Dear Editor:

For the survival of Stimson Marine, other related small businesses, and a widely cherished local heritage, we ask everyone to spread the word: Boothbay voters, please vote yes on Article 5 on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Here is an update on the situation:

Our warrant article proposing a change in wording in the Maritime Activities and Commercial Fishing section of Boothbay's ordinance will be voted upon at the Boothbay Town Office on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Until a few weeks ago, we were expecting the Planning Board to put up a competing article, which we were prepared to support. Instead, their proposal was included in Article 4 on the ballot, being lumped together with a number of other proposed changes, some of which are highly controversial.

Because of this, we feel that we cannot ask our supporters to vote yes on Article 4 unless they also support all of the other changes included in that article.

Our own warrant article (Article 5) has been handicapped by an addendum by the selectmen and Planning Board, which recommend a no vote. Since the passing of the Planning Board's version in Article 4 is not guaranteed, the survival of our home-boat shop and others depends highly on your yes vote on our Article 5.

If either question passes, we, and other potential home-based boatbuilders will be able to seek a use permit for boatbuilding from the Planning Board.

The passing of our Warrant Article 5 would not in any way jeopardize the quality of life in residential neighborhoods; as is currently the case with boat repair, the Planning Board has the ability to set limits on scale of operation and its impact on the community.

David, Abraham and Nathaniel Stimson
Boothbay