I want to wish our six forward-thinking city councilors a most festive holiday, and to thank them for the wonderful gift of the tar sands moratorium.

Their voting in support of this shows their allegiance and commitment to the citizens of South Portland (and of Maine) – that our safety, health and well-being is placed above corporate interests.

It could have been unanimous had Mr. Pock, who ostensibly represents District 1 (the strongest area of support for the WPO), attended his Civics classes and learned that his personal agendas are supposed to be left outside of Council Chambers. Hopefully, a more suitable candidate will replace him next November!

Also, Ms. Beecher might consider that any citizen who is in favor of bringing in tar sands and risking their fellow residents’ health has the same arenas in which to address their points of view as do the rest of us. Her severe “schoolmarmish” admonitions are risible and ill-received by more clear-thinking residents.

William Duffy

South Portland