Police presence in our community is not demonstrated by a downtown storefront facade. Police presence is the patrolmen and women who cruise our neighborhoods and answer our calls for help.

The city has a choice of two sites. One will allow for a small functional office building with no potential for growth. The other has growth potential and a building that will allow our police force the equipment and personnel space needed.

The city’s decision-makers need to employ common sense and fiscal responsibility. Bangor citizens comprise more than a handful of vocal businessmen who feel that a downtown station will enhance property values in their district. We need to spend our dollars where they will do the most good for the entire population of Bangor.

The police station is not a manifestation of police presence. It is a building that provides workspace for those who “serve and protect.” Do not handicap them by providing an expensive piece of real estate with an inadequate building. We should choose a more economical alternative that will provide better accommodations and room for growth.

Susan MacLaren

Bangor