The one citizen who spoke in defense of MAGIC at the last town meeting implied that those opposed to funding MAGIC believed that hiring an economic developer of our own would produce instant or overnight success. This is not true. We all realize it is going to take unity, hard work, and some time to move forward and be successful with economic development for Millinocket. Obviously, after waiting five years and spending over one million dollars, nobody expects overnight success.
For the past five years, we have patiently waited and funded MAGIC with hopes of seeing some success for the town. We are still waiting and see none. I believe if, after five years and that much money spent, Bruce McLean has not been able to show us something for his efforts other than promises and failures, it is time to try something or someone else.
I also believe any further money spent on funding MAGIC is money unwisely spent. Would you continue to pay for a service which was insufficient? Would you pay additional money for a service that is insufficient? Why then, should we allow our tax dollars to be spent in this way?
The development proposal at Plum Creek involves much more money and land than is involved with MAGIC funding, yet their town government chose to withdraw its support of the project due to citizen concerns. This required neither petitions or numerous town meeting discussions. This came about due to the suggestion of ONE selectman who acknowledged the fact that SOME citizens still had unanswered questions to address.
Why are Millinocket citizens being denied their right to vote on MAGIC's funding? The proposed ballot question “allowing” citizens to say whether they like MAGIC or not is an insult to the intelligence and rights of citizens who wish to have a legitimate vote. If, as MAGIC supportive councilors say, the majority of citizens are for funding MAGIC, why not ask the citizens to voice this with an appropriately worded question on the ballot?
