This Week's Letters
There should be more like Messer
Editor:
Why is it every time you pick up the Sunday papers or a paper like the Leader you find a plea for volunteers? Volunteers for this or that organization or for this committee or for this fundraiser. You read article after article about how the sprit of volunteerism is dying. How there are not enough people willing to enter local politics or serve on town or city committees. I find it no mystery when a man like councilor Jeff Messer is often attacked for doing his job; he has been attacked by some of his colleagues in public at a council meeting while on TV and in the papers only for being factual, concise and honest. A person thinking that he or she might like to be a volunteer sees just how much embarrassment, ridicule and personal insults you must be prepared to suffer for your willingness to serve may say to one self “I don’t think so” or “who needs it.”
I did not know who Jeff was until I got involved with senior citizens and a few senior projects in the town of Scarborough and had a number of conversations with Jeff and the pleasure to work with him on some of those projects for our seniors. I found him to be very sincere and willing to do what ever he could for the seniors of Scarborough.
Now I cannot speak for all seniors in Scarborough, nor would I be as bold to think I could. I can only speak for those who have spoken to me and said that they are very pleased with Councilor Messer and his efforts on their behalf. I will not deny the fact that I count Jeff as a friend but coming to his defense has little to do with a friendship. He is always well meaning and has the taxpayers in mind all the time. He is a willing public servant/volunteer – the kind we need more of.
Bill Billings
Scarborough
Neighborhood gives items to homeless
Editor:
(Open letter to residents of the Prouts Landing Neighborhood)
Dear Neighbors,
Thank you! Thank you! Happy holidays to all.
The neighborhood drive for the homeless was a resounding success! Neighbors (19 families) contributed two van loads of new and used items, including blankets, quilts, sleeping bags, sheets, towels, clothing, boots, shoes, toiletries, toys (new), canned goods and money.
The employees and clients of Preble Street and the employees of Chestnut Street were thrilled. They were moved by our neighborhood’s generosity. Their appreciation was so heart-felt that it nearly brought me (Beth) to tears.
I hope we can make this an annual event (and perhaps wrap it into a holiday party) and maybe encourage other neighborhoods to follow suit.
If you are interested in participating next year, please set aside items when you are cleaning out closets throughout the year.
The needs are as follows:
Preble Street Resource Center – towels, blankets, sheets, sleeping bags, adult and teen clothing, shoes and boots, toiletries, non-perishable food items and financial contributions.
Chestnut Street Family Shelter – family items, including towels, blankets, sheets, children’s clothing, shoes and boots, new toys (for the holidays), toiletries and non perishable food items (they might also accept pots and pans).
Please only gently-used or new items.
Thanks again.
The Kane/George Family
(Beth, Tim, Emma, Spencer and Olivia)
Editor’s Note: Beth added that “she is happy to offer advice to other neighborhoods that might be interested in participating in a drive. The need is there all year, though the holiday season is the time that we think of it most.”
Messer works for the town’s ‘best interest’
Editor:
Jeff Messer is a friend, a neighbor and a Town Council member.
Over the years as he served our town, he has taken a lot of trashing and bashing. But not once did he back off – he was there to serve the town residents in their best interest.
He gives his time researching what is put to vote.
He has involved his family as well.
I hope one day he will be recognized for all he has tried to do for his town and mine.
Barbara LaPrino
Scarborough
Messer always keeps taxpayers in mind
Editor:
Over the past couple of weeks, I have read letters critical of the way Councilor Messer responded to a letter from a young constituent. I would like to take a longer view. Leaders have to face tough issues; there is often strong opposition to their positions. Surely Mr. Messer has ruffled some sensibilities along the way. However, over the long run, I think Jeff Messer has provided valuable leadership to the town of Scarborough.
