Thumbs up to health-oriented organizations of York County that recently conducted a community health survey. Along with the reassuring opinion that the region is a good place to live and work, the survey revealed serious concerns with the prevalence of obesity, substance abuse, cancer and tobacco use. We’re sure health professionals and policy makers will take note of the opportunities to make York County an even better place to live.
Thumbs up to the organizers and participants who make Alfred’s annual festival a success each year. It’s always a high point of midsummer.
Thumbs up to the early planning stages in Biddeford for a walking path along the Saco River. It may some day extend the entire length of the mill district, opening up dramatic views of the river long walled off by brick mill buildings. The first phase will start just upstream of the sewage treatment plant, wind through Mechanics Park and across Main Street to the vicinity of the former Pepperell property known as North Dam Mill.
Thumbs down to whatever circumstances made it possible for three boys in Waterboro to get hold of an unexploded shell from a fireworks display. Mistakes can happen, and fortunately no one was seriously injured when they attempted to set the thing off. Let’s take it as a reminder to be more vigilant in seeking to avoid bad situations, and to help young people recognize potential dangers.
Thumbs up to the scheduling of construction on a long-awaited project in Wells. The reconstruction of Route 1 and Route 109 at Wells Corner, scheduled to begin later this year with competition in 2010 will provide a better alignment of turning lanes, new and more efficient signals and sidewalks and crosswalks. The town will have the option of installing granite curbing and other amenities to dress up this important vantage point.
Thumbs up to the continuing efforts to re-establish The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach as a venue for games, events and performances. The effort and money going into this project will be well-spent if organizers succeed in making it a self-supporting enterprise.
Thumbs up to the legal analysis by Gene Libby for the Board of County Commissioners regarding the use of unencumbered jail funds. It now seems likely that county government can get through the rest of the year without the extensive cutbacks that were recently contemplated.
Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.
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