Archive: Opinions

Dear Editor,

Once again, I commend you on your very thorough coverage of the sewer issue in Lansing.  The residents really appreciate it.

Mr. Cree, Mr. LaVigne, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Mr. Cree's background is FINANCE.  He knows why he doesn't approve of the sewers.  They will bankrupt the residents of this community, whether we are in the proposed district or not.  He sees it - his financial expertise enables him to see the sewers as the boondoggle that they are.

Mr. LaVigne's background is medicine, pharmacy.  He has been a major mover and shaker for this town - but ALL with the thought of the PEOPLE and CHILDREN in the town, not the politicians, not the developers, just his fellow Lansing residents.  He has FINALLY also seen the light that residents of this town will suffer terribly for years to come if this sewer issue passes.  Proponents of the sewer have said that if the taxes get much higher people will be forced out of the area (without development).  With development and sewers, more people will move out of the area, including yours truly and, as an added 'benefit' the area will no longer be the semi-rural community that we love.

Last week there was mention in the coverage that Rogue's Harbor and another local restaurant are in dire need of sewers.  Well, Rogue's Harbor (the building) has been in place for a couple of hundred years and, somehow, sewers were not necessary to keep it going all of this time.  In addition, businesses are being cited as needing sewers.  Fine - they are businesses - they can making capital improvements to their businesses and should be able to PAY FOR THEIR OWN septic systems.  The residents of this town should not pay for them.

99.9% of the residents of this town want to be sure the SCHOOLS have a safe waste system.  We are not opposed to increasing our taxes by a very modest amount in order to install a new septic system or, if necessary, a small stand-alone sewer facility to only cover the school area.  With my limited technical knowledge (no knowlege, really), I envision the small sewer system installed at the industrial park area near the airport as being what could be done for the schools or, better and probably cheaper, the installation of a new septic system.

In last week's letter, Ms. Hagin clearly outlined many points specific to agricultural properties in the town.  This is what is going to happen to farmers if the sewer vote passes.  Their taxes will go up so high they will not be able to continue to keep their properties.  So, guess what? THEY WILL HAVE TO SELL and sell CHEAP due to the financial strains.  Who will buy?  THE DEVELOPERS.  They will buy for the LOWEST AMOUNT POSSIBLE, make a killing on the price of the land and then BUILD THE HELL OUT OF THIS TOWN.

Is this what Lansing residents want?

Finally, an early vote might be helpful to give the town an idea of where this whole nightmare is going.  It would more likely confuse residents who will not understand why there have been two votes.  They may be saying, "Well, it's dead." or "No, it's not totally dead." giving time for proponents to regroup.  However, AUGUST is the month when more people are on vacation than any other month of the year.  SEPTEMBER is the month when the children are returning to school.  THESE ARE NOT GOOD MONTHS FOR ANY KIND OF A VOTE.  Why not set a vote in October or, better, on election day, when people are already at the polls and their minds are focused on the election/voting process for candidates, propositions, etc.  In that way, EVERYBODY will be here to vote.  A 2-month delay in the early vote process will be worth it in the end if ALL of the residents are able to participate in the process.

Elisabeth Hegarty
Lansing
v9i24