have one. With all the money that Scarborough has spent and asked their seniors to carry their share that the citizens cannot build its seniors a center. It is a proven fact when a town/city has a senior center, there is more senior participation in every aspect of community life.
Bill Billings
Scarborough
Support for Peggy Pendleton
Editor:
This fall, the voters of Scarborough have an opportunity to send one of the area’s most hardworking, experienced and impressive local citizens to Augusta. Peggy Pendleton will be the voice that Maine people need in state government. Peggy has walked her district over the last few months to listen to her neighbors, share her experiences and will work hard to improve the lives of people in her home district. As a former Scarborough State Senator and long-time community member, Peggy knows Maine. No one will work harder to create jobs, fight for healthcare coverage and promote the interests of her constituents. As a member of the legislature myself, I know how important people like Peggy are to the future of Maine. We are fortunate to have a woman running for office that cares so deeply about her district and has so much to offer.
Rep. Glenn Cummings
Portland
Vote for McDonough in District 127
Editor:
We are writing in response to the article “Candidates for District 127 seat talk about the issues” in the Sept. 22 edition of the Leader. Our state has many, many challenges to overcome. The issues of taxation, health insurance and the deteriorating business climate continue to confront all of us. John McDonough feels, as do we, that Maine must go in a new direction. It is clear to us where these candidates stand on the things that matter most to Scarborough taxpayers. John McDonough supports the “Taxpayers Bill of Rights” (TABOR). His opponent does not! John McDonough has taken a pro business approach that we need to reduce taxes to retain existing and attract new businesses to Scarborough, as is evident in his position on Cabela’s. John McDonough feels strongly that competition is the answer to reducing health care premiums. His opponent wants to tax larger businesses to fund the already existing Dirigo program, which is failing. John McDonough’s previous business and political experience make him the best candidate to represent and serve the citizens of Scarborough in Augusta. He has our full support and we hope you will join us in voting for John McDonough on Nov. 7.
Hollis and Nikki Dixon
Scarborough
New community farm presents opportunity
Editor:
I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) in securing the Merserve farm property, their vision in selecting an organic, community-oriented farming model to work the land, and welcome to our town the new family who will be leasing the property and running the farm – John Bliss, his wife, Stacy Brenner, and their daughters Emma and Florence. The SLCT had the foresight to recognize the Merserve property as a potential treasure for our town, as well as surrounding communities. Having been in continuous agricultural production for more than 150 years, the farm encompasses over 430 acres of hayfields, woodlands, wetlands and streams, and hosts a beautiful historic homestead, barns, and outbuildings. The acquisition of this property by the hard-working members of the SLCT, has essentially doubled their holdings, and offered a feasible way to restore a working farm to our community. The model of farming now being introduced on the Merserve property is called CSA or “community supported agriculture” and is an alternative to the traditional farm market approach. According to John Bliss, “The CSA model is currently the fastest growing sector of organic agriculture, which itself is the fastest growing sector in U.S. agriculture.” Traditional small farming is extremely labor- and cost-intensive, yet most often results in discouraging profits. At the same time, the small working farm is a cherished community icon – it embodies our deep connection to the earth and the foods we eat; our sense of culture and heritage; it offers visual beauty in its untouched expanses; community pride; ecosystem, watershed, and species conservation; rich educational opportunities for our children; and when managed organically, it can serve as a living, breathing example of “sustainability” – a systematic concept addressing the deep and fragile interconnectedness of all living things – a concept which our children are all actively learning in school and adults are just now beginning to grasp. Despite these values, our society has not reached out to actively support the small farm’s existence. And so, time and time again, many of us have seen cherished farmland turn to development. As an alternative to this scenario, the SLCT will lease the Merserve property to the Bliss family at a reasonable rate; in addition, the utilization of the CSA model will offer a direct, cooperative exchange between the farmer and the consumer in a subscription-based arrangement. For example, a CSA member might place an order for a vegetable/flower, poultry or pork “share” and also agree to lend a few hours of volunteer work to the farm; this defrays some of the farmer’s cumbersome preseason expenses and offers extra support