Disturbing highway news from Houlton

The article titled “Houlton lobbies County to oppose highway” (BDN, Feb. 20) is both insulting and unacceptable to the people of Aroostook County. The fact that so-called “Houlton leaders” are urging Aroostook commissioners to join them in lobbying the state against building a new north-south highway “at the expense of U.S. Route 1 communities” once again confirms their self-centeredness, narrow-mindedness and greed.

We, the people north of Houlton, are hurt and saddened by their statements. Our people have integrity and ingenuity. We are friendly and courteous toward others. We are also responsible and responsive, but we are willing to go the distance to defend our honest rights.

To the people of Houlton, we ask you to clean your own house. We also ask you to step into the present era. We are in the 21st century, a time in history where broader vision and deeper wisdom are needed; a time where respect, cooperation and collaboration with others are the necessary ingredients to success; a time where the old land-locked attitudes and controlling interests should be replaced with a new sense of equality and justice to all.

The present Aroostook status is not working. Our population is dwindling and our economy does not enjoy the rest of the nation’s prosperity. We are in dire need of new economic opportunities, hence, better infrastructure, i.e. transportation and communications, to solve our dilemma. The bottom line with Highway North remains the same: Central and northern Aroostook are a part of Maine and the nation.

The Highway North terminus in Houlton was determined to be sound and worthy 50 years ago. However, we have been compromised for too long, and it is time to complete that highway all the way to the St. John Valley.

With the help of our political leaders from both parties, the highway plan is nearing completion and there are already funds in the works toward that end. Let us join forces to complete it. Highway North will increase traffic threefold. It will boost the tourist industry, retail businesses and shopping malls. It will bring safety to our population, and give our farming, lumber, trucking and all other industries tremendous economic and technological boosts and opportunities. Highway North is intended to help all Aroostook communities, including Houlton.

There is no alternative for our Route 1. Let us not dream. It cannot be modified economically to an upgraded highway. Highway North will maintain tranquility and order, and will increase commerce activity to business establishments along historic U.S. 1. Highway North will also serve to connect us with our Canadian counterparts in the northernmost parts of the County, bringing even greater progress to the entire county, as it should.

Let me remind you of a very important motto: “United we stand; divided we fall” or, to paraphrase, “United we are strong; divided we are weak.” Houlton represents less than 10 percent of the entire Aroostook population. It is not appropriate for people to dictate our road map and developments, to undermine our faith in positive change and the destiny of our families.

The seeds of trust, vision and good intentions planted today will allow us to harvest much progressiveness, enterprising creativity, and the safe, thriving communities we want for our families and neighbors. Be thankful, for you already have your super highway at your door.

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