Editor:

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Why do I have this awful sense of obligation?” – and as I was one who served on the armory committee and have been reading all the negative lettersabout the city acquiring the armory, I felt it was a grave disservice to our committee. 

Each person was appointed by their city councilor. When Ralph Baxter asked me to serve, I was honored as I always admired the building and knew it had historical value as one of the four “art deco” structures with magnificent works of sculpture. It has also become affordable for our city after years of being overpriced.

Who, in coming off the bridge into South Portland, with any sense of architecture and history, would not feel what a wonderful city hall it could be.

Also, combining all city departments in one building makes economic sense instead of paying rent on buildings scattered throughout the city.

In addition, our fire, police and homeland security could use some space for extra parking and training which they sorely need; plus a heated area to store their medical emergency vehicles which have many technical components as they are in use for any emergency throughout the city and state. 

Henrietta LaRou

South Portland