To the editor:
During the last few weeks, we have been hearing more and more about the waves of refugee children washing up on our nation’s southern border. Some see this as a real problem, and that it is something to repel, like an invasion. But I see it as an opportunity, something we can do to help humanity as well as something we can do to help ourselves.
What better place for these children than the old Loring air base here in Aroostook County? Because wherever these kids go, federal dollars are sure to follow. The housing is there, the Job Corps training center is there, and these young and thirsty minds are ready to soak up whatever knowledge and training we can provide them to turn them into productive, tax-paying citizens.
The entire project could be contained on base without any strain on current systems. And let’s not forget what all of those federal dollars could mean to the surrounding area. There would be an increased demand in housing for support staff and teachers, and every local business would also see an increase in income. This would also increase the tax revenue for every municipality, and hopefully, result in lower property taxes for everyone!
I urge readers to call Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and let them know we want to help in this humanitarian crisis, and we have the perfect solution to aid in this effort.
Jim Kent
Caribou
