Dear Editor:

Wiscasset voters are again going to the polls for a decision on the MDOT Downtown project. The difference this time is that the vote is not about the project. This time the decision is to defend the town’s ordinances, or not. MDOT flatly refused to abide by town ordinances. The town of Wiscasset filed suit to compel compliance. That, in a nutshell, is what the law suit is about.

To make a decision based on reality, simply drive to West Bath, turn around and drive Route 1 North along Leeman Highway, the viaduct over Center Street, and through Woolwich village to the Taste of Maine. What you see on this journey is the reality of what it takes to move high volume traffic through an urban area. What you will see is the reality of the future of Wiscasset if MDOT is allowed to avoid or ignore federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Make no mistake about it. The decision to bulldoze through Wiscasset, and to avoid or ignore existing regulations, was made by politicians and bureaucrats. This return to the polls in Wiscasset comes about only through concern for paying for the lawsuit. That concern has been put to rest by the offer of private citizens to pay the cost of litigation.

Ignore the rhetoric. Take the drive. Seeing is believing. Vote yes. The only way to put this conflict behind us is for the court to pass judgment.

William Sutter

Wiscasset