LETTERS: Let’s all support Laura Jones!

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To the editor:

I am excited and fully support Laura Jones’ candidacy for House of Representatives for our district (i.e., Vassalboro and Sidney). Laura’s Vassalboro ties go back four generations, and her dedication and devotion to our area and our state are remarkable. Laura recently retired from a stellar career in the military (which highlights her commitment to country as well as community). Laura has taken on a leadership role in engaging citizen participation in the community, providing opportunities for people to share ideas, activities, and ways to make our community better. Laura has the energy, enthusiasm and abilities to take her knowledge and skills and do the same things for us at the state level. Please vote for Laura Jones, House District #61 on or by November 5.

Amy Davidoff
Vassalboro

LETTERS: Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner

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To the editor:

We who live in Liberty are fortunate to witness Elise in action – as our long-time Director of Emergency Management and for many years as budget committee chairman. But what personally impresses me the most is her thoughtful presence at selectboard and annual town meetings.

No matter how controversial the issue, Elise articulates a common-sense path forward taking into account the facts in a manner that respects all views. To me, this is why Elise was honored with the dedication in a recent town annual report.

I hope more of you can get to know her as our Waldo County Commissioner. She’s a star. We’re willing to share her talents!

Bob Kohl
Liberty

LETTERS: Elise Brown is dedicated to our community

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To the editor:

When Elise Brown told me she was running for Waldo County Commissioner in District #3, I went online to learn what a County Commissioner does. Much of our quality of life here in Waldo County is affected by county government. Here are some functions for which County Commissioners are responsible: our District Attorney’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, Sheriff’s Office, Registry of Probate, Registry of Deeds, as well as 911 services.

Elise is well prepared to take on this important role. She has a history in Liberty as fire chief, EMT, emergency manager and firefighter. She has served on Liberty’s budget committee for seven years, and as its chairman for four years. She co-owns a local weatherization contracting company, and has demonstrated experience managing people and budgets. She is articulate, caring, and involved in community. That’s why a vote for Elise Brown will make a difference.

Jean Wakem
Liberty

LETTERS: Meyer connects with community

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To the editor:

I’m thrilled to endorse Robert Meyer for State Senate! I’ve witnessed his efforts to connect with our community, truly understanding the people he aims to represent. His kindness, humility, and genuineness are evident in every interaction, especially when he speaks about his family.

He shares my values, prioritizing Christian faith, family, small businesses, and parental rights.

I know that he will work hard to represent Waldo County and the things that really matter to us.

Meet him and you’ll understand why I wholeheartedly support him!

Kristi Philbrook
Belfast

LETTERS: Will not seek re-election

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To the editor:

I would like to thank the residents of China for supporting me over the last five years in my role on the select board. I have learned a lot about local government and have enjoyed representing your interests. However, I will not be seeking another term. Nomination papers are now available for the November election at the Town Office, and I encourage you to get involved and run for my spot. It’s time for some new faces.

The most important lesson from my experience is that you really can make a difference. Even when I disagree with my colleagues on the Board, I still enjoy the respectful and collaborative process that generally leads to a consensus.

It is also always a pleasure to work with our exceptional Town Manager, Becky Hapgood. Becky is extremely capable and hard working, and her historical knowledge of the Town and its residents is extraordinary. She truly loves China, and she treats everyone with respect and kindness. We are very fortunate to have her leadership.

It has truly been an honor to serve you, and I urge you to take a turn. We need a new generation of fresh ideas to move China forward. You really can make a difference!

With respect and appreciation,

Janet Preston
China Select Board

LETTERS: Kudos to SCVFD

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To the editor:

Many, many thanks to the South China Volunteer Fire Department volunteers. Recent storms have certainly caused huge problems – sometimes very dangerous problems. Twice in the last few months on the road I live on, multiple trees have downed wires across our narrow, windy road with its blind spots, making travel on the road hazardous to say the least. On both occasions a call to 911 resulted in someone from the department being on the scene within only a matter of minutes, assessing the scene, communicating with others as needed, and then helping to ensure cones were put out and drivers provided warning of the danger so they stayed safe.

These volunteers have work, families, and a host of other obligations, just like the rest of us. But they add to their busy lives serving their community. Indeed, they literally drop what they are doing day or night to provide assistance for a wide range of situations, all of which are focused on helping the rest of us stay safe or get needed help.

I am so very grateful to these folks. I hope others will join me in not only thanking them but supporting them in whatever possible. And for those of you outside of South China, I hope you will do the same for your local fire department volunteers. We are all in their debt.

