I am writing to ask my fellow citizens to vote no in June regarding the proposal to destroy the Mitchell Field administration building.
I won’t sugarcoat this, because I believe the warrant article, as presently worded, is flawed and biased. The reason I’ve come to this conclusion is twofold. First, the warrant article combines the need to remove hazardous materials with destroying the building. We all want the hazardous materials removed, and that has to be done whether this building is saved or destroyed. The problem is that the Select Board has tied our hands with this question. If you vote yes for remediation, you are voting yes to destroy the building.
Most of the citizens who spoke at the April 10 Select Board meeting wanted two warrant articles: the first concerning removal of hazardous materials and the second asking, “Do you favor destroying the building at taxpayer expense, or do you favor rehabbing the building with private funds?”
I spent a large portion of my career in consumer lending, and “full disclosure” was required in the wording of all loans. This warrant article, as presently constructed, isn’t anywhere near full disclosure, and it is unfair to the people of this town. A full, clear and concise warrant would present all the options regarding the future of this building.
Please vote no on this question.
Frank D’Agostino, Great Island
