Dear Editor:

As someone who grew up in Boothbay and plans to return with my young family, I hope Boothbay voters will consider the points below regarding the proposed roundabout.

1. Contrary to recent advertisements, the roundabout would not be “free” by virtue of using TIF funds. Using TIF funds for the roundabout necessarily means that other taxpayer funds must be expended for essential infrastructure maintenance within the TIF district. So, by robbing Peter to pay Paul, the $1.15 million roundabout investment would increase the tax burden for Boothbay taxpayers.

2. There are other examples of Business Partnership Initiative projects with MDOT, in Augusta and Waterville, where the municipality contributed no or very little funds. The town of Boothbay might consider asking the private developer to cover a larger share of the costs given the developer’s description of the roundabout as “essential” to his commercial plans.

3. It should be clear by now that the planned investment around the Common will move forward with or without the roundabout. An individual is free to develop private properties legally acquired. Therefore, the roundabout vote is not about “change” or economic development. Change is coming whether anyone likes it or not. The question is whether the roundabout represents the best use of $1.15 million in taxpayer dollars.

4. I would ask voters to consider the following question: if Boothbay was given $1.15 million by an anonymous donor to spur long-term economic development within the TIF district, would creating this roundabout be at the top of the list? Would it even make the top five?

Personally, I think the roundabout is not a bad idea outside its significant cost. Is it the best $1.15 million dollar investment that Boothbay can make? No. As a parent, I would rather see TIF funds used for ongoing infrastructure maintenance in order to preserve General town funds for the school system. Any “extra” TIF funds could finance infrastructure investments in the Boothbay Industrial Park, an approach more likely to create year-round jobs.

That is my take. I have faith, however, in the collective wisdom of Boothbay voters and encourage everyone to vote. Regardless of the outcome, I look forward to the community moving forward together.

Ian McConnell
New Haven, Connecticut