Dear Editor:

There are about 1,000 full-time residents that are missing their privileges at the "dump." Some feel strongly that their rights have been abrogated. The free-for-the-taking pile made going to the dump an opportunity for a find. There were the usual weed whackers that have to be restrung, appliances that need fuses or plugs, framed pictures, etc.

I know of four "jackpots" from "finds."

An antique dealer opened the back of a picture and found a copy of our Declaration of Independence fell out. It brought $100,000.

A sheaf of old military papers brought $31,000.

An antique Louis Vuitton trunk is expected to come to auction with a minimum bid of $30,000.

Many years ago, a man picked up a box of junk, including an unusually heavy belt, which had 10 $5 gold pieces inside. Electronically knowledgeable people mine our discarded electronics for the gold.

We have an unusual situation. The people "from away" have means and their "stuff" makes its way to the free-for-the-taking pile. Estates, in particular, throw out some nice "stuff."

The district, in the midst of its travails, should do what's necessary to restore the free-for-the-taking pile privileges.

Brian McDonald

Boothbay