Thumbs up to the Saco City Council for choosing not to support a moratorium on development downtown. A proposal for a CVS shopping complex would eliminate seven downtown buildings ”“ some of which have historic character ”“ so it’s easy to recoil in shock to the proposal. The fact is, however, that old buildings are expensive to renovate for new uses, which is why so many of them sit vacant, deteriorating. The city should embrace a new business and work with them to have the design compliment its more historic neighbors.

Thumbs up to the town managers and selectmen from York County towns who are working with legislators to get the county’s concerns heard in Augusta. Communication is the key to having our local needs addressed and the officials and legislators should be commended for making the effort.

Thumbs up to all the organizers, performers and participants who made Chalk on the Walk a success in Biddeford this past weekend. The art event is a good way to bring people downtown to show them all the restaurants and shops that are available there and boost business.

Thumbs down to the insurance agencies of both the City of Biddeford and La Kermesse for failing to step up and cover the damages to St. Louis Field that occurred during this June’s festival. The burden of paying for the repairs should not fall on either entity ”“ that’s what insurance is for. Moving the festival further away from St. Jean Baptiste day (celebrated in Quebec on June 24) will only help eliminate its roots in French Canadian culture, but a paved venue might be a good idea for the future ”“ if there is one.

Thumbs up to the organizers of the Harvest Daze and particularly the Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Sanford this past weekend. These unique events, from paddling a pumpkin across a pond to dropping the gourds like bombs from aircraft, really set the town apart as an active and happening  place. One question: Is “Daze” really the best word to use to highlight the town’s festivals?

Thumbs up to the City of Biddeford for removing restrictions on shoreland construction that will allow projects to go ahead. Easing a city ordinance to protect jobs ”“ especially when it will not degrade  the environment ”“ strikes us as the right decision to make.

Thumbs down to the potential withdrawal of the “Support Our Troops” specialty license plate established through the efforts of state Rep. Donald Pilon, D-Saco. Currently only 3,565 vehicles carry this plate, so those interested in supporting this sentiment should choose this option at the next opportunity.