Dear Editor:

Municipalities; I have learned a lot about working with them over the last few years. My first experience was with the town of Boothbay. I learned how things work through experiences with Boothbay followed by some bigger and smaller municipalities to include Saco, South Portland, Edgecomb and, of course, Boothbay Harbor.

Boothbay Harbor is home, so I pay most attention to what is going on there. I've attended various meetings from smaller committee meetings to annual town meetings, planning, and select boards. Lately, I've attended meetings to learn what's going on with the east side. Some meetings have been public, some have been hosted by developers. I've learned a lot about town politics in the process. I listened to those that were there before, to those that are there now, and to those that have been paying attention.

Here is what I've come away with. The ordinances on the east side were hastily created out of a knee-jerk reaction to a developer that was creating condos. In talking with the people that helped create them, their shock that they were still in existence spoke volumes. My understanding of the ordinances is that they need to be corrected and have for many years. Would I prefer that the ordinances were fixed for the benefit of one person/company? No. But another important question is, would I want them not fixed just to block one person/company? No.

The ordinances need correcting. The footbridge needs repair/replacement. The schools are in need of long-overdue maintenance and repair. There’s a desire to create/maintain working waterfront and green space with water access. If these things are important to you, or if you have issues that are important, please show up at the various town meetings and become involved. There are Facebook pages that represent the various “sides” that exist. I suggest that the best place to get informed is in person seconded by watching BRTV Channel 1301 either on TV or streaming. Get informed by getting involved!

Stay positive my friends!

Darrell Gudroe

Boothbay Harbor