FROM:   Anne Davis, Interim City Manager

  Candid discourse is a right enjoyed by all the people of Maine and the residents of Gardiner are no exception.  We are a community of families and friends who find that there are every day topics upon which we simply disagree.

Over the past few weeks, people in Gardiner have been informed about an application to install a crematorium in the beautiful Oak Grove Cemetery.  The application engendered reactions that were not anticipated.  This report is not to discuss the issue but rather how we discuss it.

Unfortunately, friends and neighbors have found that they disagree adamantly about the project.  Over the course of the week, this office has been inundated with letters from residents that express the concerns or the support over the project.  We have read them all and the council and planning board will have access to them too.

In response to the concerns, Gardiner City Council has scheduled a special council meeting for Tuesday, October 27th at 4PM.  There will be an opportunity for residents to speak about the issue with their elected officers.  At 6PM there is a scheduled Gardiner Planning Board meeting as well.  Both of these meetings are public meetings, though the Gardiner Planning Board has concluded their public hearing on the project and will be addressing the application.

In some towns and cities, municipal government often works in a vacuum and their citizens feel disenfranchised.  This is clearly not the case in Gardiner!  I am thankful to all residents who care enough about their community to volunteer to sit on boards or to run for municipal office.  The commitment is huge and we all should be grateful to these people for their dedication.  This has been a tough week for Gardiner staff, our volunteers and our elected councilors.   I want to thank everyone for their professionalism as they dealt with this very emotional issue.

I am confident that we can find a solution to our current dilemma if we continue our discourse about the project.  When it is thoughtful and thorough, disagreement is healthy; when it becomes personal and petty disagreement can be destructive.  I ask that everyone remember that when this project is concluded we still are residents and neighbors…I hope that we can also remain friends.

Gardiner City Hall – 6 Church Street, Gardiner, ME 04345
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm   (207) 582-4200