A bond package for Biddeford was nearly kept from voters this November thanks to Mayor Twomey’s belief voters wouldn’t approve it. The City Council must vote on the bonds package by next week, to see if voters will be allowed their say on road and drainage improvements and new roofs for three city buildings.
We agree with City Council President Bob Mills that “community buildings are disintegrating” and must be maintained. If we do not invest in our buildings with such basic upkeep as installing new roofs when needed, we will be left in the position to fund another major overhaul such as what we’re currently paying for at Biddeford High School.
The school was neglected for years, no doubt because leaders like Twomey believed taxpayers would never support the minor repairs needed over the years. Now that the high school has come into such disrepair, she’s taken up the role of savior for the school, heavily promoting its $34 million dollar renovation and winning re-election partly due to her efforts. All the while, taxpayers are saddled with an extra $200 bill each year on a house worth $200,000.
Yet Twomey says she “can’t sell” the $6.47 bonds for road and building improvements, which would have a much lesser impact on taxes. As well, most taxpayers do complain about rough roads and would like to see their tax dollars used to improve them. We’d guess she hasn’t really even tried to sell it, especially compared to the efforts she put in to “sell” the high school project and the proposed racino.
Road paving and sewer/discharge separation are not so glamorous as remaking the high school after it’s been left to wallow in 1960s amenities. But unfortunately, the current budget doesn’t allow for major overhauls of some roads, such as West Street, which hasn’t been paved in 15 years. This is work that needs to be done and bonding is a smart way to do it affordably.
The City Hall clock tower is a perfect example of the decay that can result when a city refuses to invest in its infrastructure. The tower has been patched up with $175,000 worth of work where $1.5 million was needed and it’s clear to anyone who takes the time to look that this landmark piece of the 1800s John Calvin Stevens-designed building is not in good shape. Upon closer inspection, the wood is rotted and if no one ponies up the funds, it probably won’t be long before this tower joins that of the Lincoln Mill ”“ on the ground.
So maybe Twomey is right ”“ maybe Biddeford voters won’t OK the money to install new roofs, repair the roads and separate runoff from sewage so our treatment system doesn’t get overloaded.
But even if she and other councilors and the taxpayers with whom they’ve talked don’t support this needed work ”“ and would rather wait to let some other city leader be the savior of town hall or some other city building that is crumbling at that point ”“ we’d appreciate it if they’d at least let Biddeford voters decide.
Instead of intentionally stalling the process to keep it off the ballot, Twomey should be supportive of putting this issue before voters and giving them the facts of how it will impact them, both in the pocket book, on the road, and in the future of the city.
Yes, it can be tough to approve funds to maintain city structures when you can’t afford to replace your own roof, but it’s part of being a taxpayer and of having a city of which you can be proud. We hope the council brings these bonds forward to voters so they can be the ones to decide whether to watch Biddeford fall into further disrepair or not.
Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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