Dear Editor:

I do not know Mr. Coulombe or have any type of personal or business relationship with him. However, I found myself unable to ignore the arrow shot at him in the letter to the editor (November 21) entitled: “Contrast within the community.” I disagree that the two forms of spending/giving seem to be at odds, and with the implication that one form is better than the other.

The fact is that we should be thrilled that Mr. Coulombe cares enough about Boothbay to want to invest large sums of money in its long-term development and improvement. Doing so is intended to create more meaningful activities and venues that attract people to the region, create more jobs, and substantially improve opportunities for everyone who lives here.

It is unfortunate that the author of the letter doesn’t seem to understand or acknowledge the value of such investment, but, instead, suggests that Mr. Coulombe is not donating enough to people and groups in need. Boothbay needs more of his type of long-term thinking and enrichment if it is going to be able to provide more for itself and its residents.

The reason we have so many charitable organizations is because so many people cannot earn enough money to live.

I would also point out that Mr. Coulombe has already made very generous donations to many things which benefit all of us daily, like the YMCA, the Railway Museum, the Cozy Harbor wharf area, the Town of Southport, Bigelow Labs, the Opera House, etc. We are so fortunate to be the direct beneficiaries of these gifts.

The fact is, the decision to help others is completely personal and individual and we should applaud the generosity of all who search for their own ways to assist those in need. The Boothbay region is in need of a much stronger economy and a brighter future and I, for one, am grateful to Mr. Coulombe for not just recognizing that, but also doing so much to try to make it happen.

Kathy Wilkinson

West Boothbay Harbor