To the Editor:

Cliff Foster is not "stepping down," as your headline states. [Monument, February 28, 2002] That would mean he was leaving office in the middle of his term. In fact, he has to run again to stay in office, and the news is that he's chosen not to do that.

Your article then appears to declare the election of Susan Austin a done deal. You state that the local GOP is happy to announce her candidacy. Nothing wrong there. But then you say that she "will continue to deliver a strong voice for Gray and New Gloucester at the State House." Too early to tell isn't it? First she has to win, and then she has to prove herself. Maybe that was a statement from the local party folks. Without attribution, it appears to be an endorsement by the Monument. We need a strong local newspaper in our towns, and The Monument is a treasure. We're counting on you for good coverage of all the candidates in this important race.

Andrea de Leon, New Gloucester

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter because I am ASHAMED. I am a lifelong resident of New Gloucester and can't remember a year without some kind of controversy when it comes to the School District’s budget. I bet if you ask any taxpayer if they mind spending the money if it is spent wisely they will say "no". The problem is we can't see our money being spent until afterwards. It is planned by budget workshops blah, blah, blah. I personally have not attended a budget committee meeting, planning, or anything. However over the years I have seen the process deteriorate from the outside, in. It’s always the paraprofessionals and operating budget that end up getting "whacked" because the faculty and administration have a...what?? ..a CONTRACT???

Last year at the budget vote in the High School Gym....people basically accused the superintendent of "fuzzy math" 3% budget increases that were but weren't.. I firmly believe that the people who donate their time to the school board and committees are clear in conscience and are honest. I believe that they are faced with a poor plan of District priorities and that involves the superintendent directly. I believe that Mr. Wood was hired hastily; I believe that the board wanted to clear wounds caused by the departure of Dr. Lucarelli. It was the same as the budget vote last year...Oh dear we can't start the school year without a budget....why not...we expect people to work without a contract. Shame on us for being two-faced . I really want what is right. I want what is fair. I like the people at the District. Some of them were working there when I was in school. Please keep these employees because hard working and loyalty is hard to find.

Tim Joy, New Gloucester

To the People of Gray and New Gloucester;

Gray Community Television apologizes for not broadcasting the February 27, meeting of the M.S.A.D. 15 Board of Directors meeting. M.S.A.D. 15 Board of Directors or other staff failed to notify us that this meeting was scheduled for Stimson Hall and subsequent to that GCTV did not have volunteers scheduled for this meeting.

We hope that this will not happen, again, in the future. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Brad Fogg, Chairperson, GCTV - 2