An open letter to Arundel residents from the Town Manager in regards to community building.

Town of Arundel 468 Limerick Road Arundel, ME 04046


To: All Arundel Residents

From: Todd Shea, Town Manager

RE: Election results


11/13/12

I am very encouraged that you have voted in this past election, particularly in regards to the local referendum issue that was before you this past week. The turnout is very encouraging, and I hope to see that passion remain. You all voted what you felt was in the best interest of the Town of Arundel, the Town in which you reside.

However, understand that the person who voted for the other option didn't do so to spite you.

And in the end, this community is only going to move forward if we can make decisions together.
 
Compromise is never fun, but if done correctly, results in everyone being a little better off.

In the coming months, the town needs to make a very important compromise if we expect to continue to rebuild and strengthen our sense of community. Delivery of education is important to the future of this town, and it is time for the residents of the Town of Arundel to continue to stay involved in educational matters, not just resign and say, “We cannot make a difference.” . Educationally the Town of Arundel is part of a larger community, and several members of that larger community, who do not reside in Arundel, that we share resources with, feel the very same way that you do about matters before the RSU. Reach out to those people, and make a difference. Regain local control, as part of a larger entity. This may sound impossible, but even a marathon begins with a single step.
 
You all voted in the manner that you felt would serve the community best. Now, get involved in the system that provides the education to our community, and let them know how we can make this relationship work, so that everyone can work in harmony to accomplish the goal of educating the Arundel students effectively and in a fiscally responsible manner. Contact your local RSU board representatives, attend RSU board meetings, and most importantly please try to move forward with the decision that has been made. Only then can this Town begin to heal and function more as a community united, not a community divided.

You are all residents of this Town. That is NOT impacted by the way that you have voted. However, it IS impacted by how you treat people who voted differently than you. Arundel needs to set a larger goal of community involvement in all issues related to this town.

Let's build this community back up together. The same way it was built in the first place. Reach out, reconnect, and help to make this the community that you all want to live in once again.