Letter to the Editor

Thank you from the New Gloucester Historical Society to all that helped make the Annual Tree Lighting on November 25 at the Town Hall such an enjoyable success:

• Kevin Fowler as MC

• Library friends, staff and trustees for delicious refreshments

• Jason Cassidy and the Gray-New Gloucester High School Chorus for meaningful, holiday music and a little fun besides

• To all who came together to share with family and friends including the children of all ages who made up the gathering

• Ed True for his ongoing technical assistance There were electrical problems with Tiny Timber and for that one day he was known as Tiny Dimmer, but he shall be in full holiday gear soon.

Leonard Brooks, Historical Society

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor,

In the November 23 edition of the Independent, Mr. Tsukroff takes to task the previous Town Council, for two years of turmoil. I might point out that at the recommendation of that council, three changes to the Town's Charter were voted in by the citizens at a two-to-one majority. Also voted in was a change to the zoning on Route 26, by the people.

The only turmoil that I saw was created by a small group of people, that resorted to personal attacks and name-calling of members of the Council, evidently because they disagreed with their Council's decisions; not a very mature way of dissent, at that.

Council Chairwoman Mancini, obviously aware of the citizens' vote to change the zoning on Route 26 was correct in ratifying that vote. I suspect that this Council will not vote the way "the people" think, but that is no cause for turmoil or name calling.

Clifton Foster, Gray

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor,

This is in response to last week's article in this paper titled, "Burned by Property Taxes." We hear so much about compassion and helping our friends and neighbors in time of need, and yet, local and state governments are rigid and unforgiving. It shows me that it is time to change not only the laws of this land, but the people initiating those laws must exit, too.

During the budget debate for the present Windham budget, our tax assessor stressed the need, and won, for an increase of the mil rate in order to cover abatements that came out of the blue. This is also the same tax assessor that noticed he had around $12,000 of unused revenue in his budget and promptly asked for new furniture because his employees deserved it since the town hall had been recently renovated. So much for fairness in Windham, that's for sure.

It is a sad event when a family loses their home to fire, but how many houses does the average town lose during a given fiscal year? One must also realize that the present fiscal year is almost over (in Windham, the fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, so at most we are only talking one quarter of the fiscal year as far as a rebate goes). The next tax bill comes due this fall and that's in a new budget season.

Have our local and state governments lost compassion? Should anyone pay taxes on something that no longer exists?

Lane Hiltunen, Windham

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

I want to humbly thank all those dear people here in Maine who held a "little Irish Wake" on Saturday, November 17, for my father, Abb Quinn. He died at Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn on November 4, 2007.What a blessing to share memories of his sense of humor and generosity with 35 of his many friends in Gray-New Gloucester.

I especially want to thank Sherri Baker, Bonnie Sudds and Pat Schlegel for organizing the gathering; and Kathleen O' Wril, Dossie Page, and Gail Phoenix for their kind words.

We had a chance to add to sentiments that had been said at his funeral in western Pennsylvania and write farewell words on balloons which we tied to the back deck. It brought closure to a life well-lived. What would we do without such friends.

Sally Quinn Johnston, Gray