Square-off over road bond Division, tension evident

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON  — A deep division between three critics of the road bond and the town council members resurfaced again Monday night at the council meeting possibly providing a window on the future of Houlton itself.  Results of Tuesday’s special election, no matter how the vote goes, could indicate a seminal mark in the town’s direction since decisions will have to be made on how to pay for road and sidewalk repairs.
    The council has supported the bond issue as did most members of the Board of Budget Review (BBR). Donald Keiser, BBR chairman said: “We can debate all we want and not have to pay for it. But, the bottom line is the roads and the sidewalks need to be fixed. And it needs to be done now.” 
    With only a handful of residents in the council chambers and an unknown number of residents possibly  watching on the local cable access channel, Carl Lord called the bond “a million dollar bailout, not a million dollar bond” adding that he “would support it if it was legit.”  Stan Ginish made a vague reference to “what goes on behind closed doors” in his attack on the bond and by inference the council’s management of finances. Phil Bernaiche said “you know how I feel” indicating his opposition to the bond adding that if it didn’t pass “we do the best we can.”
    After the public comments, the council reviewed changes to the ordinance regarding water protection which will allow farmers like Mike Gough to make chemical replacements with generic or other brands of chemicals he uses on his farm. The changes must be safer and not harmful or the same chemical makeup under another brand name.
Donations to the town
    The council accepted a donation of $1,000 from the Jumpstart Our Youth campaign for the Just for Kids Program at the parks and recreation department. Then it accepted $1,095 from six individuals for the Just for Kids Playground Rehabilitation Fund. On behalf of DARE, the council accepted $675. Also accepted Monday evening was a grant of $15,753.95 from Maine Emergency Management Association for a new ATV for the Houlton Police Department. Finally, the council accepted $1,171 from the Bureau of Highway Safety for the Citizens Academy.
    Gordon Wark, head of WAGM TV and Polaris Cable gave an update on changes in the cable packages to include new channels and the addition of digital phone service May 1 at a substantial savings over landline service. He apologized for reception and signal problems on some channels explaining that it is often due to remote transmitter locations and moisture problems which are being addressed.
    Town Manager Doug Hazlett said no decision has been made on the Houlton tourist and information center owned by the Department of Transportation which may not want to maintain it due to cost. There was general agreement that it was a benefit to town residents, tourists and businesses.
    And, the council members all re-stated their support for the road bond vote on Tuesday. Prior to closing the meeting, Paul Cleary said people had demonstrated satisfaction with the current council and he apologized for the rhetoric that was expressed during public comments.