It’s interesting to note that none of the roadside posters against the Waterfront Protection Ordinance mention tar sands. That’s because the oil industry cannot defend tar sands in terms of pollution, spills or health consequences. Clearly, legal interpretation of the law is subject to debate, as both sides have respected lawyers supporting their claims of the potential effect on jobs in South Portland.

It’s a fact that two smokestacks will be a visual blight on our waterfront and that these, and the off-gassing from tanks will add pollution to our air. The oil companies can’t hide their poor performance in both preventing and cleaning up spills. With our Sebago Lake drinking water and beautiful Casco Bay at stake, why would any resident of South Portland want to allow the flow of tar-sand oil through aging pipelines that could rupture and cause irreparable harm to our community? Please vote for the Waterfront Protection Ordinance.

Charles Higgins

South Portland