Thumbs up to the proposal to hire a town manager in Lyman, a decision that could go to voters as soon as this June. While adding a position would certainly be a significant expense, it’s arguable that the town would save a substantial part of that salary on fewer lawsuits. It’s been a tough road for Lyman in the past decade or so, with selectmen recalls, code enforcement-related lawsuits and complaints, a lawsuit challenging a selectman’s position on the board and an auditing debacle.

With a town manager in place to advise the selectmen on state statute and local ordinances, as well as provide an over-arching vision for the town’s future, the town would be able to avoid a lot of legal expenses and drama. It would also take a lot of the pressure off the selectmen, most of whom have day jobs and are currently left to shoulder a considerable workload. Due to adoption of the new charter, it’s unclear whether taking on a town manager can be done yet, but we agree with Selectman Leo Ruel that the town has grown to a point where it should seriously consider this change in the near future.

Thumbs up to the Old Orchard Beach Town Council for extending approval of the community garden at The Ballpark, through the 2014 growing season. The plots have been cultivated and planted since 2011 by a variety of local groups and other interested gardeners. It’s been self-sustaining and has even resulted in donations of fresh vegetables to the local food pantries. While we would have liked to see the council give indefinite approval for this great community asset, we understand that such a motion cannot be made at this time due to the lack of a long-term plan for the site. It would be unfortunate for the gardeners to be given a guarantee that the town would have to withdraw at a later date, so we agree with their decision. That said, however, we hope the garden can be incorporated into whatever plan comes together for The Ballpark in the future.

Thumbs up to the Saco City Council for their refusal to negotiate a lease with Monkey Trunks, a ropes course park, for a zipline that would have run through the Cascade Falls recreation area. The council won’t regret this decision, which will preserve this natural area as a peaceful respite for future generations rather than allow it to be encroached upon by a for-profit business. We’re glad councilors listened to the concerns of the citizens who enjoy the falls, and we wish Monkey Trunks success with expanding its operation ”“ on its own property.

Thumbs up to all the area Girl Scouts who are taking part in the annual cookie sale this spring and to their supporters. The cookie sale program is the number one business literacy program for girls in the nation, according to Girl Scouts of Maine CEO Joan McDonald. By participating, the girls learn about having to raise or earn money to reach their goals, such as the Arundel cadet troop funding its trips to Hersheypark and Camp Pondicherry. These popular cookies help support one of the most successful youth programs in existence, one that promotes self-esteem and learning in girls, and helps them become successful leaders. For those who think it’s a worthy cause, it’s almost time to break out the milk, as the cookies are set to be delivered or available at booth sales in March.

Thumbs up to the legacy left by longtime Shapleigh Selectwoman Ruth Ham, who was in the midst of her 36th year of serving her community on the board. Ham, 81, died early Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford. She is remembered as professional and dedicated, earning the title “town mother” amongst many cohorts, and has left them lamenting that dedication of the sort she exemplified, as well as her adherence to strict edicts of fiscal responsibility, which will be hard to come by again. We’d like to extend our condolences to Ham’s family and applaud her contributions to the town.

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Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you want to respond, feel free to write to the Readers’ Forum via email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford office.