Staff Writer
HOULTON — “I just don’t know what to do.”
Robert Wing fought back tears and anger as he publicly pleaded with Houlton town councilors Monday night to help get his septic system up and running again. The Houlton man stood before council, leaning heavily on a cane, and recounted the story of living without a septic system for the last four years.
“The last thing I want to do is get a lawyer,” said Wing. “You’re all telling me to get a lawyer and take the town to court. I don’t want to take the town to court and sue, I just want to get something done with this problem.”
Wing has applied for numerous septic grants and has been denied. He has approached the town office asking for aid and he said he has gotten nowhere.
His frustration spilled over into the council chambers, forcing council to stop the meeting and turn off the cameras while Wing gained his composure. The cameras remained off until the regular agenda items began.
Council Chair Paul Cleary explained to Wing that the council did not make decisions on grants and that he needed to talk with the town manager. Wing said he had done that as recently as last week.
“The chain of command is to go through Wade Hanson and Doug Hazlett,” said Cleary.
Cleary did ask the town manager if there was a way to appeal the grant decision or to find out why Wing had been denied.
“We’re continuing to find other solutions and we will continue to do that,” said Hazlett.
The Foxcroft Road resident disagreed and felt the town manager was not doing that.
“They took the value away (on his land) and I can’t even get a loan now,” said Wing. “What bank is going to give a loan on $11,000 … none.”
His frustration nearly had him removed from council chambers and Cleary warned Wing several times to direct his comments to the council and not to anyone else.
