Editor:

This letter is to echo the comments and concerns expressed by Kennebunk resident Sue Walker in last week’s Post.

What began as a simple effort to switch voting at town meeting from the traditional floor vote to a secret ballot referendum vote expanded significantly when the charter commission was formed and ended up preparing a document that does that but also proposes a massive shift in power and authority away from the people to the board of selectmen.

The proposed new charter is well written and I commend the charter commission members for their efforts.

The document brings us almost, but not quite to, a council manager form of government.

The proposed new charter, by using the legislative format, can easily be reviewed and each citizen can see for himself or herself the changes that are being proposed through the cross out and underline method used in the document. 

I urge everyone to obtain a copy of the information packet entitled “Kennebunk Charter Proposed Changes” prepared by the town for distribution at numerous locations around town and to read it carefully.

The proposed new charter can also be easily accessed through the town Web site at www.kennebunkmaine.us.