Thumbs down to the withdrawal of Green Network Exchange of Woburn, Mass. from the proposed agreement to clean up the CGA site in Sanford. The site, littered with circuit board waste for more than 20 years now, has been an ongoing eyesore and environmental hazard that no one has been willing to touch.

That glimmer of hope that the town had for the site after hearing from Green Network Exchange, which is an electronics recycler, faded all too quickly. Now it’s back to the drawing board for the site, once again, and we hope Town Manager Steve Buck has some luck with the subcontractor who had expressed interest. Perhaps if copper prices rise again, the site will be more attractive and will finally be cleaned up.

Thumbs up to the City of Saco for finding an appropriate compromise regarding dogs on the beach. Instead of an outright ban, which would have upset dog owners, the city opted for a leash rule during business hours in July and August. This means that dogs will be under greater control during peak times and still have plenty of nice weather months to run free on the sands. At the heart of the matter, however, leash or no leash, is the fact that dog owners must be diligent about picking up dog waste. Nothing spoils a dog haven faster than inconsiderate dog owners who leave piles of poop behind. If everyone is courteous, areas such as these beaches can remain open for more people to use to the fullest.

Thumbs up to the “100 Kilometers Walk for Peace” effort being organized by Rotary District 7780. The effort encourages participants to gather $1 from 100 different people with whom they speak about the Rotary and its projects. They’ll then walk 33 kilometers per day on the Eastern Trail in support of world peace. It’s an idealistic effort, but one that will have a real impact on promoting the cause, as Rotary is known for providing polio vaccinations and other life-saving implements around the world.

Thumbs up to the towns of Acton and Shapleigh for considering splitting the cost of a contract deputy who would cover the towns for 40 hours each week. The expense of a deputy for the area can be too much for one small town to bear, and it makes sense for them to collaborate on this effort. Police coverage in the more rural areas of the county can be significantly delayed. Currently, deputies or Maine State Police, who alternate patrolling the county’s 14 communities without police departments month-to-month, could be at the other end of the county when someone in these towns calls for help. A delay is to be expected when you live outside of a city area, particularly as the sheriff’s department has experienced continued cutbacks, but there is only a certain threshold of time that people are willing to wait for help. Having a deputy in town or in the next town over will help improve safety and enforcement of local laws and ordinances. It’s an investment worth making, particularly considering the help of a federal grant. Parsonsfield is also planning to use the grant, but are proposing to go it alone for a contract deputy. We hope the voters there will decide it’s worth the money, but if they vote against taking on a deputy, they could also look to a nearby town to help split the cost if future grants come down the pipeline.

Thumbs up to Adam Bellefeuille, son of the late Biddeford deputy fire chief Marc Bellefeuille, for stepping up to get involved with the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation after his father struggled with the debilitating disease. Marc Bellefeuille was well-respected and well-liked in this area, and it’s heartwarming to see his memory honored in such a way. Adam Bellefeuille has stepped up as the public relations director for the ride, which took place this past weekend in Old Orchard Beach. By having stops along the ride sponsored by families of those affected by Parkinson’s disease, the event helps spread understanding and compassion, and we hope it continues successfully, helping to raise money to combat this illness.

Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ

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 email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford office.