Letters

From Liz Taylor: At the Oct. 8 meeting of the Harpswell Fire and Rescue Planning Committee, our town administrator and fire administrator distributed to the committee members a draft document for discussion.

From Kathy Hirst: I am following up on two recent letters, from Elizabeth Taylor ("Larger boards enhance representation," September) and Steve Musica ("Five-member board almost a no-brainer," October) suggesting that the Select Board be increased from three to five members in order to broaden representation and improve functionality.

From Amy Haible: A Harpswell fisherman once described Harpswell's working waterfront as its Main Street. Like any Main Street, Harpswell's waterfront is the commercial and communal heart of the town. The recent algal bloom and shellfish die-off in Harpswell is devastating for harvesters and associated businesses, but it's also a wakeup call for Harpswell.

From George Russell: It's time for Harpswell voters to shake up Augusta! We must change course significantly to address these issues.

From Hannah Campbell and family: My family has traveled from the Philadelphia area to the Harpswell islands for more than 47 years. We counted on the Harpswell Business Association brochure to direct us to businesses here. I believe I speak on behalf of many visitors to the islands.

From Dr. Peter K. Shaw: More dangerous than swimming with sharks is trying to walk on Route 24 in either direction. To walk on either side of this winding road is dangerous, especially since some drivers speed, ignoring posted limits.

From Anne Benaquist: As a former Mainer and a longtime summer resident of Harpswell, I'm writing to applaud your commitment to publishing content from and about people from all walks of life and to digging for interesting local stories and articles that cover the gamut from science to history to recipes.

From Steve M. Musica: Commenting on Liz Taylor's September letter ("Larger boards enhance representation") about perhaps expanding Harpswell's Select Board from three members to five, most of my professional life in municipal government was spent managing two medium-size towns in Maine for nearly 15 years each.

From Suzanne Wakefield: I would like to thank Liz Stamey and Nancy Grice for once again orchestrating a very successful Harpswell Open Studio Tour. Not only did they originate the idea, but they have also been quietly steering the event, which has benefited many local businesses — our coffee shops, restaurants and corner stores.

From Janet Alexander: It strikes me that what the world needs now is joy! There is no better way to release your inner joy than to sing together in community. In fact, a few of your fellow Harpswellians have gotten together to do exactly that, forming the Harpswell Community Chorus!