I know I’m not alone in wishing Bryan Kaenrath well as he leaves Saco to begin his new position with the city of Waterville (“Saco’s city administrator named Waterville’s next city manager,” May 11).

Kaenrath was a tireless advocate for Saco, despite challenges beyond his control, including a dysfunctional political environment. The repercussions of such over the last four years are documented: the regularity with which good, qualified people left their municipal positions.

Citizen frustration over unchecked development and traffic congestion is at an all-time high. Other communities are also feeling this same pinch, but Saco is uniquely paralyzed.

City councilors’ attempts to temporarily slow or halt growth in order to address zoning ordinance deficiencies have been quashed by council votes. Saco’s planning board is also not immune from the political reins choking our community.

Saco’s next city administrator will have to work as hard as Kaenrath did, but thankfully will likely be free to advance our city under a new political administration come November’s election.

Kelley Archer
Saco