Letters

I am writing to encourage my fellow Harpswell citizens to vote no on June 10 regarding the proposal to demolish the administration building at Mitchell Field.

We should like to express our profound appreciation to J.W. Oliver and J. Craig Anderson for their combined effort in publishing Mr. Anderson's wonderful and insightful article ("Harpswell artist lends imagery to Maine band's moody album, 'Enigma'") concerning Human Moods, art, and the album titled "Enigma.

I'm a board member and longtime supporter of the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department and I'm grateful for the volunteers at all three departments. However, I oppose the building of a fourth station.

Does Harpswell have a need for a central fire station? There were 877 total 911 calls for Harpswell in 2024. In 2024 and historically, a very large percentage of calls were for emergency medical services. Fire calls, for actual building fires or chimney fires, made up a very small percentage.

Protecting our community from fire and other safety emergencies is an essential municipal responsibility. As a volunteer with the Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, I can personally attest to the growing challenges we face. Our department is critically understaffed with volunteer firefighters and there are no new Harpswell recruits enrolled in this year's fire academy. I anticipate that the town will increasingly need to rely on municipal firefighters as the number of volunteers continues to decline.

I have been an active member of Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue since 1979. That's 46 years. To say that I've seen changes would be an understatement. I also serve on my department's Board of Directors and on the town's Fire and Rescue Planning Committee, and I'm retired from a career fire department. I am writing to encourage support for the central fire station on Mountain Road.

Once again I am writing to dog owners who walk their dogs in Mitchell Field. There are no consequences for not picking up after your dog, but it is a courtesy to others who want to use the park and who are not dog owners.

What an incredible story about Meriel Longley! I grew up with her parents, and her dad was like a brother to me. He would be so proud of her, and so am I.

I am confused. We are being asked to approve a $6 million fourth fire station on Mountain Road. The information being disseminated is piecemeal, sometimes contradictory and often misleading.

I have been a volunteer firefighter with the Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department for four years, and I continue to be impressed by my fellow volunteers' dedication and our town's unwavering support. I want to share my thoughts on the proposed central station.