A Win-Win Proposition

Thank you for informing your readers about the tax break that BIW and its parent in Connecticut, General Dynamics, want this time, to the tune of $60 million. And thanks for giving space to the outcry of criticism. The money comes from the people of Maine. It’s a lot, and there are many other needs, equally important, if not more so.

It seems that the Legislature is poised to approve the tax break. Even leading liberal Democrats from our region of the state have lined up to support and push for this — and have faced withering criticism for it.

But how about a win/win solution?

Proposal: To the state Legislature and Governor, with a special alert to our U.S. Senators and Congressional representatives: Approve the tax break and stipulate that one half ($30 million) be allocated to enable BIW to produce goods for peacetime use.

It is time that the people of Maine, in their daily lives, benefit directly from the skills and productive know how of the state’s greatest employer. It is time for BIW workers to experience a greater sense of solidarity with their fellow Mainers in producing not only for their defense, but also for their peacetime needs.

My proposal continues to enable Maine, through the work of BIW, to help defend the country of which we are a part. What I plead is that we in Maine also have a care about our own needs here at home in our state, for they are great. Diversifying the productive powers of BIW is key.

I should say, I think, that I speak on this as a citizen of 89 years, as a professor of Government and Legal Studies (emeritus) at Bowdoin College, as co-founder of the Cathance River Education Alliance, and as co-founder of, and active participant in, the Maine Green Independent Party and U.S. Green Party.

John Rensenbrink,
Topsham

Where Are the Affordable Rentals?

This topic comes up almost daily amongst me and my friends — the shortage of affordable rental housing in the area. I’m not talking about low-income housing, or Section 8-eligible. I’m talking about housing that is affordable for professionally employed, average residents, and the need to start limiting the creation of upscale housing in the area before we price longtime residents and single professionals out of Bath/Brunswick and surrounding towns completely. One need only look to the recently completed Huse School Apartments as an example — the complex is filled to capacity and has a wait list, a clear indication of need for this type of housing.

If you look at the Times Record Classifieds or Craigslist for available rentals within 15 miles of Brunswick, Maine, you will see the average price for a one-bedroom is around $900 per month. To make that affordable by national standards, the single person residing there would need to gross $2,700/month, or make close to $16/hour at a 40-hour/week job. Suddenly, in this area, that seems a bit unrealistic. Yet Brunswick Station Apartments was approved, and will begin leasing units this summer at a cost of $1,200/month for the lowest-priced unit. Now you’re talking $3,600/month gross income, or $20.77 hourly pay. Where are these jobs located within reasonable driving distance (to keep transportation costs affordable as well)? Why are towns and cities approving these developments, except to attract a certain income demographic? Such a discriminatory practice alone limits the diversity, talent and skills of our population. Continuing these practices will serve only to maintain our area’s distinction as the highest per capita percentage of retirees which, while not bad, does not indicate longevity of population.

It’s time we all start shaking things up — city and town councils/ select boards being comprised of members representative of the average population, more involvement of interested parties in city/town planning meetings, and landlord awareness of charging what your property is really worth, rather than using the laws of supply and demand to price-gouge.

Morgan Decker,
Bath