I send my thanks to outgoing Mayor Dick Gleason and Councilors Mike Farrell and Dan Herrick. They served Auburn with distinction.

I do not think the general public realizes the sacrifices of time and effort that serving in those positions requires; it is immense, both in time spent in meetings and workshops and also in answering and fulfilling constituent requests.

At the same time, I welcome and wish Auburn’s new mayor and Council the best of luck in dealing with and solving Auburn’s current issues.

First and foremost is the city’s issues with its schools.

Edward Little High School presents the biggest and most immediate problem. What with all the issues and needs, the school is not rightfully placed high enough on the state’s school funding priority list. Auburn citizens and elected officials should lobby and pressure elected members of the Legislature and the governor to see that the school’s physical plant needs are moved upward to a legitimate position on the school funding lists.

Such a correction is legitimately called for.

If that is not done, Auburn property taxes will go through the roof.

Bob Mennealy, Auburn