I have lived in Scarborough since 1977. In recent years I have followed the budget process closely. I will be voting Yes on June 14. Recent editorials and social media outlet opinions, which continue to come from the same few usual residents, express negative feedback about the budget.

I want to express my positive feedback and support of the Board of Education and Town Council this year for their efforts and collaboration on the entire budget. Even if they disagree on an item, there is a new sense of civility and respect at Town Hall that I applaud. It’s a good example for residents.

Scarborough is extremely unique, it is a good idea to compare ourselves to our neighbors, however we have some major differences: Prout’s Neck, Higgins Beach, Pine Point, new $450,000 colonials that sell quickly (wealth), but also small ranch houses on Beech Ridge Road that residents have lived in for 40 years, small farms and senior citizens living in condos (tax increases tough). We are large in population and land area, and this, along with continual growth, does increase the tax base, but puts much more stress on all of our town services. Which, by the way, do an amazing job – police, fire, rescue, public works and the school system!

I encourage residents to go to the town website, scarboroughmaine.org, click the budget icon on the left and look at the budget yourself. Also, if you are over 62 and have lived here for 10 years, there is a tax relief program depending on your income.

Let’s pass the budget on the first vote and enjoy our summer, no program cuts, seventh-grade sports is back, not to mention we will be welcoming a new superintendent. This is a beautiful town with good people. Time to ride the wave of positivity, better sense of community and kindness. Vote Yes, June 14. Go Storm.

Paul Stratis

Scarborough