On behalf of the children, the school department and the community of Brewer, I would like to ask the voters of Brewer for their support. On Dec. 4, a referendum vote will be held asking approval for two things: first, to endorse the state-funded construction of a new preK-8 school and second, to approve a locally funded school auditorium. The auditorium will be available for preK-12 performances as well as community use.

Brewer school trustees have pursued this goal for nearly a decade. As taxpayers, we will all share in the expense through our state taxes. If Brewer citizens do not support the school construction, the next town or city on the state construction list will be the recipient of those funds. The Brewer PTU, the school committee, Brewer trustees and the Brewer City Council all support this project. But without the support of Brewer voters, our new school could be lost.

I am very proud to serve the families of this city and especially proud of the way in which our city is growing. The expansion of the new Cancer Care facility and genetics laboratory, the revitalization of the Brewer mill and renewed retail growth, all add to the strength of our community. But first and foremost, Brewer has and will continue to be a city centered on our families and neighborhoods. This school will be an investment in our children and in our future.

If you have any doubt that our current facilities do not warrant this construction, please do not hesitate to contact Brewer principals Rebecca Bubar, William Leitheiser, Joan Staffiere or myself to arrange a tour or to answer any questions that you may have.

Janet McIntosh

principal, Washington Street School

Brewer