Susan Cottle
South China

LETTERS: CMP, PUC should treat all customers equally

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To the editor:

An open letter to Central Maine Power Co. and the Public Utilities Commission respectively, as a retired electrical/contractor/engineer. We had trouble with both entities just after moving to Maine in 1988. [We] built two homes with baseboard electric heat and was told by a CMP field engineer that we were stupid to go with electric heat.

This was long before the new green energy fad, so all us electric people using baseboard heat were ahead of the curve when it came to zero carbon emissions. CMP and the PUC were so anti-electric heat that we were hit with a 12 percent luxury tax, and, to make things worse, were given a TOU meter which is a punitive meter because we used more than 2,000 KWH in one month.

Now, to my gripe. I got a flyer from CMP stating that heat pump users may get a special rate? What about us loyal electric heat people who have paid dearly for heat with no complaints. I lived in a state where the power company had a special rate for all electric homes. But not in Maine. I never saw such a company that punishes you for being carbon neutral, plus is CMP a business where the more you use they give you a discount? Of course not!

Gone are the good old days when Paul Flannagan was president of CMP and Steve Ward was the chairman of the PUC. In closing, I’m hoping my letter wakes up some of our legislators and push CMP and PUC to treat all electric heat homeowners fairly.

Frank Slason
Somerville

LETTERS: Select board urged to reach agreement about trash

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To the editor:

I’m writing in support of Gary Mazoki’s points published in The Town Line issue of November 23. 2023, on the possibility of Palermo losing access to the China Transfer station because of a couple of unresolved issues. Losing this access would place a huge burden on our citizens, especially the elderly and unwell as they would likely have to travel a much greater distance to dispose of their waste, incurring fuel cost and time lost.

Yes, there are local haulers and one can always rent a dumpster. However, these do not come cheap and can be limited in what they will take. If Palermo residents are being uncooperative and rude, can’t they be identified and their privileges revoked? And arguing over $2 sticker fees just isn’t reasonable in light of the problems with no local access – like more dumping beside our roads or accumulating in dooryards to name a couple. I hope the Palermo Select Board will continue to try to reach an agreement with China town officials.

Pat Clark
Palermo

LETTERS: What’s so wrong? Work it out.

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To the editor:

When I speak with my friends and ask them if they heard the latest news from China ? They say did President Xi order the invasion of Taiwan? I say it’s worse, the town of Palermo has received notice that the town of China, Maine, has given notice to terminate the contract for Palermo residents to utilize the China Transfer Station!

What’s so wrong? Are Palermo residents not paying their fair share of the cost? Will a few rude individuals ruin the capability for all the residents?

While I’m just a part time resident of Maine, I find bringing my trash, recyclables, and swap shop gems to the China transfer station to be a great solution. It’s the next town over so it’s convenient…. I don’t mind buying Blue Palermo bags at Tobey’s … the employees at the transfer station are always pleasant and friendly to me. When I visit the transfer station it’s not crowded or overwhelmed.

So what’s so wrong? It’s a business and, of course, Palermo residents should pay their fair share of the cost to include not only the disposal but operating and capital depreciation. Everyone including Palermo residents need to follow the rules in the disposal of their trash. So what’s the issue?

I would hope that a workable solution could be found to allow Palermo residents the privilege to continue to use the China Transfer Station. Thank you!

Gary Mazoki
Palermo

LETTERS: More volunteers needed at Window Dressers workshop

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Damaris Mayans at the China build in 2022. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

To the editor:

Last year The Town Line ran a piece about Window Dressers, a grassroots, volunteer-run, nonprofit organization that trains, supplies, and supports volunteers to construct Insulating Window Inserts for residents who need help in keeping their homes warm.

Even though I did not get a response last year when I applied, this year volunteers came to my house and measured my windows for the inserts I desperately need.

I volunteered to construct my inserts and inserts for others for three days in the November 6 – 11 period that they will be doing this at the Olde Mill Place, 934 Main St., No. Vassalboro.

As the saying goes, “life happens”, and I had to call today to see if I could go in on November 7, at 12:30 p.m., instead of the 8:30 a.m. shift that I had signed up for in October.

During the conversation I heard that more volunteers are very much needed.

If you know anyone who has a few hours in a morning or afternoon, from November 7 – 11, to help construct insulating window inserts for those people who need help keeping Maine’s cold winter days and night outside, it will be very much appreciated.

Anyone who has the time can get contact details at https://windowdressers.org/

Another one of those great nonprofit positive things happening in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

You know more people than I do in this area, so thank you for contacting anyone who might have the time.

Roberta Barnes
Windsor