We agree with Wiscasset Selectmen's Chair Sarah Whitfield's observation last week that when public engagement is said to be part of local planning, the public input tends to end up coming from, as she put it, "the same 40 people."

She made the comment as Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky was explaining a free program for coming up with a strategic energy plan. Chrostowsky noted the entity doing it would meet with town staff and also hold meetings with the public to "hear from the public what they feel are the needs."

Whitfield appreciated those members of the public who take part when input is sought on a topic, but added: "It never gets to more than that (same turnout), I feel like ... I shiver a little bit when I see phrases like 'community vision,' and it's made by like 20 people."

When ideas are being gathered or interest in something is gauged, the public response counts for something, but people should understand at the outset and after the fact, not a lot of people turn out to give their input, except in the voting booth.

Want a community vision to reflect more people's vision? Public workshops, etc. tend to be announced all over the place and, in many cases, repeatedly. Show up, if you can; or contact someone on the selectboard you elected, so your voice can be heard that way and passed along, like we see from time to time.

Week's positive parting thought: Most of summer is still ahead!