Opinion
Support Black Mountain funding
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
As a citizen, former Finance Committee member (former chairman) and Rumford taxpayer, I want voters to be aware of a couple of facts pertaining to the funding of Black Mountain of Maine.
Three years ago, when they came before our Finance Committee with their request, I asked them if they could add any fundraisers to help with reducing the amount that was being asked for each year. In turn, Black Mountain added three hill climbing competitions on their slope for the snowmobilers the following year.
A "no" vote on Rumford wind ordinance
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
As a former selectman of Rumford, I urge you to vote "no" on the Rumford wind ordinance.
I believe it puts Rumford in financial danger for the following reasons:
1. No protection from lawsuits;
2. No money up front for decommissioning or community benefits;
3. Too many loopholes.
Rumford selecten were split, 3-2, and the new ordinance raises noise levels, reducing the safety setback, no free electricity, allows towers up to 450-feet tall, and wind farms nationwide make electric rates increase over 20 percent.
Please do your homework
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
Recently, Rumford voters received a mailing from a potential developer to support the wind ordinance that is on the June 14th ballot.
I urge all of you to investigate what you are being told before you vote. It was mentioned that it would bring $4,000 per turbine per year to the town. What was left out was the fact that it is averaged over a 20-year period, meaning that if they choose they don’t have to pay the community a dime for 20 years. It should have been written in the ordinance that Rumford is to be paid per year but it wasn’t.
Thanks for supporting my benefit
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
A heartfelt thank you to all who donated, attended and volunteers for my benefit.
Denise Byrd
Support for George Byam
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
I support George Byam for selectman for the Town of Mexico.
As a retired businessman, he knows budgets and truly cares for the citizens of Mexico.
He will work hard to keep spending down and has no hidden agenda. He keeps an open mind when making decisions.
George is the best man for the job.
Reginald Arsenault, Jr.
Mexico
Thanks for supporting bottle drive
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
The bottle drive held on May 7 was a huge success.
Thank you to the folks of the River Valley for making our bottle drive very successful for Abbie's Avengers. All donations and bottle money went to the American Cancer Society.
Deborah Milligan
A message from library trustees
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
The Rumford Library’s operating budget has been cut every year for the last three years: 10% for 2008-09; 10% for 2009-10; and last year, 2010-11 by another 20%, some $40,000.
As a consequence, the Board of Trustees and staff have been forced to make severe cuts in services. Closing the library on Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays was a blow to all library patrons, especially students and working people.
Maintain library services
Support for Sterling, Giroux
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
A few years back, we had to battle an effort to build an extension onto the municipal building at a multi-million dollar expense, a proposal for a new multi-million dollar library, and a new multi-million dollar public safety building for the ambulance.
Support for one true candidate
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
Four individuals submitted papers for the two Rumford selectpersons terms.
I refrain from using the term candidate for as I see it there is only one true candidate, Jeffrey Sterling, who has attended nearly every meeting during his two years in office. None of the others attend any regular or special meetings including budget and wind.
Right choice will avoid library cuts
Jun 10, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
When you vote on June 14th for the library budget, please choose the $230,000 recommendation by the Finance Committee.
The lesser amount, recommended by the selectman, will mean further cuts beyond those of the last several years. Hours and services will have to be cut again beyond those made last year, when the staffing and the hours were drastically reduced.
Protect this important asset for the students and all of the residents of Rumford, who rely on their hometown library for books, computers, movies, magazines, books on tape and for research.
