Thumbs up to all those who turned out to speak on Sanford’s “disorderly housing” ordinance proposal. We’re pleased to see the town moving forward on the issue and hope an ordinance can be implemented to better the living conditions for renters and their neighbors, and make the jobs of their landlords easier.

In Biddeford, the ordinance has become more of a conversation starter than a way to penalize landlords. Several landlords there have worked with police and city officials to improve their properties and remove problem tenants. We hope Sanford can report similar successes in the future.

Thumbs down, once again, to the Lyman Board of Selectmen for continuing to assert public votes are unnecessary, and that sending items to the voters ”“ via rules of procedure in the Maine Municipal Association municipal officer’s manual ”“ is also not necessary. The town’s lawn mowing contract with Paul’s Lawn Care was extended for three years by the selectmen, despite the MMA manual stating that such contracts require Town Meeting approval. On Monday, Selectman Leo Ruel said that because the contract includes a provision to cancel it with 30 days notice it is not a multi-year contract. We disagree, and believe Ruel’s continued defiance in the manner is insulting to residents and to the democratic process. Rules of procedure are in place to ensure money being spent is in line with taxpayers’ wishes and that contracts are not unfairly awarded. We hope Ruel and the select board will change their tune and start to follow the rules. 

Thumbs up to all those who participated in Maine Maple Sunday weekend. From boiling gallons upon gallons of sap to enjoying some maple ice cream or a pancake breakfast, working at and supporting local farms will ensure the continued viability of this shrinking industry. The push in recent years to buy local is certainly helping, and events like Maine Maple Sunday and Open Farm Day showcase the finest of Maine made and grown products.

Thumbs up to the Dutremble family, and specifically Dennis “Duke” Dutremble, who was inducted by the Legislature’s Franco-American Caucus into the Franco American Hall of Fame. Dutremble was recognized for his service to the state and his contribution to Franco-American culture. He was one of six people inducted by the Legislature’s Franco-American Caucus into the Franco American Hall of Fame. The induction coincided with the 11th annual Franco-American Day celebrated by the caucus. It was held in Augusta and was scheduled to fall during International Francophone week ”“ which ended Sunday. Another Franco-American event was celebrated this weekend locally ”“ La Fete du Printemps, a spring festival now in its fourth year in Biddeford. One of the highlights was a play written and performed by Biddeford High School French students Victoria Eon, Ben Cote and Zachary Jacques. Well done to these students and other organizers for keeping their culture alive.

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Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you want to respond, feel free to write to the Readers’ Forum via email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.