To the Editor:
The citizens of Edgecomb are likely aware there has been much recent debate about the possible acquisition of the Murray water front property ($225,000) on Cross Point Rd. The debate was initiated by Mr. Thomas Boudin. He circulated and submitted to the Selectmen a proposed Warrant Article signed by a number of Citizens within the past several months. However, it was not properly written, nor representative of a valid Warrant Article as defined by the Maine Municipal Association.
He is now circulating another petition – however he is proposing a Secret Ballot, which would be a referendum vote on the day of Town Election -one day prior to Town Meeting.
This would be a very divisive approach that would take away the political process of open debate and protocol of Town Meeting. Edgecomb needs to come forward and unite as a community open to dialogue, open debate and decision making as seen in its historical past form of town government – that of Town Meeting.
It is crucial that we ask “The Citizens for Public Access to Public Water”(a group which has joined Mr. Boudin) to come forward to define why citizens will not have the opportunity to debate this issue nor hear from elected officials and various committees that are concerned with such matters. Several major questions emerge:
1.) Why is the Town being deprived of the opportunity to hear from:
a. Selectmen
b. Town Committees
c. Abutters (crucial to this debate), and
d. Citizens at large?
2.) Why has Mr. Boudin chosen to negate public opinion and debate from Town Meeting?
3.) Who are “the Citizens for Public Access to Public Water” – up to this point Mr. Boudin was the only person who spoke up regarding the purchase of the Murray property, an action that would take several votes at Town Meeting such as approval for the:
a. Use of the Woodend Boat Landing Fund for the purchase.
b. What if the State (Land for Maine Future) does not grant any funds to help with the purchase?
This is contrary to Edgecomb’s form of government – that of Town Meeting. I would urge Mr. Boudin to change his Petition to be a Warrant Article so that all citizens have an opportunity to participate in the process of Town Meeting.
This opportunity would bring Edgecomb together where its citizens may be heard at Town Meeting, which equalizes the political process and puts the decision in the hands of its citizens. To request the Secret Ballot will have the opposite effect – be divisive and put the decision in the hands of a few.
Please contact Mr. Boudin, ” The Citizens of Public Access for Public Water”, the Boat Access Committee and your Selectmen and ask to keep this debate for acquisition of the Murray Property as part of a Town Meeting, welcoming open debate and dialogue.
Dr. Jack Sarmanian, Selectman, Town of Edgecomb
