Dear Editor:

I am William (Bill) Maloney, I am completing my first term as a Wiscasset Selectman. My platform was one of fiscal responsibility and I have kept my promise.

I have championed economic development for five years as we must expand our tax base. Last year the Select Board unanimously voted to hire an economic development director. The director is now in place and is working diligently to bring new businesses to town as well as housing.

Attracting more businesses and housing will increase the tax base and lower the amount paid by each property owner. We have a housing shortage. Most people seeking a starter home cannot afford the down payment or the monthly payments. We need middle-income rental property. In turn, Wiscasset will receive increased property taxes to broaden our tax base. We have more amenities than most towns. Paying for amenities is more difficult without an increase in taxes. These amenities are desired by a majority of residents.

Problems that we are facing.

Relocation of the wastewater sewerage plant will be a $35M to $55M cost for Wiscasset. We cannot do this without the assistance of both federal and state grant funding. This funding is not currently available. These same agencies are pushing us to move ahead. We are seeking land where we can place the new plant. We keep running into regulations as to why we cannot use each location.

We toured a newer plant in the downtown area of Oxford. Without signage in front of the building, it appears to be an office building. The plant does not use chemicals and emits water suitable for drinking. All this is accomplished without any foul odors.

Resolving the property tax situation with Maine Yankee is paramount. They desired to have their property tax greatly reduced by reclassifying the storage of nuclear remains. We won this battle. We are discussing the tax levy on the balance of their property. The resolution will affect our overall tax rate.

I ask for your vote on June 11. I offer more than words, I offer my record.

William Maloney

Wiscasset