with the more hands-on approach of organic farming. In return, starting in early June, the member receives 20 weeks of fresh, local, lower-cost (no middle men), seasonally-appropriate produce for their family. On top of this, the food is raised organically...so you will find no pesticides, GMOs, or growth hormones here...and the food is delicious. At their past home at Turkey Hill Farm in Cape Elizabeth, over 50 families annually were served with thousands of pounds of produce. But there is so much more. There is deep sense of place and community around a CSA farm. As a volunteer myself, I have had opportunities to learn about organic gardening practices, meet and work with volunteers and apprentices from diverse and interesting backgrounds, and get some rewarding physical activity while weeding, mulching or harvesting. It is a joy to bring the children on a “share pick-up day”, where you can watch the chickens scurrying about, hear the sounds of the animals, feed the pigs, walks the trails, smell the sweet herbs, drop off some of your yard’s leaves in the compost pile, and pick a fresh bouquet of flowers along with your “share.” John and Stacy, at their prior Turkey Hill CSA Farm in Cape Elizabeth, put out a weekly newsletter where members may have received related recipes for that week’s harvest, introductions to other members, some farm photos, poetry or related articles, invitations to walk the trails or pick some apples or notices of upcoming farm events, such as pot-lucks, May Day celebrations, potato-harvesting or weeding parties. Even non-members were able to participate in many events, access portions of the land for low-impact recreational use, and purchase farm products when available. Because John and Stacy are committed to community outreach, collaboration, and education, they have in the past hosted: field trips for school children, courses for the community, college interns, community lectures, activities with The Maine Organic Farmer and Gardeners’ Association (MOFGA) and offered space for the popular summer Farm Camp for kids. They currently host a group called “Cultivating Community”, a non-profit organization based in Portland which exposes urban youth to a working farm and distributes hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to low income families, including immigrants and the elderly. CSA members have pooled extra share payments to include a family that may not have the resources to pay for a share. And partnerships are also currently in place with the Snell Family Farm and David Buchanan’s “Cook’s List” project, in collaboration with the “Slow Foods” movement. It is clear that a new energy is being infused into the Merserve farm (proposed to be called the Broadturn Farm). However, the SLCT is still very much seeking contributions from willing members of the community to complete much needed structural renovations on the farm. John Bliss and his family, as well as volunteers, have recently begun the process of moving their farm to its new home, and once settled, they will no doubt begin putting into place some of the exciting projects noted above. Herein lies a fantastic opportunity for many of us who cherish the icon of the small family farm: to make a small difference, become part of the solution and take a step in the direction of a more sustainable Scarborough. Welcome, John Bliss and his family, to our town and thank you for your vision, SLCT.
Terri Candelmo Eddy
Scarborough
CSA member and volunteer
A community center is a good idea
Editor:
I was disappointed to read recently that since the YMCA pulled out of Scarborough and the senior center is back on the table. That does not mean that I don’t support the need for a place for seniors to gather, it’s just that a community center, which could serve people of all ages, seems a better way to spend resources. Sadly, our town has seemed divided between “young and old” when it comes to approving limited funding for projects. What better way to rally a community together than with a community center. It has been a real plus for communities like South Portland. Hopefully corporations and individuals would pledge money as they did for the YMCA so that part of the center could be privately funded. A location near the town center and a design so that “wish list additions” could be built in the future as funding permitted would be ideal. To start, I propose a central lobby, large function room with kitchen, two smaller meeting rooms, computer room, pool and locker rooms. There is currently no pool in Scarborough and I think it would be a great asset which could be used for preschool classes and senior classes during the day and at other times for things like school swim teams and open swim. As for building the center, how about a novel concept – have the community build it. Habitat for Humanity builds this way, which allows a lot of cost savings. We have a lot of people in this town who are in the trades or are just “handy” or “energetic.” I would hope that Scarborough could come up with quite the volunteer list. Wouldn’t it be great to see teenagers, parents, and seniors working side by side on our community center? That would be a town anyone would be very proud to live in!
