Editor,

I would like to say my first few months on the Windham Town Council has not been without criticisms. I am OK with that, we are all different, but trying to serve the good of the town for all citizens, I get a little dismayed when people pass judgment when we do not attend an event, such as the meeting at Unity Gardens.

First, we usually get notice the Friday before the event, which for me, is too late personally. My duties to Operation Homefront-Maine has my schedule busy, and I usually start filling in appointments two weeks out, sometimes a month in advance. If an event is coming up, I would encourage the hosts to contact me, instead of waiting to see when we receive it in our packets. Something dated for Oct. 5 may not get in council packets until the 12th, as last week’s survey for Cumberland County Organizations.

I have to agree with Kay Soldier on the minutes, we need those and any change to not have them simply would be a bad leadership decision. With that said it brings me to Michael Shaughnessy’s articles of late.

A park for our town? If this is so important all of a sudden why wasn’t it completed when he served on the council? Why was the location last week the perfect place, and this week well maybe not? I think as a Town Council we need to step back, look at the Comprehensive Plan and the town overall and go from there. How many parks do you find attached to the local public safety departments across Maine?

As for the lack of substance in our meetings of late, again I have to agree with Kay Soldier, but Kay our hands are tied by leadership, they decide the agenda, and unless we specifically ask for something to get added, we go with what leadership decides.

You will be glad to know we are starting the budget process and we will be meeting on Tuesday nights which were not scheduled, like election night. Just a few more things: Personally I would like to see the town spend some funds on American Flags, and holiday decorations for some areas of town. All towns around us decorate for the season, why don’t we, I ask. Please call me and give some thoughts on this, 939-2566 my cell phone or e-mail me at donnachapman04@hotmail.com. I think our town could use a little holiday cheer similar to what surrounding towns do with banners and lights.

Just another thought, if we needed a place for events, walking trails, river access, beauty and nature, oh yes, add a little history and a story about forts and ghosts think on the possibilities of the Parson Smith Farm.

I hope I am serving you well, and thank you for allowing me the privilege.

Donna Chapman

Windham Town Councilor