To the Editor:
On Thursday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m. while driving on Main St. toward Newcastle I stopped at a crosswalk by Renys to allow pedestrians to cross.
I looked left and noticed a local police cruiser coming the wrong way up out of the alley by Paco’s Tacos. I’m stopped to let people cross the street safely because it is the law. Across the street an officer is breaking the law.
Fifteen or 20 years ago the alley was a serious safety concern and made one way because it is impossible to see left or right on the sidewalks coming up onto Main St., let alone entering traffic with vehicles parked along the street. There was a serious discussion at the time to close the alley altogether and by today’s standards and from a safety perspective, it probably should be. The alley by Paco’s Tacos is very dangerous.
I’ve noticed on several occasions, officers not coming to a complete stop at “stop signs,” but write tickets to the public for similar behavior. I think it is time that law enforcement officials train our police officers (or at least point out to them) that they are not above the law.
I am astounded by a police budget of nearly $400,000 for a community this size. I don’t feel we are receiving half that in value.
I suggest Chief Drake check his records to determine who was driving the black Dodge Charger Thurs., June 18 at 1:30 p.m. and give him or her a “time out” for a few days to think about being a law abiding citizen.
Malcolm S. Oliver, Jefferson
Damariscotta taxpayer
