Healthy debate in Cooper

In response to the op-ed by Stuart Shotwell in the Dec. 30 edition of the Bangor Daily News, with reference to the proposed deorganization of Cooper, in Washington County. I have been a resident or have lived in Cooper off and on for the better part of 50 years.

I am astonished Shotwell questions one’s belief in democracy and then stunningly lists five moral reasons for voting against the deorganization process. I signed the petition and did so for valid reasons. The inherited five-generation property from my parents 20 years ago have taken a toll as far as tax increases are concerned.

I am not a self-employed translator, writer, or editor. I live on disability income for good reasons. I suppose Shotwell’s solution is for their property to be sold at today’s fair market value and I would be clear of the tax burden.

The solution is heart-wrenching – who’ll buy our memories? They are not for sale.

While I understand but do not necessarily agree with unfunded mandates, increased educational standards, changes, rules, regulations, it still doesn’t make it easy – nor fair – for those hanging on by our fingertips. That is why the petition process was instituted. We sought an alternative, a remedy someone to listen.

That, by the way, is our constitutional right.

The last time I looked (though in recent times, one has to wonder sometimes) this was still the United States of America and the Constitution gives the right to dissent among other freedoms. I do not believe citizens in other unorganized townships such as Township 14 – a mere half-mile from my property – and the townships of Edmunds, Rockwood or Moosehead Lake and others suffer by your descriptive malady and fate. These folks still vote, pay taxes, register their vehicles, send their children to school, go to church and enjoy democracy.

This has nothing to do with moral judgement – this has to do with righteousness and equality.

I will agree with Shotwell, on his fifth listed moral objection as being the most serious of all. Whether he agrees or disagrees with the reasons our country is at war, the brave men and women who serve in the military have absolutely nothing to do

with the subject at hand. Remember, they pay taxes and vote, too.

You ask who will tell them when they return that a few disgruntled Cooper citizens voted for deorganization. Well, perhaps another op-ed would be in order so they would know who betrayed them. Give me a break!

Historically and typically, in small towns and communities across the nation, some people wear many hats. We appreciate their contributions. We know these folks – they are our friends, our neighbors, our relatives.

We trust them.

I do not believe this has created the purported squabble – only a healthy debate.

That’s what democracy is – recall Lincoln-Douglas?

I served as a legislator’s assistant for many years. I am aware of the legislative process. The member of all distinguished communities, including state and local government base decisions on facts – not psychobabble, purported moral issues nor “what-ifs.”

My father was a native Washington County citizen – a well-respected businessman in a company. My grandfather started in 1917, and used to quote: “One can be the biggest fool in the world – if they keep their mouth closed nobody will ever know it.”

I have also read this: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Call me a fool if you wish. I offer no excuses.

You may, however, consider me as part of “this” faction. I guess that gives me the right and duty to vote on the “possible slate of officers” or on deorganization – yea or nay. To the victor go the spoils.

The town of Cooper may be “a minor town in Maine’s poorest county” to Shotwell, but to me, is my little piece of heaven on earth.

Constance Look Holmes is a resident of Cooper.