I have been watching Mexico’s politics for the past four years, attending almost every selectmen meeting and being a member of the budget committee for the past four years.

And I am very worried.

One does not have to be a rocket scientist to realize the town cannot go on like it has.

The proposed budget for the next fiscal year is much higher than last year’s, adding another $144,000 if everything gets a yes vote.

Do residents want an increase in property taxes on top of all the other increases – heating oil, gas, food and medications – that people cannot do a thing about?

I believe that now is the time for the selectmen of Mexico to be creative and look for ways to make changes, savings.

There is talk about regionalizing. I have some proposals with that in mind.

Mexico residents could join the Rumford Library at a cost of $2 per person. Bring the police back to the library building, and put the recreation building for sale. Anyone who wants recreation could go to Rumford with a membership paid by the town.

I believe that with the huge increase in the price of heating oil and building materials, the recreation building is going to sink us. We need to downsize our buildings.

Residents need to send a signal to selectmen by voting up or down what should be reconsidered. The opportunity is there.

Gary W. Coffin, Mexico