It is hard to believe an issue as big and costly as the Cumberland County Civic Center has so little attention being paid to the problems with the current structure.

Our opposition is not based on our distance from the current center or even the amount of money being proposed. Our opposition is our belief that the current location was wrong 34 years ago and remains wrong for the county now.

The civic center is not easily accessible to all; parking is problematic and the footprint is insufficient, thus limiting use due to layout and design.

Why are we spending $33 million on a 34-year-old structure with an original cost of $8 million. Approving this bond is no more than a short-term solution to a long-term problem, leaving the people of Cumberland County to pay the tab for a facility that has been problematic for 34 years.

Delaying the renovations by defeating the bond does not put an end to having a civic center. It creates a reason for fulfilling the needs of the county by planning for a structure in an accessible location, with sufficient parking and of size and shape to meet the growing needs of the area.

We believe the current civic center is in a hole that is too deep, so it is time to stop digging and come up with a plan for the future.

William Winslow, chairman, Harrison selectmen

Kathy Laplante, vice chair

George “Bud” Finch,

Harrison town manager

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