Thumbs up to York County Commission chairwoman Sallie Chandler for reversing her initial stance that cameras couldn’t be used in the meeting room, a courtroom at York County Courthouse, where the commission held a meeting last week. Chandler changed her mind after fellow commissioner Dan Cabral said he didn’t care one way or another.

While Chandler is to be congratulated for reversing her stance, we must remind her that the decision on the use of video and still cameras is not hers to make. Maine’s Freedom of Access law permits camera usage at public meetings as long as the use does not interfere with the proceedings.

Thumbs down to the Town of Lyman’s decision to auction off the former town hall, which is being leased for use as a food pantry. Upkeep of the building is an investment in taking care of the town’s poor by providing a stable, inexpensive space for a community service.

The Lyman-Dayton Lions Club pantry provides food to 72 local families, according to the pantry director, and doesn’t have another place to use for its operations. Upkeep of the building is undoubtedly an expense for the town, but it is disheartening that voters would rather save the cash than provide a space for a food pantry. As well, the future owners may have a much less desirable use for the building.

Thumbs up to the Town of Old Orchard Beach recycling committee for bringing a Silver Bullet recycling receptacle into town. Now all residents, and even visitors, can drop off their recyclable materials without the hassle of sorting them. The ease of use will help everyone do their part in recycling. EcoMaine, which provided the receptacle, and Don and Ed Radley who provided the land should all be commended for their commitment to reducing our waste stream.

Thumbs up to the York County Commissioners, department heads and county manager, who have worked hard to minimize the impact of a budgeting error. The estimates for layoffs have dropped from 40 to zero thanks to creative budget trimming, a bit of legislative leeway and the use of undesignated funds. The true test will come next budget season when the jail revenues are clearly designated just for the jail.

Thumbs up to the volunteers who make the annual Greek Heritage Festival a success, from those who make the delicacies to the dancers and musicians. The festival is a proud tribute to the Greek heritage of many in our communities ”“ and the perfect time to indulge a sweet tooth.

Thumbs up to Saco & Biddeford Savings for offering to pay half of a $10,000 loan to help restore The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach, and to the town government for accepting the offer. Too long has The Ballpark property languished unused and in disrepair. With the hard work of the Ballpark Group of volunteer citizens and this loan investment, the property may once again be the pride of the seaside town rather than an embarrassment.

Thumbs down to the complicated, multi-permit process that the town of Wells must complete to do a harbor dredge. While restrictions on any water or waterfront activities are important to protect the environment and wildlife, there must be a way to streamline the process, cutting the costs and time that it takes to get necessary work completed.

Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.