Editor:
Last night I attended a South Portland City Council workshop dealing with trucks on the section of Broadway between Cash Corner and Westbrook Street. The issue has been around for some time, and everyone acknowledged that Councilor Jim Hughes brought it to the group five years ago.
The workshop was an informal opportunity for councilors to hear from members of the public, independent truckers, representatives of the industry, and interested others. Two members of the Maine Department of Transportation were also in attendance.
I want to commend the councilors for their willingness to tackle this difficult issue. Every one of them was interested and attentive, and offered constructive thoughts and ideas. And I want to recognize the citizens who stepped forward and talked openly and honestly about their concerns for their homes, their children, and their safety. And the independent truckers who were at the meeting were also forthright about their position, but were very willing to look at options and compromises.
The only nay-sayers in the room were the Maine Department of Transportation guys.
It’s frustrating to be a member of the Legislature and listen to Maine citizens complain about state government. I know that most state employees are hard working, honest, and trying to help Maine move forward. But the Maine DOT employees who came to the meeting, one of whom was born and raised in South Portland, acted as if their job was to impede progress rather than encourage it. No wonder citizens are frustrated with state government!
If we are truly going to move Maine forward, we have to do it together. We have no time for state employees (or others) who simply put up roadblocks.
I look forward to going back to Augusta as your next state senator. I promise you that I will work hard to ensure that state employees understand that they are supposed to help solve problems, not impede progress.
Together, we can do better!
Rep. Larry Bliss
D-South Portland