Dear Editor:

On Sunday evening, April 14, there was a well-attended public forum put on by voters who were looking for an honest dialog regarding the massive April 24 $29,975,000 school referendum.  I was asked if I could take attendance and was honored to stand in the back (clipboard in hand).  I was surprised when a long-time member of the School Board asked if organizers thought that the citizens referendum initiative was disrespectful to the elected CSD board members, stating that voters should just trust the "experts.”

On the contrary, ignoring the voters with a more expensive version of the defeated November referendum is disrespectful.  Respectful public dialogue is the foundation of our local government and any elected public official in the room should know better.

I have been part of this conversation for a number of years and attended many meetings. It is clear that the public comment period allowed at CSD board meetings is not providing a collaborative format to bring folks together. I know we can do better.

I support our schools and firmly believe the Trustees owe the public a more affordable option to fixing our elementary school.

Vote NO on April 24.

Tom Minerich

Candidate for Board of Trustees 

Boothbay Harbor