To the editor:
This letter is in response to the letter printed in the February issue of Working Waterfront from Mr. Sean Hall of Orr’s Island.
Mr. Hall references a survey he received in the mail concerning sidewalks and roadways. I am not quite sure what he was reading, but the survey he received simply asked residents to rate pedestrian safety. No mention was made of paving shoulders or constructing sidewalks, it simply asked him to give his opinion in a very good to very poor format on pedestrian safety. I know, because I am a member of the Public Safety Committee who posed that question, in addition to six others included in the survey. The questionnaire was sent to residents as part of the Mission Statement drafted by the Selectmen for the committee to “survey the community in matters such as pedestrian safety, crosswalks, etc. …”
The Committee is comprised of volunteer members from Bailey Island, Cundys Harbor and Harpswell Neck. Unfortunately, Orr’s Island is not represented as no one from that area of the community is a member of the committee. If Mr. Hall would like to give his “information, suggestions or strategies” voice in the community in which he lives, by all means please join us for one of our meetings. We would be pleased and grateful to have new input and ideas. The committee’s schedule is posted on the community calendar in the Town Office as well as on the Community Television station. Meetings are always open to the public. I would like to assure Mr. Hall that no one on the Public Safety Committee is looking to change Harpswell and its islands in any way. Committee members, both life long Harpswell residents and newcomers, share Mr. Hall’s “profound appreciation for Harpswell’s lifestyle.”
Patricia Leary
Harpswell Neck
Public Safety Committee Secretary