Support for Tom Skolfield

To the Editor:
Tom Skolfield is a hero to many in the Sebago Lake region and I hope that he will be elected as a State Representative in District 92. This is why we hold him in such high regard.
In the 1990’s, the powers that be in Augusta chose to sacrifice the beaches of Sebago Lake by promoting increased lake levels for political gain. At that time, Tom Skolfield was Maine’s Southern Regional Director of State Parks.  He knew that the Sebago Lake State Park beaches would be ruined by the new State lake level policy.  
He stood firm to support the earlier recommendations by state scientists, and a Portland Water District study for  a lake level plan that mimicked the historic pre 1980’s lake levels and fluctuations. Skolfield was punished for upholding the public trust as the powers that be made an example of him with a demotion in rank because he did not waiver on his scientifically correct convictions.
In the 1980’s, the State Planning office produced a study on Maine lake beaches that found that the 10 best inland beaches in Maine’s organized townships were on Sebago Lake. Songo Beach was the most outstanding of all. The Songo Beach extension was recommended for critical areas designation.
Tom Skolfield stood up for hardworking Maine citizens who might be able to enjoy a day at Songo Beach and do not deserve an eroded beach where they have to sit back in the forest while their children play and swim where newly exposed roots lie in waiting like trip wires.  
Skolfield knew the value of Songo beach was lost to private interests so cigarette boats could access shallow coves and multi-millionaire cottage owners would not have the inconvenience of extending their docks if the water levels dropped one to two feet in the summer.
Tom Skolfield is one of the most respected and capable state park administrators in Maine. Songo Beach now lies in ruins just as he warned  Augusta would happen. Row after row of trees has been eroded away thanks to the state’s constant high water policy. In the summer only the remnant of a beach exists where picnic tables once stood along once Maine’s finest inland beach.
Ironically, the State of Maine is now realizing the unfortunate damage they caused. In an effort to reverse it, the state has issued new water level parameters which are closer to what Tom Skolfield was advocating for 20 years ago. Tom Skolfield has vast experience in state government working for the public, and knows how to protect and make wise use of Maine’s natural resources so that all can benefit.  We need strong leaders with integrity like Tom Skolfield who will do what is right and not do what is  politically expedient for special interests. On Nov. 6th, I urge district 92 voters to cast their ballot for Tom Skolfield as a candidate for state representative.
Roger Wheeler
Communications Director,
Friends of Sebago Lake