Here’s a question for the legal eagles out there: Is it lawful for a dictatorship to exist within a democracy? Here in Auburn, the royal dictators became upset when a councilor dared to ask for some important information; and the audacity of the common folk, to applaud this brave soul.

During the reign of Mayor Young, I got a glimpse of how citizens who dare to ask questions are treated. If you are not a member of the elite group who like to squander tax money, you are treated very badly. Would you hand your paycheck over to someone else and say: “Spend this however you like?”

This is what has happened to our tax money. No citizen I know agreed to the ghastly awnings over the new Festival Plaza or the fancy hotel downtown. I believe those funds would be better spent on our hard-working police and firefighters. The schools could also do with more help. Most of us are not thrilled with being the highest taxed community in Maine. Our leaders can be thanked for that.

Councilor Bob Mennealy showed great courage to take action for the citizens of Auburn, and I applaud Belinda Gerry for supporting him. Perhaps by the next election, we can elect more people who will represent all the citizens of Auburn, not just the well-to-do.

I fervently hope the new hotel succeeds. I also hope ADAPT will revitalize downtown. After all, we are stuck with this stuff now.

Anne Ceplikas, Auburn