Editorial

The Communities of Gray and New Gloucester, Maine came out in droves to the polls on Tuesday. This mirrored the heavy turnout across the state.

I was proud of the citizenry in our area for their effort to fulfill Democracy's highest duty: to vote. Even though there weren't candidates on the ballot or any big races, the referendum issues brought out the people and they made themselves heard.

Gray's 43% turnout is about twice what the town usually sees on off-election years, and the same is true of New Gloucester, with their 48% turnout.

Congratulations to SAD 15 (Gray and New Gloucester) for their hard work and thoroughness in putting together the information on the local school bond issue. The Facilities Update Renovation Committee, School Board Directors, and Superintendent and Administration couldn't have done any better or different, with their well publicized bond preparation meetings, their discussions on televised cable broadcasts, and their community forums to which the citizens were invited. The information got out there and that certainly helped the citizens become informed on the issue.

Congratulations to Gray Councilors who proposed two Charter changes which were overwhelmingly validated by the voters. Both changes, by the way, were citizen oriented. Any proposals that are inclusive of more citizens or ask for a change to encourage more participation are good and I applaud the Council for being citizen-oriented.

Job well done for all involved, both School officials, Gray Town Councilors, and most of all, all voters who took the time to come out and take part in what makes our country great- voting in a free and open election.