Do we want to continue petty small-town politics at the expense of forgoing progressive economic development opportunities for northern Maine? It appears that some want to do just that and continue the same unfortunate and sad experienced for years. Let me explain these past unjust decisions and perhaps one of our state’s worst discriminations.

If you look at the archives and public records after World War II, a time when highways were hot political topics, you will find that plans for Interstate 95 were to extend from southern Florida to Fort Kent. As a young man, I remember very well talks and discussions about this highway. It coincided with the time when the St. John Valley and central Aroostook’s young people were punished for speaking French at school; a time in our history when we were treated as second-class citizens.

It was also a time and thereafter when I-95 was politically manipulated to end at Houlton as a temporary northern terminus with the understanding that Highway North would be extended to Fort Kent at a later date.

This was a long time ago, and just where is our promised highway?

It appears that small town self-centeredness lies at the heart of the opposition to our central and northern Aroostook economic development. Isn’t it a shame that we should be precluded from having equal and deserving opportunities for developing prosperous communities in our area, and risk continued loss of our most precious commodity – the youth of northern Maine. Isn’t this a tragedy at the highest level?

Let us be aware of another very important reality: the 100-mile extension from Old Town to Houlton. Maine was justified with “access opportunities” to Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Van Buren, Madawaska, Fort Kent and all other northern destinations in sight. Central and northern Aroostook, combined, have a population three times the size of the above-mentioned 100-mile section.

Is it only fair and just to ask why we are being forgotten and marginalized? Isn’t it time to fight for our honest rights and pull together to finish the remaining 100 miles promised to us for so long? Just look at all highway developments (and all other developments) brought about all over the country in the last 50 years. Where is our share of prosperity in all of this? Why do we see our population dwindle and see the rest of the country’s population increase with wealth? Isn’t that a real shame, as if we are not part of Aroostook, Maine, and USA? Let us wake up and stop this stalemate.

It is our duty to do so for our children and future generations.

I have been an advocate for the completion of 1-95 and for the betterment of the good people of our region for many years. Now is the time for other like-minded individuals and organizations to rise up and join the fight. We have excellent political representation in Washington and at our state level. It is time to have our honest voices heard to correct past injustices, and to overcome the detrimental small-town greedy politics.

The Maine Department of Transportation is awaiting the Highway North Environmental Impact Study Report which they say will help determine the best Highway North corridor plan. Will it be manipulated or will it be ethical and fair to all Aroostook County? Will it include positive and forward-thinking consideration to the future northern connection plans with the nearly complete Trans-Canada Highway? Let us be realistic; a northern connection, especially where it really belongs, and with a new commercial port of entry, would bring huge prosperity to our entire county and to our state. We cannot imagine the many U.S. and Canadian citizens who would board that highway. And, what tremendous lift in economics and transportation safety Highway North would bring to our tourists, malls, trucking and all imaginable industries.

I do not wish to offend or displease anyone. If past mistakes were made, let us work to correct them diligently. We live in one of the most outstanding county of our country but we need to develop a policy of justice and fairness to all. With that in mind we will all be winners. At my age, and with my experiences, these are my words of wisdom.

John F. Dionne is a retired businessman from Grand Isle.