Dear Editor:

Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor voters turned down a $28,800,000 plan to build a new Elementary/Middle school just six months ago. Voters were shocked by the price tag while recognizing the need for a reasonable solution. School administration, in response, proposed a plan that is up for a vote on April 24 which has one material distinction from the prior one in the words of one CSD Trustee: “It’s more expensive.”  

Rather than engaging in meaningful conversation with residents to understand the issues that caused the first rejection they simply rearranged the same ideas and came up with a $29,975,000 version.    
 
Our state ranks No. 4 among states with the largest share of personal income going towards taxes which include property, individual income, sales and excise taxes.  Local voters don't need to be told this - they feel this every time they have to pay for groceries, gas or utilities.

Given all the other expenses taxpayers are struggling with, including significant costs driving up increases in the school’s annual budget, it's time for school leadership to come up with a plan that residents can afford.

Vote No on April 24. Early voting is open at both town offices.

Ronald Cohen

Boothbay Harbor