Keep the Historic Frank J. Wood Bridge

I am writing this letter because I have grave concerns about the proposal to demolish the Frank J Wood Bridge that spans the Androscoggin River.

As a commercial property owner of seven buildings in downtown Brunswick, all of which were in need of substantial rehabilitation when purchased, I know the value of preserving structures that reflect a bygone past. In preserving the architectural integrity of my buildings and bringing them up to code, I have made a significant investment of almost $3 million over a 20 year period in order to insure their continued use for another century. All my properties are 90 percent occupied with commercial and residential tenants.

The existing Frank J. Wood bridge is an important part of the character of the Brunswick and Topsham downtown areas that link two historic mills. These mills were rehabilitated in the past by owner/developers who had an eye for preserving the past. Since Brunswick has recently been granted historic designation with the aid of federal funds to rehabilitate the fine buildings of downtown Brunswick, I fail to see how a proposed replacement connector, simply a concrete deck on steel girders, can possibly enhance the heart of the historic community. It will contribute nothing to the area and does not solve existing bottleneck traffic problems on the Brunswick side of the river.

I fully support the efforts of the Friends of the Frank J. Wood Bridge to oppose demolition and encourage rehabilitation instead. I urge the Federal Highway Administration to insist on a full alternative analysis as part of the Section 106 review process and to recognize the substantial loss that will be done to the historic character of both towns if demolition is allowed.

The Town of Brunswick should not be granted “historical status” if it votes to tear down the historic bridge.

Richard Nemrow,

Harpswell

I Would Never Put My Dog In Danger.

I love my dog.

I’ve gone so far as to make housing and career decisions based in large part on whether they would work for my dog.

Recently, we walked together a little over a mile to retrieve my car from Lee Toyota, where the dog-friendly staff gave her a nice drink of water. She was panting from the walk, naturally, so I cranked the air conditioning to cool her down.

It was a beautiful day, in the high 70s and not terribly hot, so I decided to make one stop on the way home, spending roughly 6 minutes in a store. I parked in the shade and she howled as she always does when alone in the car.

When I came out, a concerned woman was on the phone with the police, ready to have them come and break my car window. She looked at me like I was garbage, as did two other people passing by who heard her talking on her phone.

People, there has to be a balance here. My dog was fine. I would never put her in danger. Yes, by all means, save dogs at risk. And, yes, know that most of us are responsible dog owners. I shouldn’t have to be afraid to pop into a store for 5 minutes and leave my dog in a cool, comfortable car.

Debbie Atwood,

Brunswick

Re-elect Denise Tepler

Topsham voters have the opportunity this November to reelect our outstanding representative to Augusta, Denise Tepler. Denise is a refreshingly positive antidote to the snarling ideological noise that continues to reach our ears from around the country.

Despite Governor Le Page’s drumbeat of criticism of Maine environmentalists, Denise votes to preserve Maine’s greatest resource, our land, lakes and sea environment.

She votes to support seniors, especially senior housing. A former Topsham school board member, she fights for public education and better schools. She sponsored a bill in the legislature to restore full school revenue to the towns, and thus lower our property taxes.

Denise Tepler always keeps us informed, responds quickly to constituent inquiries, and appears often at local events, including our farmers market, where I have chatted with her on numerous occasions.

Above all, Denise is a sensible representative who works across the aisle to get things done. She is a listener and a doer of compassion and vision. We need her in Augusta, now more than ever.

Robert C. Williams,

Topsham

Neilson Ready to Represent Us

This area is lucky to have a highly qualified candidate for Maine State Legislature. Will Neilson of Arrowsic is running to represent House District 53 — Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg & Woolwich. Will is absolutely ready and prepared to deal with the many technical and complex policy issues that confront our legislators. His background and experiences are so wide and varied that he will be able to confront the realities needed to function in the legislature from day one.

He is a small business owner in Bath, serves as Arrowsic Planning Board Chair and is a current active member and former President of the Rotary Club. He is part of the Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network, Bath Main St Economic Committee, the Arrowsic Fire Department and active in his local church leadership and service. Previously he was a practicing attorney, and took on pro bono cases in child services. He cares deeply about his community, and it shows in his many volunteer and elected positions.

Serving in the legislature will just be the next step in his lifetime of civic service. Most importantly, his positions on the issues that I care about such as economic development, investment in infrastructure and people, preparing for Arctic shipping, and job creation are ones that he vigorously supports. With men like Will Neilson in the House, I will feel more comfortable about the future of Maine.

Nancy Chandler,

Phippsburg