The Editor:
People choose Blaine because it is a small town. They value its quiet character, rural setting and the sense of community that comes with small-town living.
Many residents were excited by Ken Imus’ redevelopment of the Steakhouse building and his vision for Blaine’s downtown. Having redeveloped historic Fairhaven, Imus’ design was central to preserving Blaine’s small-town character, reflecting its maritime heritage and protecting some distinguishing water views from its downtown.
Successful planning requires meaningful public participation — incorporating the heart-and-soul of the community, not the priorities of outside developers or City Hall.
City Hall is now bringing the “big city” to Blaine, pursuing high-density, high-rise towers that can fill entire city blocks; suspending critical design requirements, building-height limits and parking requirements, while reducing opportunities for public input.
City Hall states their Wild West approach reflects the community’s values and priorities. Some residents may reasonably question if the interests of the broader community are receiving the same consideration as well-funded development interests.
Glen Pentland
Blaine
The Editor:
As we approach the 250th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence, it is vital that we remember that America has always been a great concept. Until now, its unique Constitution and the vitality of democracy have been a model for billions of people all over the world for over two centuries.
There’s not enough room in 150 words to list all the crimes, murders, lies, chaos, stupidity, pain and suffering that Trump, the Republican Party, the Supreme Court and all those people who follow the white, male, Christian manifesto called Project 2025 have and will bring down upon our people if they continue to direct this nation.
As David James Duncan said in his book, “The River Why” — “Always it is the same: it is the greedy, the cruel, the ungrateful that bring down suffering upon the people.”
Happy birthday, Emperor Trump at your gladiator games in OUR capital.
Ron Snyder
Blaine
