Keeping an open mind

To the editor:
    Our recent Independence Day celebrations remind us of a long time ago when our Founding Fathers had the wisdom and insight to recognize the multitude of injustices forced upon them as colonists living under British rule. Those same men also had the courage and initiative to boldly and publicly declare those injustices and take the actions necessary to gain their independence and eventually form a government of checks and balances that continue to ensure the freedoms and rights we all enjoy today.
    It is with this thought in mind that I would like to provide you with information about some of the "injustices" that are occurring within the town of Hodgdon so that you may decide for yourself what, if any, actions should be taken.
    On July 21, 2008, the town of Hodgdon will be holding a public meeting to discuss issues related to Winter Road Closings. Some of you may recall that a similar meeting was previously held on April 7, 2008. What the town will probably not disclose to you is the fact that the need for a second meeting about the issue is a direct result of poor decision-making by the town manager and selectmen.
    The following is a list of facts most of you are probably not aware of:
• On April 7, 2008, the town and its selectmen were asked to consider reviewing Winter Road Closings every five years instead of every 10. This request was denied.
• At the same meeting, the selectmen and town manager proposed to make a change to the current Road Closing Ordinance by adding an additional clause stating as follows: "Orders altering or modifying such road closings will only be considered if the requesting party provides the necessary funding to construct the road or section of road to a pre-determined standard with the cost share from the Town set at a maximum of $2,000 per mile." The selectmen voted unanimously in favor of this proposal.
• Prior to placing the revised Winter Road Closing Ordinance before the public for vote, neither the town manager nor any of the selectmen bothered to investigate the "legality" of this additional clause. As a result of their poor conduct and lack of good judgement, there is now ongoing litigation related to this issue which has resulted in the necessity of the town to incur additional costs in the form of legal counsel.
    As a person interested in this issue, I would ask you to consider raising the following questions at the next town meeting:
• As town expenses continue to increase, so will the need to build stronger and more stable tax base. Where will this tax base come from if not farming or new home construction?
• Where is the harm in reviewing roads closed for winter maintenance every three to five years instead of 10? How is keeping an open mind about future needs and issues of the town and planning ahead to address them going to hurt anybody?
• If the town manager and selectmen continue to create "road blocks" related to Winter Road Closings, aren't they also subjecting the town to further litigation issues due to the fact that the Town charges the same mil rate on all of our property assessments, but discriminates against some property owners by denying them access to public fire protection and emergency care services?
    Our wonderful government of checks and balances has lasted for more than 200 years and has been able to ensure the rights and freedoms for all as we have progressed from a group of colonists to a modern world. Adaptations to the effects of change have been result of hard work and compromise. It is my sincere hope the residents of Hodgdon take an active interest in the future of the Town and hold our town officials accountable for their actions by asking questions and encouraging them to act responsibly and fairly.
Deborah L. Jagow Wynes
Lockport, N.Y. and Hodgdon