Here we go again. Another election coming up on June 10. Another referendum vote for Standish residents to decide on. I’m not sure if I can use the word “decide.” You see, the referendum vote isn’t really much of a choice. It’s an all-or-nothing vote. $1.4 million ($1,269,519 plus interest of $141,136). I don’t get to decide if I want to spend $154,000 on Public Safety equipment, or if I think $284,300 is appropriate for a combination of a new truck, matching funds for a bridge sidewalk, and compactor.

And then there’s the infamous $104,000 twice-voted-down sidewalk referendum. That project that is now being promoted by not only some members of the Town Council, but the town manager, town planner, a newly created town economic advisory group, and even the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Monies have already been spent on this as well. It makes me wonder how important the votes of Standish’s residents really are.

The Standish Budget Committee recommended that this year’s referendum vote should be separated. At a Town Council meeting, I watched as Councilor Lou Stack was literally shut down when he attempted to make a motion to do so. Why do we even need a Budget Committee of elected citizens from the town? Out of $10,181 in recommended reductions, only $1,300 was approved by the Town Council. That doesn’t include the recommended removal of the $104,000 for the twice-failed sidewalk referendum.

Last year was the same thing. During a Special Town Council meeting, the referendum was split into three questions. One, a $75,000 to study the costs of creating a beach off of Harmon’s Beach Road. Two, $104,000 in matching funds for sidewalks. And three, $1,077,250 for another bundle of projects. This $1,077,250 was yet another all-or-nothing proposal. I didn’t get a choice to spend $375,000 for a new fire truck. I also didn’t get a choice to spend $230,000 on a referendum to expand our facilities building (yet another project previously voted down by residents).

The Standish Town Charter states that any capital expenditure over $75,000 must be put out for referendum vote. The town manager has stated that according to the town’s attorney, it’s perfectly legal to bundle these items. While this may be legal, does it really give the residents a choice? After all, who wouldn’t vote to approve a new fire truck, or safety equipment?

Some members on the Town Council have stated that the voters would never vote for items not in their area (Standish is divided politically into four areas). Some have stated that the dissension in the town is caused by a few complainers or folks who lost in past municipal elections. I disagree.

The Standish Town Charter grants nearly unlimited authority to the town manager and Town Council. It gives the residents of this town very few opportunities to make decisions about our town’s governance.

Town of Standish, please listen to us. Listen to your voters. Listen to your residents. Remember that we live here, too.

Walter Wasson

Standish