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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 150, No. 39
16 PAGES - 2 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
September 24, 2020
www.bridgton.com
(USPS 065-020)
95¢
Loon Echo gets green light to pursue grants to upgrade trail By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer How popular is Pondicherry Park? It is the #1 “thing to do” in Bridgton on Trip Advisor. “Very nice, clean trails. It was perfect for my 3-year-old. We brought our wagon for my 1-year-old, it was a little rough for that,” wrote one reviewer posted this month on Trip Advisor’s site. Loon Echo Land Trust Executive Director Mark Markot called the park, “a destination” and a “major attraction.” However, the intown “gem” is starting to show some wear and tear as the result of the aging process and steady use. Some boardwalk boards are broken and need replacement. Erosion is a concern in some areas. More dead tree removal is needed. With infrastructure improvements needing to be tackled soon, Markot presented Bridgton selectmen Tuesday
night with a proposal to upgrade a trail that would allow accessibility to all — those in wheelchairs or reliant on mobility aides, as well as enabling young children to be pushed in strollers. To change the travel surface and widen the trail, Markot estimates the project would reach the $80 to $100,000 range. Knowing the town has already taken on some expensive projects and not wanting to place added burden on taxpayers, Markot plans to pursue grant money to finance the plan. One way to possibly push the grant proposal ahead of the competition would be the “town’s blessing” of the project, Markot said. Another funding source could be private donations. While Selectman Bear Zaidman likes the park, he is concerned that since the town took over maintenance of the property, costs keep going up and up. “It’s a nice idea (upgraded trail) but
Election preview: Katey Branch vs. Rick Bennett With incumbent James Hamper reaching term limit, the State Senate District 19 seat is up for grabs between Richard Bennett (R-Oxford) and Katey (Katherine) Branch (D-Paris). SD 19 includes Fryeburg, Brownfield, Denmark, Porter, Hiram, Bridgton, Sebago, Naples, Harrison, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Norway. The News posed the following questions to the candidates; and
their responses are arranged in alphabetical order: Q. 1 — What qualities, skills and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate for the job? Bennett: I had the privilege of serving western Maine in the Senate from 1996-2004, and I have a track record as a uniter, who has earned respect across the aisle. When the 2000 elections left a 17-17-1 partisan tie in the Maine Senate, I
can taxpayers keep paying?” asked Zaidman, who pitched the idea of some type of endowment be created to fund future park improvements. He wondered if the time is right to pursue such a project when many local businesses either closed or continue to reel in the wake of Covid-19. “It’s a huge undertaking.” Selectman Lee Eastman concurred, “I don’t think that’s what voters voted on” in regards to growing park costs. Zaidman also felt “protocol was not followed” when Markot pitched the idea to the Community Development Committee first, and then to selectmen. The CDC is an advisory board, and member Bob McHatton said the group unanimously supports the project. “It should be open to all and passable for everyone,” McHatton said. “When you’re older, you need solid ground for walking.” BRIDGTON, Page 3B
crafted a power-sharing agreement that worked for everyone, and I was unanimously elected President of the Senate. I am successful businessman, having rescued and built several Maine-based businesses including GWI, the Biddeford-based telecom company now building miles of fiber in western Maine, and Quoddy, the storied Maine moccasin and footwear maker employing 20 in Lewiston. Branch: I am honest, dependable and I am known for my integrity. I am a good listener and have experience collaborating with a wide range of people to address community health issues. I have been actively involved in secur-
WEAR AND TEAR starting to show in Pondicherry Park in Bridgton . The popularity of the intown park has grown, but has resulted in needed repairs, including to this section of boardwalk. (Rivet Photo)
ing our food systems, protecting our environment and supporting youth empowerment and education to improve health outcomes in our communities. My allegiance is to people in the district. I am committed to finding common ground and creating policies that are inclusive and supportive. Q. 2 — As Maine continues to contend with and bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic, what three area should state government focus on and what possible solutions would you propose? Bennett: We need to get Maine back to work and open for business – with care and safety for our most vulnerable. The Legislature should BRANCH/BENNETT, Page 3A
SD 19
Bridgton Naples Harrison Sebago Fryeburg Denmark Brownfield
Casco tax rate rises
