The Saco Citizens for Sensible Government, or SCSG, is providing an update in regards to the Stackpole Bridge. SCSG supports the decision regarding the bond for the Stackpole Bridge decided on Nov. 4, 2014, by the citizens of Saco. The bond question was clear. The amount the city was to borrow was not to exceed $990,000. The bond was for improvements to the Stackpole Bridge in order to reopen the Simpson Road to through vehicle traffic and meet the compliance standard regarding weight limitations.
The Saco City Council was approached for additional funds to repair the bridge at its meeting on Oct. 19, 2015. The additional funding request is $370,000 in order to rehabilitate the Stackpole Bridge. The request, if approved, would transfer funds from the FY 2016 approved budget for paving roads to the bridge’s Capital Improvement Fund. Using these funds would mean three miles of road will not be paved during 2016.
After lengthy discussion, during the Oct. 19 council meeting, it was decided to table the issue on the bridge funding request until Nov. 2 At the Nov. 2 meeting, the council again tabled a decision until Dec. 19.
The committee is asking citizens of Saco to reach out to their councilor and make their opinion heard on this issue. There will not be an opportunity for any public comments prior to the council voting on Dec. 21. Call, write or email your councilor. Let them know you do not want any additional funds spent. As citizens of Saco, you have already spoken. Remember, it only takes a small number of individuals to make a change.
There is a quote by the late anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
If you are not sure which ward you’re in or which councilor represents you, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 284-4831. The clerk’s office staff can provide you your ward and the councilor’s name and contact information. This information is available on the City of Saco website: http://www.sacomaine.org/infocenter/contacts-mayorcouncil. shtml.
If you have any questions, please contact me at Scott.Thibeau@sacocitizens.org or check out Saco Citizens for Sensible Government’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/SacoCitizensForSensibleTaxes. Scott Thibeau
Chairperson, SCSG
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
