On Nov. 4, the voters of Mechanic Falls, Poland and Minot will have a chance to save money over the long run while improving the quality of education for our young people. I urge them to vote “Yes” for consolidation of the three school units that make up Union 29 into a regional school unit.

As a member of the Regional Planning Committee that came up with the consolidation plan, I was impressed by the willingness of representatives of all three towns to set aside early misgivings and unanimously approve a plan that benefits everyone. With one 15-member school board instead of the current five, efficiency and coordinated planning will be the order of the day. What’s more, Minot Consolidated School will be able to begin new programs such as music thanks to shared resources.

A vote for consolidation is a vote for better schools.

Dave Griffiths, Mechanic Falls