Vermette was right

At Sen. Bill Diamond’s monthly television show “Speak Out” on Friday night, a caller asked Windham political candidates to express their views on Maine’s school consolidation effort. School Board candidate Jeffrey Vermette responded by saying he thought the original intent of Gov. John Baldacci’s proposal had been “ripped out” and the push to save money by reducing the number of school districts and administration had been effectively lost. His analysis, made more credible with his years of service on the school board, is on the money.

The deliberative process in Augusta seems to have turned into a numbers game with some wanting to retain as many school districts and staff as possible and others wanting to trim the fat while the political climate for trimming seems favorable. In the midst of this back-and-forth, there’s a compromise under way for the magic number of 80 districts. While it’s not the original 26, it’s not far off, and politicians should settle on it. It’s surely better than 292 districts with its 292 overpaid superintendents and their staffs.

Locally, the proposal calls for combining Windham and Raymond school districts. The two districts are already closely linked with more than 50 percent of Raymond’s high school students attending Windham High School. If the two towns can share a high school, there’s no reason the sharing can’t extend further.

Patriot’s pride

By the number of activities happening around the area Monday, it seems patriotic pride is alive and well in the Lakes Region. There are Memorial Day events in almost every town surrounding Sebago Lake and that’s a great thing to see. Take advantage of what your neighbors have organized and plan to attend one of the following events:

In Windham, a parade starts at 9:30 a.m. on Route 202 in Windham Center. The best viewing spot is at the intersection of Route 202 and Windham Center Road as the bands and veterans and fire trucks appear around the bend. After the parade, veterans will host a wreath laying ceremony on the high school grounds. It’s a moving experience that will remind attendees why they have the day off.

In Raymond, through the efforts of Raymond resident Howard Stiles and those who made donations during the past year, a new veterans memorial is being dedicated at the Panther Run Rest Area on Route 302 at 2 p.m. It’s going to be a very important day, an occasion residents won’t want to miss.

In Naples and Sebago, American Legion Post 155 will once again host their parade from the naples village green to the causeway bridge. Don’t miss the wreath-toss into Long Lake commemorating local U.S. Navy sailors who lost their lives at sea. After the Naples event, many of the participants will drive to Sebago to take part in its parade from the Rustic Barrel on Route 114 to Veterans Park starting around 11:30 a.m. On a road that’s seen its share of tragic car accidents this past year, it’ll be nice to see something uplifting roll through town.

-John Balentine, editor