Dear Editor:

Last week's Boothbay warrant votes sparked heightened interest in several issues as shown in the unprecedented voter turnout for an “off year” election. The best outcome of this can be increased awareness and participation of all residents. I urge folks to remain active to shape the discussions in the coming months.

One significant topic, of course, was the discussion of signs. No matter what your opinion on the warrant may have been, I believe we can all agree on the following suggestion, which involves something that can be done right now to improve our town and support our businesses:

The “directional signs,” those 36 by 8-inch signs stacked on 4 by 4-inch posts, mostly at major intersections and roads, have fallen into disrepair.

These signs are iconic to the state of Maine and have become part of its branding. They're something we have and other areas don't.

But take a look at the signs at Corey Lane and Back River Road or Barters Island Road at Lakeside for installations that need more than a little TLC. There are many more examples throughout the town.

It is my understanding that maintenance of these signs falls to the town, the state and the businesses involved which, indeed, adds an unexpected element of complexity to the issue. I suggest that our town government take the leadership role in sorting this out and getting these signs put back into good shape.

This will likely involve assembling an inventory, determining who is responsible for what and a lot of calling around/visiting businesses as well as coordinating the work with a single sign maker to minimize the cost. Perhaps some volunteer work could be incorporated into the process (BCA? Chamber of Commerce?)

In any event, this is a doable task with a reasonable goal of having these signs looking good by next spring to welcome back our summer guests and tourists and showing our pride in what Boothbay has to offer. It's the type of thing we rely on our town government to do and I know they are up to the challenge.

Michael Pander
Boothbay