Regarding the potential adverse impact upon our children from greater consolidation of schools, common sense and research done on this issue tell us that we lose when we begin to break down the fabric of our communities through the implementation of shortsighted policies. The results of such policies are increased taxes and greater costs to society in the long run.

I have witnessed firsthand the difference in behavior of a child who feels connected to and supported by his neighborhood-community, vs. one who grows up feeling to be merely a number, and in a community that thinks it is OK.

The Palesky tax cap is not the answer. While it has provided our leadership with a wakeup call, it must not be taken out on the children. If Palesky prevails, the cost to our children (and others) will be so great that we will be paying for it – in terms of lost potential and the resulting increase in problems – for a long time to come.

“Sending a message” is one thing; causing chaos and long-term turmoil is another. Haven’t we burdened our children enough with the costs of war and half-a-trillion dollars’ worth of debt?

Our best hope for economic and national security lies in our commitment to the well-being of our children. Previous generations recognized this. Their commitment made our nation the greatest every to inhabit the earth.

What will our legacy be?

Thomas Mooney

Bangor