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STRONG – While most of the 57 articles in the warrant for the town of Strong’s annual meeting went through with little debate, some subjects provoked significant debate among the 75 residents who attended.
The meeting opened with a prayer, and closed with well wishes and thanks, and in between there were discussions, notably, on the state of the schools in SAD 58. Citizens expressed the sentiment that closing a school often led to the community where the closure occurred slowly spiraling into a ghost town – “Kill the school, kill the town.”
These schools are, like the rest of Maine, are suffering due to increasing valuations within communities and falling enrollment, which reduces state subsidies. Many of these teachers are willing to work without contracts or pay raises, so that the district can afford to pay them at all. SAD 58 School Board Chair Gerald “Mike” Pond, Jr. suggested that if anyone had any ideas that might help the financing of these schools, they contact him or another member of the board. The SAD web page is http://www.sad58.k12.me.us, and Mike Pond’s contact is at 684-3232.
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Announced early in the proceedings was the results of Friday’s election. Residents chose to send incumbent Selectman Milt Baston and former Selectman Rupert Pratt to the board for three-year terms, over incumbent Selectman James Burrill and Robert Boyd. Elected as Strong’s fire chief was Duayne Boyd, the interim chief who replaced longstanding Fire Chief Scott Dyar, when he moved away in 2009.
Resident Bill Birden was elected to a five-year term on the planning board, drawing more votes than fellow write-in candidate Jacob Richards.
Following Friday evening’s vote, Selectman Rebecca Croteau announced she was “resigning as [a] selectman effective immediately.” Croteau wrote, in a letter addressed to the citizens of Strong, which can be seen here, that she had concerns over how the board had operated over the past year.
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One article which drew significant discussion was a request to raise and appropriate $5,000 to help cover medical insurance payments for Boyd, a former town employee. Boyd, who served Strong for more than 28 years as highway foreman and in other capacities, retired earlier this year. The $5,000 will cover one-third of Boyd’s medical insurance until he is 65, and eligible for Medicare.
Due to the personal nature of this vote, it was conducted by secret ballot, passing by a majority vote of 34 to 30.
For his years of service, Rep. Tom Saviello (R – Wilton) commended Boyd at the meeting. Saviello, who is running for Senate District 18, said that it has been ‘an honor’ to have been supported by the people of the community. Saviello introduced Russell Black, Wilton selectman and one of two Republican candidates for Saviello’s District 90 house seat. Also in attendance was Ann Woloson, the Democratic candidate for District 18, as well as Irving Faunce, Wilton selectman and Democratic candidate for District 90.
At 11:30, the meeting recessed for an hour so residents could enjoy the traditional supper that accompanies the meeting. Reconvening an hour later, residents swiftly approved the 11 remaining warrant articles.
Story by Michael McPherson. Photos by Steve Mitman.
