Letters to the Editor

To the citizens of Gray,

On May 2 you have the opportunity and obligation to vote on the so called recall. I openly encourage you to vote NO and here is why. Over time this town has endured some pretty pathetic councilors. A recent past one was regularly abusive, some would go an entire meeting and not say a word, some had their own selfish motives and some seemed to relish dominant power. We have none of that now. Our present council is different.

Yes, some of the meetings may seem long, that happens when you conduct the public's business in public. Yes, there is occasionally open disagreement among the councilors, that happens when all councilors speak their opinions and participate in the debate. Yes, some few people don't like what the council does, fortunately for all of us the council doesn't work those few people they work for all of us. Yes, there has been some controversy, that happens when you tackle the hard issues.

However, when all is said and done, Gray is well represented by the present council whose focus is the well-being of Gray and that is you. Vote NO.

James Monroe, Gray

To the Editor and the Citizens of Gray,

There are just a few weeks until the recall vote on May 2nd. I want to again state my strong support of Andy Upham and urge everyone to vote NO to the recall. I think that the reasons for this recall effort are ridiculous. Andy brings a wealth of experience and strength to this Town Council. He is part of a Council that looks out for the interests of the tax payers and citizens in Gray. His focus on fiscal responsibility doesn't just mean reining in spending. He has consistently been a leader that has asked questions and argued for the best use of town funds for the long term.

He has a strong interest in the best use and ongoing maintenance of town facilities. I believe that if he remains on the Council to finish out the remaining two years on his term, that the town of Gray will be better and stronger for it.

I have seen and heard the awful negative campaigning that is going on. I think that it is the result of people who feel that they have lost power and are desperate to regain control of the direction that Gray is going. Their tactics misrepresent the truth. Swift retribution awaits anyone who speaks out in support of Andy. It is scary and I believe that it is meant to be. It reminds me of a quote I heard at a Women's Convention a couple of weeks ago: "Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed."
I choose to be positive. I choose to go forward. I choose to go and vote NO on May 2nd.
I ask you to please join me.

Sincerely,
Denise Duda, Gray Town Council

To the Editor:

Fiscal responsibility culminates in the development and implementation of a budget that focuses on citizen priorities and the ability of taxpayers to fund those initiatives. There has been much talk about expanding the Gray Library and this council has allocated $200,000 in this year's Capital Program for that purpose. This council has approved a Fiscal Policy with defined metrics to help both council and staff prioritize projects and help citizens to clearly see that their money is spent wisely.

Throughout the past year you have seen council ask questions on your behalf, questions that relate specifically to business case analysis of significant capital equipment purchases. The Zero Based Budget approach used this year has identified an opportunity for potential savings of $100,000 annually through process improvement of our dispatch services methodology.

This council voted to divest the town of the burdensome former Post Office building that has not been used since purchased. The moneys will be used to fund higher valued projects than sustaining empty space for future pondering.

This council has worked hard for all the citizens of Gray. I am proud and pleased to be a part of that.

By AJ Upham, Gray Council Vice-Chair

To the Editor,

Why the Council needs to be kept intact

From what I have seen over the last few months, the council has been working hard to keep taxes stable here in Gray.

In my opinion, the Gray Town Council is ahead of the taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) in keeping the mil rate low, and that's what towns need to do, keep ahead of the State on taxes.

In addition to their work on taxes, the Council needs to be kept intact because of zoning issues. Changes are in the process of being made (good, bad, or indifferent) and the Council needs to be kept focused on economic growth in Gray. They might want to take a look at contract zoning.

Let's put aside personal issues. If Andy Upham is taken out of the equation, Gray shoots itself in the foot, again.

Phil Pulsifer, Gray

To the Gray Town Council,

I know the sacrifices each of you have made, the long hours of study and preparation for each item before you. The criticism and name-calling that you have endured. This has not been an easy time in your lives and I am sure that it has been a trying one in your families' too.
I want to thank you Skip, John, Denise, Andy and Gary. And I thank your families for allowing you to serve us. You have been a breath of fresh air in a stuffy environment.

I know for the very first time, when I wrote my check for my taxes, I felt good knowing that you are looking after my money as I would.
I appreciate the fact that when a Department Head or Town Manager comes to you with an expense, you don't just rubber stamp it, but ask the tough questions as to its' necessity.

I appreciate that you are looking at ordinances. Over-regulation has come to a point where I feel like I no longer own my property, but lease it from the town.

Now, I would like to address this recall. It's not about Andy Upham, it's an attack on our form of government. We, the people of Gray, wanted a change. Last June the people spoke out and elected you to lead us in a new direction. There are some who are trying to circumvent that election. I read the petition, which is nothing more than petty allegations. Even at that, where is the proof? They are casting shadows on the reputation of a good man.

I believe I represent the silent majority and we will stand with you. Stand firm in your convictions, do not waver. At the end, you will hear the people say, "Well done good and faithful servants."

Dick Walls, Gray

Letter to Editor

We wish to express our support for the present Town Council members. We appreciate their honesty, strength of character, diligence and desire to represent all the citizens of Gray. It is unfortunate that some citizens seek to recall council members who were elected by the majority of voters at the last election. Having watched council meetings and workshops we have seen no actions by council members that would warrant a recall of Andy Upham or anyone else.

Richard and Jean Bibber, Gray

To the Village Master Plan Committee, Gray:

It's a planner's dream, If only all the committees I work with were as fired up and empowered as yours! What impressed me was the research being done by various individuals and brought back to the group. Now I can use Gray as a fine example wherever I go.

Caroline Paras
Greater Portland Council of Governments

It is my belief that Andy Upham is attuned to divine wisdom and understands his true purpose in life!
Rather than being controlled by outer events, this admirable person lives life from the inside out -- centered in his mission and in harmony with life. Such an accomplished individual sets an example that we all should emulate and achieve for ourselves.
Scripture States:
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable.
Having gifts that differ according to the Grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Mr Upham demonstrates all of this as a vital component on our Town Council. He communicates the facts to the Boards and Committees .. with the collective will focused on the greater good. He continues to be a source of inspiration....his only agenda is to represent the citizens of this Town. By insisting that all decisions be handled properly; everyone comes away with a higher sense of themselves and their capacities.
Andy Upham represents us well; and it would be a travesty to lose him on our Council.
Support Andy...Vote No on the recall.

Pat Watson, Gray