Dear Editor:

If you attended the school budget meeting at Edgecomb Eddy on May 2, you saw and felt the deteriorating road; the parking lot has become a daily obstacle course for parents, staff, and community members alike.

It has been 20 years since our school’s pavement received the attention it requires. Two decades of Maine winters have taken their toll, and we have reached a point where "patching" is no longer a viable or fiscally responsible option.

There are three key reasons why every resident should support this project on the 16th:

• No Impact on Your Taxes: This is perhaps the most important point. The funds for this project are coming from the existing surplus. This means we can fix our infrastructure without adding a single penny to the tax rate. It is a rare opportunity to complete a major capital improvement "pain-free."

• Protecting a Town Asset: The school is not just a building for students; it is a primary town property. Like any home or business, letting the exterior crumble leads to higher costs down the road. Proper paving protects the foundation and ensures the safety of everyone who visits the campus.

• A Matter of Community Pride: Our school should reflect the values of Edgecomb. It is often the first thing visitors and new families see. A well-maintained property signals that we care about our town, our safety, and our future.

Maintaining our town's assets is part of being a responsible community. We have the funds available, we have a clear need, and we have the opportunity to fix this now before it becomes an even more expensive emergency later.

On May 16, please remember to vote Yes in support of the school paving project. Let’s get this done for our school, our town, and our neighbors.

Remember you can also vote absentee! Appreciate you!

Michael Gaffney

Edgecomb