Letter to the editor

Let’s be leaders: Vote Yes

Tue, 04/23/2019 - 12:00pm

Dear Editor:

I support Yes votes on Articles 3, 4 and 5 (East Side Zoning Proposal) on the Boothbay Harbor Town Warrant.  With over 23 years of experience in tourism and economic development with the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, I have observed, worked with, collaborated with and assisted businesses and communities throughout Maine, with emphasis on coastal regions.  Articles 3, 4 and 5 are necessary to the economic prosperity of our community, and will provide for vital investment in  both our tourism and working waterfront sectors.

Opponents of the east side improvement efforts have suggested that approving the articles will result in development that erodes our town’s wonderfully rich heritage and character.  This is not only incorrect, it is shortsighted as well. Tourism and working waterfront are both vital elements of our community’s culture and economy. Their individual viabilities are not mutually exclusive; the two actually support each other. A strong working waterfront is wonderful for tourism, and a strong tourism industry strengthens our marine industries. 

If we wish to remain competitive with other tourism communities (and how about we LEAD, not just follow) we must be proactive to support, develop and invest in our tourism assets. Doing nothing does not preserve anything - it creates actual loss. Without the economic incentive to invest in our tourism assets, they will continue to age and decline. If Articles 3, 4 and 5 are defeated, Boothbay Harbor will not only not be a tourism/working waterfront leader, it will not maintain its existing tourism economy.  It will instead become known as a has-been, rundown, stagnant tourism destination. That scenario benefits no one. Let’s not be losers; let’s not be followers. Let’s be leaders.  Please vote Yes on Articles 3, 4 and 5.

Jaimie Logan

Boothbay Harbor