Thumbs up to the voters of Wells for voting down a proposed ordinance that sought to deny rights to corporations while giving them to ecosystems. We support strong environmental protections, but the proposal showed no deference to existing law and would have imposed an expensive and unnecessary legal fees ”“ and perhaps penalties and damages ”“ on the taxpayers of Wells.

Thumbs up to the “Click It or Ticket” program in which police departments are taking a tough approach to enforcing seat belt laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided funds  for enforcement details that will concentrate on giving out tickets to drivers not wearing seatbelts. Seat belts have been shown to reduce the risk of fatal injury substantially. In 2007, more than 14,000 people in passenger vehicles died in crashes while unbelted. Unfortunately, some people still haven’t gotten the message.

Thumbs up to the dedication of Cannon Plaza in Biddeford, which took place Memorial Day at the corner of Green, Crescent and South streets. Thumbs up also to the memory of Lucien “Babe” Dutremble, a popular and dedicated public servant whose work on behalf of Biddeford, York County and Maine was recognized during the ceremony.

Thumbs up to all who observed Memorial Day Monday. It is a time to reflect together about all those we loved who are now gone.

Thumbs up to Jen Robichaud, a high school senior from West Paris, who raised money for a bullet-proof vest that now protects Maria, a working police dog with the York County Sheriff’s Department. How this came about is a long story that reflects well on Jen Robichaud and the Maine Vest-A-Dog program.

Thumbs up to Sanford’s millyard roadway project, with phase one set to begin. It’s just the start of a worthwhile restoration project and now is clearly the time to begin ”“ bids came in considerably lower than expected.

Thumbs up to candidates for boards of selectmen, town councils and other important municipal position who are now out seeking the support of their neighbors in local elections. Each one of them deserves credit for their willingness to work long hours and make difficult decisions for nominal pay.

Thumbs up to the Journal Tribune’s former publisher, Drew  McMullin, who has moved on to new challenges, for his boundless interest in people and events, his many newspaper skills and his leadership. Since he’ll continue to live in Saco, we hope to hear from him often.

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