Editor:
I do not understand why there is a question on the ballot to repeal contract zoning. To put things in a language we can all understand, “contract zoning gives us the right to vote “yes” on a proposaal we like and “no” on a proposal we do not like.”
I am grateful to our different committee members in town who volunteer their time but I do not like the idea that one board, the planning board, would be the only one voting on any future zoning proposals. Giving the five-member planning board that much power is unsettling.
Contract zoning gives us all the chance to make our feelings known and our opinions count because we now have the right to vote on zoning issues. That’s the reason we voted contract zoning into place to begin with. Taking contract zoning away limits our say in zoning projects, which could have a positive and/or negative effect on our town and the way we live.
Voting to take away contract zoning takes away our right to make choices in our town. A “No” vote on Question 9 keeps the vote and the power in the hands of the people.
Pat Lyra
Kennebunkport