At the risk of offending the people of Durham, I was amazed only 62 voters turned out (from a voter base of 3,515) to fill selectmen vacancies. That is less than 2 percent, and reflects the apathy and inattention that exist today in our Maine communities.

Is it any wonder that taxes are high, and that state and local governments are terribly inefficient and wasteful? The municipal and state leaders can rightfully assume that citizens don’t care, so tax them and waste their hard-earned money. Voter apathy is obvious, so keep on spending.

Yes, Durham is one small local town, but I believe it is a reflection of the state in general. It certainly proves the adage “We get the government we allow.”

Whatever happened to the frugal Yankee involvement of yesteryear?

George A. Fogg, North Yarmouth