Debra Fuchs-Ertman
Scarborough
TABOR will have ‘detrimental impact’
Editor:
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report questioning TABOR’s ability to reduce taxes. I sincerely hope that Mainers are smart enough not to fall for the misleading, dumbed-down rhetoric that is claimed by TABOR. Once people do research and learn the truth about the detrimental impact on Maine’s communities and quality of life that will result from TABOR’s cookie-cutter methodology, there can be no alternative other than voting no. The one-size-fits-all method of controlling state spending will negatively affect our infrastructure, public safety, public education system (early childhood education through higher education) and protections for our most vulnerable citizens. Should a natural or unnatural disaster occur, the additional bureaucracy required by TABOR will preclude a rapid response. In this post 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina world, this is no longer acceptable. Let’s learn from Colorado’s mistakes, where they have suspended their version of TABOR because it was so harmful to services and did not reduce taxes. Maine’s version of TABOR is even more rigid. There are those who believe that TABOR is a national strategy that is being pushed in Maine by far right extremists who are not concerned with the interests of Maine citizens (Check out a special report on Maine’s Public Broadcasting Network “Now” program for background information). Groups that support TABOR with the sole intent of sending a message to our legislature that we need tax reform are embarking on a dangerous strategy. Yes, Maine needs tax reform, but not at the expense of Maine’s children, working families, senior citizens or quality of life. Let’s hold our elected officials accountable regarding true tax reform that doesn’t hurt the people it is intended to help. Do your homework, don’t be fooled and vote no on TABOR!
Lori Freid Moses
Scarborough
Councilor explains her vote on senior center bond
Editor:
I am writing with regard to my vote at the Oct. 4 Town Council meeting regarding a $400,000 challenge bond for the purpose of building a senior center. I sat as the council representative on the Senior Citizen Study Committee. The committee did a very thorough job of meeting its charge from the Town Council. We conducted a survey of resources available for use by seniors in the town, contracted with Critical Insights to obtain representative opinions of the 4,000 seniors living in town and made both short and long- term recommendations to meet senior needs. Although I have long been a supporter of a senior center for Scarborough seniors and momentarily considered the $400,000 challenge bond, my council role as a representative of all citizens won out. When a majority of citizens voted not to build a senior center, I respected that vote. In a democracy the will of the people rules no matter how slim the margin. Democracy allows for the voters to change their minds as well, even though that change of mind may take longer than some would like. The support of the voters for a project in which tax dollars spent may very well exceed the initial bond amount is vital. The operation of a center will cost significant tax support no matter how it’s building is funded. After the voter’s rejection of the senior center referendum, the council asked for a study committee to ascertain the needs and priorities of Scarborough’s seniors. The recommendations of the Senior Study Committee are important and should be listened to and acted upon by the Town Council. Among them are many short-term recommendations and four long-term recommendations (three to five years): develop a center for seniors, develop a fitness park, develop better communication to and with seniors and repeat the senior study to keep abreast of the changing needs of seniors in town. Along the way, the study committee did learn of at least two possible projects that may lead to an answer for a senior meeting and gathering space. Cyndy Milliken Taylor, whose non-profit corporation is turning the Bessey School into senior housing, has proposed that some of the Bessey land may be available for use as a senior center and Laurence Gross, executive director of Southern Maine Agency on Aging (my employer), another non-profit agency, shared with the committee that he has plans to add a second story to the current building on Route One allowing the first floor to be turned into a senior center. Both of the options would be public/private collaborations toward the goal of providing a venue for senior services and activities. They deserve further study. Although neither of the options may come to fruition, other recommendations of the senior study have merit ¬– including a concept that a community center may be more desirable to the citizens now that the YMCA is no more. I hope that tempers will cool and that we in Scarborough can proceed together to find a solution for serving the growing older population. One thing I do know, votes should be respected and voters trusted. Although on Wednesday I suffered a momentary hesitation before the vote, I know that when the time is right, Scarborough voters will support services and programs for its senior citizens one way or another.
Carol S. Rancourt
Scarborough town councilor
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