There is a proposed building code ordinance amendment to be voted on at the town of Rumford’s annual town election meeting on June 12. I hope my fellow citizens will vote no on that amendment.

If the amendment is approved, another layer of rules and regulations will be included into the existing building code. This new layer of rules is titled, “International Residential Code,” and consists of 670 pages of single-spaced fine print. It is a broad and sweeping set of rules and regulations that will apply to single and multi-family dwellings in the community. I believe it will make construction of new homes and alterations and additions to existing homes more expensive and time consuming.

Voters should not approve that massive change to the building code without more justification and explanation from elected officials.

What’s wrong with the existing building code? Will the increase in cost and red tape from the new code be justified? It is unreasonable to expect citizens to make an informed decision at the ballot box on this major issue without any discussion and debate on the matter?

I believe there will be many unforeseen and unintended consequences if the ordinance is approved without a thorough review.

I will be voting no on the proposed building code amendment. Let there be another vote on the matter at a future election after more education, deliberation and debate have occurred.

Bob Stickney, Rumford