Mere Point Debate Will Continue

I was dismayed that the Brunswick town council chairwoman disallowed public comment on items about the potential public park on Mere Point Road in the Feb. 6 meeting, saying ample opportunity had been given for input. I understand the council has spent time considering public comment, but I don’t see the benefit to Brunswick citizens in limiting their engagement: the citizen’s petition addressed that evening, which contained over 1,100 signatures requesting the council put the question to public referendum, should have been considered novel information worthy of further public comment. The town’s attorney contended that the council didn’t have to act because of this petition, but simply the existence of the petition should have given the council pause and led to a deeper reflection on their decision-making process and the issue itself than I observed at the meeting.

Indeed, that 1,100 people countering the council’s previous decision on the matter not only didn’t change the outcome, but seemed to galvanize the council’s intent against the park, is baffling.

There remains merit in considering compromises for the Mere Point property that lay between sale to the highest bidder and city retention for the purposes of a park. Public easement providing access to the water and/or the cemetery may find common ground. It may be possible to arrange sale so that the property finds its way to an organization that supports the public good differently; the only possibility is not just melting it back into the tax base. Perhaps this could happen through the city’s acceptance of a reduced price, a lease, or a deferred sale. These may be good, bad, or ridiculous ideas, but it is in the public generation of ideas that the most equitable solutions will be found. I hope Brunswick citizens voice their opinions before the next council meeting (Feb. 21), and that the council itself welcomes public comment in that meeting, reminding themselves that while the majority of the council may be done with the matter, the public doesn’t seem to be.

Robert Baskett

Brunswick

Too Much Trump-Bashing

I agree with Martha Tetrev as I am tired of all the negativity towards our President Trump. First off how can a federal judge trump Trump on an executive order on travel ban, geared to protect us United States citizens? How can I take our national news seriously when they report that a Doctor from Chicago is being held overseas and his family is frantic with worry they will never see him again, and the next day I find out he’s just a 20 year old med student on a learning visa, just held for questioning a little further and he is now as we speak back in Chicago. And Yes! I am Woman hear me roar, but why were all these women coming out of the woodwork protesting? If you are anywhere near being spiritual, you may know that we dodged a big bullet on this one. While the rich warmongers and their dark entities perpetuate marches and riots, distracting you, a creature of habit.

President Trump will hopefully at least bring the word “God” back into circulation again. How can that and finally good relations with Russia be a bad thing?

Sheri Bumby,

Topsham