I attended the Orrington Board of Selectmen’s meeting on March 26 to participate in the review of our town’s budget that will be presented to the voters at our annual town meeting. I found our board to be responsive and respectful of the opinions of other townspeople present. Although the audience did not have copies of the budgets that were submitted for consideration by each department, the board kept us informed about each item being discussed.

It was interesting to see how much scrutiny was given so that essential items would be included for the town’s vote and anything not deemed necessary was questioned. Members of the audience were allowed input and comment on each department’s requests. The result is that the town will vote on a total budget that will serve citizens well and use our tax dollars wisely.

This same process is happening all over Maine this time of year. I would urge all residents and voters to also attend these meetings. Don’t go to just complain about something. Many of you have special expertise or information that will help your town fathers make the right decisions. I have been impressed by the efforts in my own town of Orrington and I’ll bet you would have a similar experience wherever you live.

Get involved in a positive way. This is American government at its simplest and best. When it is time for our town meeting, I’ll be there to participate and I hope you will be, too.

Dan Bahr

Orrington