We are writing to encourage all voters in Kennebunk, Arundel and Kennebunkport to vote “no” on RSU 21 Article 1. Early voting has started at the town halls and will finish Jan. 21.

Our reasons for voting “no” are many. The total cost of more than $113 million includes additions and new school facilities, which are not needed, as well as the renovations, which are needed.

All wants, such as the high school arts center, have become needs and are not all necessary. In fact, Kennebunk High School is asking for $20,000 more per student than Wells High School. Both have similar state rankings.

Furthermore, the additional costs for upkeep over 25 years for the expanded space, as the RSU has announced, will be in the millions. The RSU claims it will “only” be a few million dollars. However, who knows what energy, inflation, turf replacement and other unknowns will cost over the next 25 years?

A “no” vote will send the message to reduce the cost of these projects by more than $20 million. There are less expensive alternatives that can renovate the schools, improve the school environment for students and teachers and not raise our taxes as much.

In order for any of this to happen, we must vote “no” or suffer the consequences. People will be forced to move due to much higher taxes and money available for teachers, police and fire departments will be reduced.

Why spend more than $113 million when tens of millions of dollars can be saved that will be needed elsewhere?

Cindi and Lionel Menard

Kennebunk