Strong residents open town wallets despite economic hardships
By Samantha C. DePoy
Staff Writer

STRONG – Tough times have hit hard, but residents reached deep into their pockets Saturday and pulled out money to help others in need.

Over the last two years, the town has lost three major wood mills, including Cousineau’s Sawmill, Strong Wood Products and the most devastating, Forster Manufacturing.

At the annual town meeting, voters debated for some time whether to give to the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, which provides support and emergency services for victims of domestic violence, including court advocacy, support groups, children’s and youth services, emergency shelter and community education.

AWAP requested $500 from the town, but the Budget Committee recommended it receive nothing.

The second the article hit the floor, Selectman Jeff Mitchell suggested it be given the $500.

“This is a worthy program,” he said, adding that domestic abuse always goes on behind closed doors.

Nevertheless, a motion was quickly made and seconded to not give any money. The motion failed 19-16, with all selectmen standing against it.

Town Clerk Eunice Shurtleff said most of that money goes to administration, not toward actual service.

But another woman in the crowd pointed out that administrators are needed to plan and implement programs.

Perry Ellsworth, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, noted that the services AWAP provides in Strong are worth more than what the town gives the agency by a long shot.

A motion to raise the $500 passed 20-14, with all selectmen, except Clyde Barker, standing in support of it, .

Without much discussion, voters wholeheartedly approved $1,000 for Androscoggin Home Health Services, $100 for Work First Inc., $450 for the American Red Cross and $750 for the United Methodist Economic Ministry.

Meanwhile, they voted against giving $100 requested by Maine Public Broadcasting.

Roger Lambert suggested that companies like his donate a lot to the broadcasting company, whether it be an item for auction or individual pledges.

“I think this is one we can handle with our own business and individual contributions,” he said.

No money was given to the Franklin Community Health Network because it wrote a letter to the town saying due to the hardships from the mill closings no money was being requested. It was the only agency that mentioned the closings.

Ellsworth said it was “refreshing” that someone acknowledged the losses in town.

“Give ’em $100 then,” someone yelled, but voters didn’t.

All in all, voters raised $450,794, which is around $30,000 more than last year.

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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