Thumbs up to John Andrews, founder of Saco Bay Trails and a founding member of the Eastern Trail Alliance, for speaking out against a proposal to allow a zipline across Cascade Falls in Saco. We were disappointed that the Trails board did not come out against this plan, which would allow Monkey Trunks, a local ropes course amusement business, to run ziplines through the Cascade Falls Park area. Andrews captured the nature of the site well when he described it to the Saco City Council as a place to “go sit and contemplate the meaning of life.”

It’s a peaceful nature area now that has been earmarked for improvements such as benches and improved trails, and there’s no denying that a zipline through there would change its identity. We sincerely hope that the council will give considerable weight to Andrews’ perspective, as he is widely respected for spearheading efforts to open up a great deal of the local natural spaces that so many of us enjoy.

Thumbs up to Diane Denk and Bob Doyle, representatives of the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport Democratic Committee, who collected items this past weekend in a care package drive for U.S. troops serving overseas. With so much political and social hubbub going on here at home, it’s easy to forget that we still have servicemen and women fighting to promote democracy in other places of the world. They need to know that we value their sacrifices and support their mission, and there’s nothing like a personal note and a little touch of home to help send them that message, whether it’s homemade cookies or a favorite brand of shampoo.

Thumbs down to the proposal by some municipal leaders to postpone the change from a calendar year to a fiscal year for York County government. Several municipalities asked the York County Budget Committee to reconsider its decision against asking county commissioners to postpone  the switch, even after they voted late last year, 12-3, against doing so. Municipalities also plan to ask the commissioners directly to postpone the decision. Municipal leaders say if Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed budget is passed as presented, it will mean hardship for taxpayers ”“ and that paying 18 months of county tax in 12 months will only add to the hardship. It’s worth noting, however, that those towns and cities concerned about the hit can spread six months of the payment out over five years, albeit with interest. As well, County Manager Greg Zinser claims municipalities would end up paying more in the long run if the change is postponed. Making the switch, he estimated, will save the county $110,000 annually. It makes sense to go to a fiscal year. This switch needs to be made, no matter the state budget.

Thumbs up to the City of Saco for continuing its active involvement in addressing the cat overpopulation issue in Camp Ellis by trapping and transporting feral felines to the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk. The process has continued as weather has allowed, and is being done humanely, according to Police Chief Bradley Paul, as traps are checked every few hours and never left out overnight. The cat population in the area appears to still be a problem, according to the chief, and we’re glad to see it is being addressed so that neighbors can live in peace there.

Thumbs up to Rep. William Noon, D-Sanford, who has submitted legislation to push for the state to reinstate planning for climate change. Former Gov. John Baldacci had signed a resolution seeking a second study about climate change adaptation in Maine, to follow a 2010 study that was completed. The second study was to make specific recommendations to municipalities, including cost estimates, on how they could effectively deal with shifting climates and other environmental impacts. Unfortunately, that report was never completed, as Gov. Paul LePage has shifted the DEP’s priorities. We hope Noon finds some success in getting this second report completed by the DEP so that cities and towns have the information they need to plan for a changing world. Economic development and industry will be heavily affected by climate change and it’s wise to take a long view toward it.

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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.