Dear Editor:

The town of Wiscasset recently voted to go back in time to when the group of "good old boys" ruled the town. Four of our five selectmen made a decision that it is up to them if things don't go their way. All it took was four quick votes to take away the majority of the voters' voice in town matters.

Anyone who feels they didn't have the information to understand the town warrant articles have no standing. All they had to do was read the warrant and attend the information meetings held before Election Day and ask their questions. If I remember correctly, about 600 residents voted at the last town election. I can almost make a sure bet that not more than 30 residents, if that, came to the meetings with questions. With today's wealth of ways to glean information on everything, not knowing is no excuse.

I also remember we had a good turnout of voters when we voted to do away with town meeting. And I might add that it was approved by more than four votes.

The board is elected to support the majority of the townspeople, not themselves or a select few who disagree with the system in place.

Of the 52 articles on the warrant, nine questions failed. Only two of the articles that the budget committee opposed passed. The board of selectmen approved eight and the budget committee opposed nine.

As a former planning board member, selectman and budget committee member, I know that if the selectmen and budget committee are far apart on agreeing to a warrant article, it needs to be addressed before making the warrant. There is a real disconnect between the two groups, as I found out during my years of town service (15 years). I was made aware that the board of selectmen is not interested in what the budget committee recommends.

It just doesn't sit right with me and shouldn't with the rest of the voters of this town, as to what took place at the last board of selectmen meeting. This is strictly my opinion. I apologize if I have offended anyone.

Stephen M. Jarrett Sr.
Wiscasset