Dear Editor:

I first met the Brackett family more than 50 years ago when I was on the staff of Camp Chewonki, whose property neighbors Chewonki Campground. I was immediately caught up in their enthusiasm for a campground and may even have lent a hand at some point in the early years as the campground developed. At a young age Pam and Ann Brackett were forced to learn the business after the untimely death of their parents in 1969. They persevered and became a successful contributing member of the Wiscasset business community, which they remain today.

Campers utilizing the campground come from across the country and not only enjoy an outstanding facility but also enjoy the Wiscasset area. They shop at area stores, eat at area restaurants, take advantage of tourist attractions from Freeport to Bath to Boothbay Harbor. This all translates into dollars for the local towns and businesses.

Two years ago on one of my regular visits to the area I had occasion to stop and say hello to Pam and Ann. And they remembered me, as they remember so many of the families they welcome back each year. For no particular reason I also stopped at the airport, having noticed the subtle changes and growth over the years — a runway extension, Sam Soule's house gone, and some new fences. I talked to three pilots that had recently flown in. One dropping off a guest going to Bowdoin College and flying out that evening, another being picked up by friends in Boothbay for a long weekend and the third coming home to Wiscasset. Not to take away from how friendly they were, I'm not sure of the impact they had on the economy those few days.

Though not a resident of Wiscasset I urge the community to attend the next selectmen’s meeting and strongly urge the board to reject the proposed Wiscasset Airport Master Plan. At the very least ask for for the details of the economic impact the airport has had and compare it to that of the campground. Your voices will be supporting a long time local business and historic small town, and you will also be supporting the thousands who choose Chewonki Campground each summer because they enjoy the Maine coast.

Frederick Scott
Jacksonville, Fla.