Dear Editor:

Supporters of Article 4 have created an artificial concern that the town is in a situation with nobody trained or capable to conduct town affairs following my resignation. This is a self-manufactured problem to support a petition aiming to overturn the long existing system of government in Alna.

After town meeting, I offered information, assistance, and the leadership to the new board but most of it was rejected or ignored. It became evident that my new board members were not interested in working with me in a productive capacity or abiding by the statutes that govern both selectmen and town affairs. Please do not be convinced to undo our proven and effective government that has existed successfully in Alna for over 200 years.

The selectmen have publicly said they had nothing to do with the citizen's petition on this and did not use their positions to further it. However, an email from the second selectman on Aug. 31 to Maine Municipal Association specifically seeking assistance on a draft of the petition proves otherwise. Quoting that email obtained by FOAA: "Please review and provide and suggestions on the proposed citizen's petition - Linda Kristan, 2nd Selectman." This email was from Aug. 31, which was before the petition was submitted to the select board. This alone should make voters take pause and vote no on Article 4 since it is clearly contrary to what was stated in the public hearing and in several select board meetings.

Melissa Spinney

Alna