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO— People who own property in Casco probably noticed that their tax bill was slightly higher than last year’s bill. The tax rate for the town of Casco increased from $15.40 to $15.60 for the 2020-21 fiscal year budget. Casco’s new tax rate is $15.60, town officials said. In August, the town typically sets the tax rate and
then the property-tax bills are mailed off. “The tax bills for the new fiscal year have gone out. I’m sure that many people have already received them,” according to Courtney O’Donnell who was still acting town manager on Sept. 1. “I also wanted to talk a little bit about the mil rate,” O’Donnell said during the manager’s report earlier this month. “Of course, you know when we went through
the budget process, there were multiple concerns over making sure that the budget stayed as flat as possible while recognizing necessary increases. But it is important to keep in mind that the mil rate is also made up of the county and school budgets as well as municipal budget.” The town needed to increase the overlay; and those overlay pays for the tax abatements, she said. TAX RATE, Page 8A
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — The age of the 1984 Peirce Mack Pumper firetruck caused some people to think there might be an interest among classic collectors. It was hoped that there would be both an interest and a willingness to spend some cash on it. Recently, the Town of Naples put out to bid the sale of a used fire engine. Two bids were returned: one of $200 and another for $2,000. Those bids were discussed during the Naples Board of Selectmen meeting on Sept. 14. Selectman Bob Caron II asked a question of the town manager. “If you don’t mind me asking, what Chief (Chris) Pond thought the price would be,” Caron said. Naples Town Manager John Hawley said he did not know the exact price that Pond had in mind. “When we started this process, they were led to believe that this specific vehicle had some sort of interest to some vintage collectors. They were thinking it was going to be a much higher amount,” Hawley said. “I’ve sold many fire trucks in my day, and nothing above $2,000.”
Hawley ended up asking the board whether it would consider donating the truck — as advised by the fire chief — versus accepting the bid offer. “So, we received two bids to purchase the fire engine. One was from Stuart Automotive for $200 and the other was from Robert Moholland for $2,000,” Hawley said. “After speaking with the fire chief, he was certainly hoping for a much higher net gain on the
truck. But, you know, used fire trucks generally don’t go for a whole lot of money. So, that being said, the recommendation coming from the fire chief was that we offer the truck up as a donation to another Maine community that might need of a used truck. Maybe, if there is a fire department, one of the islands perhaps, that’s looking for a truck, we could donate versus actually selling the truck.” OFFER, Page 8A
Board takes fire truck offer
SOME DITCH WORK has been completed in preparation for the paving. The photo was taken shortly after Labor Day at Brandy Pond Crossing lots, where the paving project was delayed until mid-October. (De Busk Photo)
Delayed road paving proves problematic
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES— A road-paving project that was scheduled to take place in September has been delayed until possibly mid-October. Two different paving companies backed out of the project. On short notice, the second week of October is probably the earliest a third contractor can get in there and put down pavement. The paving is for roads on a privately-owned project called Brandy Pond Crossing subdivision. Front Nine Homes, LLC is the company putting in the infrastructure for the residential development. Paul Hollis is the owner of Front Nine Homes. The Naples Board of Selectmen invited the developer Hollis and representatives from the company financing
LOT NO. 17 is identified with a sign on the edge of a dirt road in the Brandy Pond Crossing subdivision. Paving of the private road was scheduled to happen in September but has been postponed until mid-October. (De Busk Photo) the project to a meeting to invested in those homes while provide a construction update. the land was still a seasonal Abutters also attended golf course. that meeting, held on Sept. Lately, the selectmen have 14. Many of the abutters had DELAYED, Page 8A
Rotary Club flower power to fight Polio
Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club President Julie Forbes contracted polio at age 2. Although she dreamed of being a cheerleader as a youngster, academics would become her strength. Lengthy hospitalizations were normal in her early years. But, she was one of the lucky ones having found relief from and then studied homeopathy and other natural medicines. Today, she is a successful DN, Doctor of Naturopathic medicine, in Bridgton. FLOWER, Page 8A
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P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 207-647-2851 Fax: 207-647-5001 bnews@roadrunner.com