In 2000, the issue of infrastructure improvements for the Haigis Parkway development came up. The original concept was the improvements would be made at taxpayer expense. Councilman Messer proposed the landowners within the development area be required to pay a special assessment to help defray cost of the project on the grounds the value of their land would increase based on the improvements. Needless to say, this idea was strongly opposed by the landowners. A long running dispute was finally settled by negotiation. The concept of the assessment was preserved to the benefit of the taxpayers.
Regional Waste Systems had been operating in the red for some time; tipping fees had increased each year. In 2003, Scarborough appointed Jeff Messer to the RWS board of directors. Mr. Messer conducted a thorough evaluation of system operations. He discovered RWS was outsourcing ash disposal to a private contractor. Mr. Messer analyzed the situation and determined the system could do ash disposal on its own with considerable savings. His recommendation of this course of action was approved. That recommendation, plus a change in management, was implemented that same year. RWS has operated in the black since. There have been no increases in tipping fees in the past three years, saving the town and taxpayers’ money.
Councilor Messer has consistently supported necessary school improvements for the town. In the case of the high school expansion, it came to his attention there were possible construction deficiencies that had been overlooked by the project management team. He investigated and found some credibility in the allegations. He approached the project management team with his findings. The management team strongly resisted every issue. There was claim and counter claim. It is difficult for an outsider to determine where the truth lies. What is not in doubt is that Mr. Messer saw problems he considered valid. He made an extensive effort on behalf of the town, and taxpayers, to see the project team conducted their duties in a responsible manner.
In the case of the middle and intermediate school projects, Councilor Messer believed good schools could be built for less cost than proposed by the school department and School Board. He made specific recommendations for reductions to school officials. They insisted no cuts could be made. The voters defeated the bond proposal for construction at referendum. Councilor Messer did exactly what a council member should do – that is to do his homework and to recommend only those expenditures that are considered essential.
One letter writer used the often-used phrase Mr. Messer is ”not always right, but never in doubt.” I prefer to look at that he is a strong leader with courage of his convictions. He has consistently served the town and taxpayers well.
Dick Sparks
Scarborough
Editor:
Why is it every time you pick up the Sunday papers or a paper like the Leader you find a plea for volunteers? Volunteers for this or that organization or for this committee or for this fundraiser. You read article after article about how the sprit of volunteerism is dying. How there are not enough people willing to enter local politics or serve on town or city committees. I find it no mystery when a man like councilor Jeff Messer is often attacked for doing his job; he has been attacked by some of his colleagues in public at a council meeting while on TV and in the papers only for being factual, concise and honest. A person thinking that he or she might like to be a volunteer sees just how much embarrassment, ridicule and personal insults you must be prepared to suffer for your willingness to serve may say to one self “I don’t think so” or “who needs it.”
I did not know who Jeff was until I got involved with senior citizens and a few senior projects in the town of Scarborough and had a number of conversations with Jeff and the pleasure to work with him on some of those projects for our seniors. I found him to be very sincere and willing to do what ever he could for the seniors of Scarborough.
Now I cannot speak for all seniors in Scarborough, nor would I be as bold to think I could. I can only speak for those who have spoken to me and said that they are very pleased with Councilor Messer and his efforts on their behalf. I will not deny the fact that I count Jeff as a friend but coming to his defense has little to do with a friendship. He is always well meaning and has the taxpayers in mind all the time. He is a willing public servant/volunteer – the kind we need more of.
Bill Billings
Scarborough
Neighborhood gives items to homeless
Editor:
(Open letter to residents of the Prouts Landing Neighborhood)
Dear Neighbors,
Thank you! Thank you! Happy holidays to all.
The neighborhood drive for the homeless was a resounding success! Neighbors (19 families) contributed two van loads of new and used items, including blankets, quilts, sleeping bags, sheets, towels, clothing, boots, shoes, toiletries, toys (new), canned goods and money.
The employees and clients of Preble Street and the employees of Chestnut Street were thrilled. They were moved by our neighborhood’s generosity. Their appreciation was so heart-felt that it nearly brought me (Beth) to tears.
