In the perspective of many town residents, the current Select Board appears to be governing without adequate oversight. It is perceived that they are making decisions for Raymond without taking into account the views of the townspeople.
ISSUES:
The annual public Town Meeting, a fundamental aspect of small-town governance in Maine towns like Raymond, where decisions could be openly contested, has been discontinued.
Warrant Article 26, though defeated on the ballot to allocate $8.1 million for a Public Works facility, faces opposition. Efforts to probe this significant investment have been stifled, including queries from the Budget-Finance Committee seeking clarity. The Committee unanimously decided not to support the Article, pointing out the insufficient information regarding the estimated costs. Citizen involvement is crucial in such pivotal decisions to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all alternatives and to address the concerns of many who believe the project is overly ambitious compared to the existing Public Works capabilities and equipment.
I will continue to support the need for a Public Works garage but will do so in a careful and considered manner.
If you’re interested in watching just one meeting, the April 11th Emergency Budget/Finance Meeting lasts just over one hour.