Dear Editor:

During the Candidates Forum this week, the last question asked of the candidates was about their vision for Wiscasset in 20 years. Pam Dunning had the answer I liked the best – to keep Wiscasset a small town, with a real sense of community. Several grand plans were proposed, some of which have actually been pursued for our town in the last two years, and while it is fun to imagine how the future might look, it is the decisions we make today that will determine what our town looks like down the road. We are facing huge financial demands to update our basic infrastructure, and strong resistance to rising taxes. Pam is a staunch proponent of maintaining our capital reserve fund, and not creating new amenities which the town will have to fund and maintain in the future.

For decades, people have been drawn to Wiscasset for what it currently has to offer – a beautiful, small coastal town with some lovely shops and a developing waterfront presence. To paraphrase Pam’s statement, I do not want our town to become a “destination,” with grand attractions that don’t really benefit the residents.” Pam appreciates the support she has received and hopes to do a good job for the town as a whole. I support Pam for her invaluable experience, her commitment to fiscal responsibility, and her vision of Wiscasset as a beautiful small village that can continue to appeal without losing its character. Please join me in returning Pam to the Select Board, where she has proven her ability to lead our town in the right direction.

Linda Winterberg

Wiscasset