I hope we can make this an annual event (and perhaps wrap it into a holiday party) and maybe encourage other neighborhoods to follow suit.
If you are interested in participating next year, please set aside items when you are cleaning out closets throughout the year.
The needs are as follows:
Preble Street Resource Center – towels, blankets, sheets, sleeping bags, adult and teen clothing, shoes and boots, toiletries, non-perishable food items and financial contributions.
Chestnut Street Family Shelter – family items, including towels, blankets, sheets, children’s clothing, shoes and boots, new toys (for the holidays), toiletries and non perishable food items (they might also accept pots and pans).
Please only gently-used or new items.
Thanks again.
The Kane/George Family
(Beth, Tim, Emma, Spencer and Olivia)
Editor’s Note: Beth added that “she is happy to offer advice to other neighborhoods that might be interested in participating in a drive. The need is there all year, though the holiday season is the time that we think of it most.”
Messer works for the town’s ‘best interest’
Editor:
Jeff Messer is a friend, a neighbor and a Town Council member.
Over the years as he served our town, he has taken a lot of trashing and bashing. But not once did he back off – he was there to serve the town residents in their best interest.
He gives his time researching what is put to vote.
He has involved his family as well.
I hope one day he will be recognized for all he has tried to do for his town and mine.
Barbara LaPrino
Scarborough
Messer always keeps taxpayers in mind
Editor:
Over the past couple of weeks, I have read letters critical of the way Councilor Messer responded to a letter from a young constituent. I would like to take a longer view. Leaders have to face tough issues; there is often strong opposition to their positions. Surely Mr. Messer has ruffled some sensibilities along the way. However, over the long run, I think Jeff Messer has provided valuable leadership to the town of Scarborough.
In 2000, the issue of infrastructure improvements for the Haigis Parkway development came up. The original concept was the improvements would be made at taxpayer expense. Councilman Messer proposed the landowners within the development area be required to pay a special assessment to help defray cost of the project on the grounds the value of their land would increase based on the improvements. Needless to say, this idea was strongly opposed by the landowners. A long running dispute was finally settled by negotiation. The concept of the assessment was preserved to the benefit of the taxpayers.
Regional Waste Systems had been operating in the red for some time; tipping fees had increased each year. In 2003, Scarborough appointed Jeff Messer to the RWS board of directors. Mr. Messer conducted a thorough evaluation of system operations. He discovered RWS was outsourcing ash disposal to a private contractor. Mr. Messer analyzed the situation and determined the system could do ash disposal on its own with considerable savings. His recommendation of this course of action was approved. That recommendation, plus a change in management, was implemented that same year. RWS has operated in the black since. There have been no increases in tipping fees in the past three years, saving the town and taxpayers’ money.
Councilor Messer has consistently supported necessary school improvements for the town. In the case of the high school expansion, it came to his attention there were possible construction deficiencies that had been overlooked by the project management team. He investigated and found some credibility in the allegations. He approached the project management team with his findings. The management team strongly resisted every issue. There was claim and counter claim. It is difficult for an outsider to determine where the truth lies. What is not in doubt is that Mr. Messer saw problems he considered valid. He made an extensive effort on behalf of the town, and taxpayers, to see the project team conducted their duties in a responsible manner.
In the case of the middle and intermediate school projects, Councilor Messer believed good schools could be built for less cost than proposed by the school department and School Board. He made specific recommendations for reductions to school officials. They insisted no cuts could be made. The voters defeated the bond proposal for construction at referendum. Councilor Messer did exactly what a council member should do – that is to do his homework and to recommend only those expenditures that are considered essential.
One letter writer used the often-used phrase Mr. Messer is ”not always right, but never in doubt.” I prefer to look at that he is a strong leader with courage of his convictions. He has consistently served the town and taxpayers well.
Dick Sparks
Scarborough
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