Now that the town has established ownership of the former J. J. Newberry's building, it is time for us to move forward.

In addition to the council's acceptance (4-3) of the purchase of the Newberry facility, another subject was broached at this meeting.

A request made by Councilor Cyr, through the Council Chairman, recommended that our town manager be allowed more latitude in deciding the importance of any economic development ideas he may be approached with.

Should it be required that any and all of this information be shared with the full council?

It was suggested that the town manager pass along any preliminary information to the Council Chair and, only if and when something of importance evolved, would both of them inform the full council.

Now that seems to make sense to me especially since page after page of MAGIC's 5 year report shows "CONFIDENTIAL". Therefore one has to believe even our previous economic development entity understood the need for confidentiality. Since the council has now relegated this responsibility to the town manager, should he not be afforded the same latitude?

When I consider all the responsibilities that fall on the council members, I would think they would appreciate a buffer and not have to be subjected to unrealistic projects that might be offered.

In retrospect, since the manager would share information with the council chair, together they could determine legitimate projects worthy of the full council's attention.

Of course this idea did not set well with Polstein, McLean or Mingo which leads to the question of just what their objections or objectives might be. None seem to have had a problem with MAGIC's confidentiality issues. Why then do they object to this proposed suggestion?

Could it possibly be that all three want complete control over any possible economic development that might be proposed for the area? And if so, would it only be allowed should they give it their stamp of approval? If so, they would then also be in a position (as they have in the past with MAGIC at the helm) to thwart any efforts that do not meet their given agenda.

People of Millinocket, I implore you to recognize the fact that this town has been held hostage to Polstein and McLean's MAGIC agenda and yet NO economic development has occurred for the past 6 or 7 years even with your financial support.

Is it possible that we can at least give the manager and the council chairman the opportunity to further our efforts to bring prosperity back to our community?

Perhaps with a different attitude they can help us turn things around and "truly" move us forward to our economic benefit.

Let's give them that opportunity.