Thumbs down to the City of Saco’s trial to consolidate voting into one polling place at the Franklin Street Community Center. After two years and one gubernatorial election, the city should have realized that the parking and traffic problems associated with having everyone vote at one place are serious enough to impede voting. Though it has been stated that it is convenient for all wards to have access to the town clerk at one location, today’s technology is such that the clerk would only be a phone call or text away.

Saco should make it easier, not more difficult, for people to cast their ballots by having polling places in their own neighborhoods. Police Chief Bradley Paul has said that one fender-bender could shut down access to the center and that traffic is increasing in that area each year. Now is the time for Saco to go back to multiple polling places to avoid such impediments to the democratic process. Absentee voting is not the answer, as everyone should have easy access to the polls.

Thumbs up to the Town of Wells’ plan to switch to pre-paid trash bags. Residents already pay per bag for their waste disposal, but currently have to track someone down at the transfer station to make their payment when they drop off trash. The new system will have residents paying up front for the bags, so they can simply drop them off at the transfer station and head home. Officials should heed residents’ concerns about the quality of the bags and make sure they’re buying good ones if that’s the only option people will have. If residents are pleased with the quality and the ease of disposal, the change will be a win for all parties.

Thumbs down to the residents in Sanford who decided to throw away more trash and recycle less now that the pay-per-bag system has been rescinded by a town vote. Those who voted against the pay-as-you-throw system said they don’t want another tax. And some of those who voted to repeal Pay as You Throw are strong proponents of recycling. But clearly not everyone is recycling now, as evidenced by the drop from 40 percent to 26 percent recycling in the first full week since PAYT was repealed. Those residents must also realize that increased waste disposal costs will eventually affect delivery of local services. If they want to avoid the bag “tax” and keep what they have for services, they ought to do their best to recycle more and toss less, without being charged to do so.

Thumbs up to the progress made on the River Walk in Saco, and to all the volunteers and city employees who have helped make it a reality. Saco Spirit, the downtown revitalization group, recently dedicated a bird-watching structure along the trail that was built by Eagle Scout Zach Nason in 2009. The building is a nice addition to the trail and will aid bird watchers and anyone seeking a bit of shelter along their walk.

Thumbs up to the Biddeford Dog Park Committee and city officials who helped the group complete the dog park in Rotary Park. The fenced-in area, complete with a plastic bag dispenser, a bench and bark mulch ground covering, is a wonderful addition to the city and is already well-used by dog owners from near and far. The project would not have been possible without a major donation from the Biddeford Animal Hospital ”“ which should be widely applauded ”“ and dog lovers should also be thankful for the fencing discounts and installation help from The Home Depot in Biddeford.

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.