I enjoyed reading the Sept. 16 letter submitted by Doug and Deborah Schmidt regarding 3EIK-2 (aka the Ring Route). I agree with and respect the Schmidt’s opinions; all in Holden are not opposed to the Ring Route. I do, however, disagree that the Ring Route, or any other route that has previously been considered, can be labeled as the best alternative for one simple reason: There is nothing to compare this route to because of a detailed study by the Maine Department of Transportation, other than the “No Build” option, which is not a valid comparison.

I believe it was in January that the federal government removed all the “3” routes from the table, as they were having too much of an impact on the environment, specifically wetlands. Three months have passed and we are introduced to yet another “3” route, 3-EIK-2, and this route quickly becomes the only route worth studying in greater depth.

I would simply ask, compared to what? Something seems to be missing.

Benjie Grant

Holden