During the past 30 years, I have attended a lot of interesting meetings in Buckfield, but none have been more bewildering than the Feb. 28 hearing related to a proposed 180-day moratorium on new subdivisions.

The Buckfield Planning Board, comprised mostly of new members, asked for a 180-day breather so they could be better prepared to make wise decisions on behalf of the town. They want guidance from the comprehensive plan, which is on its way to completion. They need time to become comfortable with land use regulations and soil maps and wildlife habitat guidelines, and dozens of other details that will affect the future of Buckfield. If they make mistakes, water quality, road safety or general “quality of life” could be compromised forever.

The request for 180 days seems reasonable, but most of the voices at the meeting were vehemently opposed to the moratorium. Worse, several people implied that the board members were slackers who could avoid the moratorium by devoting more time to town business.

My husband served on that board for many years, so I know how much time the members devote to their work. For each hour that they spend in meetings or on site walks, they devote many additional hours to preparation. The Planning Board has proved its dedication by asking for the moratorium.

The town can say “thank you” by voting yes at the March 14 meeting.

Marilyn Ackley, Buckfield