Dear Editor:

Wiscasset will no longer contest the MDOT's plans for our downtown. Thanks to all who voted, on both sides of the issue.

If I may be so bold, let's put aside past differences and move forward together, bringing all stakeholders into the process to make this the best and most attractive downtown in Maine. Working together, as residents, and with the state, we can do this.

For fellow business owners, let's start positive, upbeat, and believe the best for our town, parking or no parking. Our attitudes toward others, and toward the future of our town, will in the end, be biggest factor if Wiscasset thrives, or just survives.

Personally, I see bright days ahead for the "Prettiest Small Town in Maine" and each and every one of us as a part to play, and no matter how small, each part is important and can make the difference.

I commend and thank the current merchants and service professionals downtown on their courage and initiative to move here, and respectfully suggest what has made this town so special is its people, not its roads or parking spaces.

It’s the kind-hearted soul who pauses and waves me out into traffic, the young lady at Treats that graciously gives me a sample to try, the personal and patient service I get when I visit Ames, our local hardware store, the kindness of Bob, our local tow truck operator, who graciously changes a stranded family’s tire in the rain, or Pam, one of our local artists, who has beautifully been restoring her 200-year-old home in the village. It’s the difference of a small town, rather than the indifference of a big city.

Yes, there is something innately beautiful about our town, and it's not just the elegant brick structures, quaint homes or the wonderful harbor, no, it's more than that, much more. It's the people.

Let's all remember that, people make our town, people make our community, and let's welcome all here and move forward together.

Bruce J. Howes

Wiscasset