Thumbs up to the expansion of the Biddeford ArtWalk, which has been expanded into Saco and officially rebranded as the Biddeford+Saco ArtWalk. The Biddeford artwalk began in 2007.
Planned for the last Friday evening of each month, it’s a self-guided tour that brings visitors into downtown businesses and galleries to see various forms of artwork. Venues in Saco have been part of the event in the past, but now the two cities are officially partnering on this downtown development initiative that is part of the ongoing effort to make these two cities the arts and culture hub of southern Maine.
Thumbs up to a plan in Wells to make improvements to the Mile Road/Route 1 intersection, using federal funds that were originally intended for extension of the road to York County Community College. Town officials have learned that the road extension is not allowed per federal regulations, as it is not within the state’s right of way and would be a new road. Now they can either return the money or use it to make other, approved, improvements in town. It makes sense to kick in $100,000 to go along with the $444,600 in federal money, and if the improvements to this intersection aren’t the best fit, we’d urge selectmen to find another use rather than give the money back.
Thumbs up to the voters in Regional School Unit 21 who approved the cost-sharing plan that will now more evenly distribute the costs of education throughout the district. The Kennebunkport voters who cast “yes” votes on this issue are to be especially commended for taking a wider view, beyond their own pocketbooks. While the town as a whole voted down the plan, 953 of its voters said yes to the plan despite the fact that it will increase their tax burden. Without those voters, it’s likely the plan would not have passed, as a two-thirds majority was necessary. The plan is now based 90 percent on property values and 10 percent on pupil count, rather than the previous 60/40 split, making it more equitable especially considering that Arundel students still have high school choice and many do not attend Kennebunk High School.
Thumbs up to the installation of a new rail terminal that will bring propane fuel into the Biddeford Industrial Park, to be distributed by CHS Inc. Heating, cooking and clothes drying with propane is becoming more and more popular as oil prices remain volatile and now Biddeford will have a direct link, making it easier and cheaper for those who use propane.
Thumbs up to the founders of the York County”“Alfred PFLAG group, Parents, Family, Friends of Lesbians and Gays. This group offers a safe place for people who have questions about how to deal with a friend, child or other family member who is not heterosexual. While gays and lesbians have come out more in recent years, it’s a different story when your child or close friend comes out of the closet and the PFLAG group gives people an opportunity to sort out their feelings and learn more about what the other person is experiencing, too.
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Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you want to respond, feel free to write to the Readers’ Forum via email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford office.
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