To the editor:

When the idea of bringing passenger rail to Brunswick emerged, a palpable buzz swept through town.

Businesses were overjoyed with the prospects of shoppers arriving with empty shopping bags. Landlords were delighted that renters would arrive because they could live here and commute to Portland. Home sellers reveled in the potential of new buyers.

What was there not to love about the train coming to town?

But what if the train plan was presented like this: If we get a train here, an industrial depot facility in an unnamed neighborhood will be built, a tax break to the Inn at Brunswick Landing will be granted, and we will give the federal government control over an issue that affects the health and well- being of Brunswick neighborhoods.

The forming of a committee to make the depot development more palatable takes the focus away from the real issue, which is the philosophy of governance in this town.

Is the philosophy that we have to abide with decisions that federally based agencies make about our town?

The town should vote on the location of the depot. If we choose Bouchard Drive, then so be it. If we vote Bouchard down, we should take a substantive stand against it.

A formal and very public position by Brunswick officials against the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority’s decision could stop the depot construction.

The national press of a small town fighting a federal agency to save a neighborhood would have tremendous impact. It is not too late.

DeWitt Kimball

Brunswick