Editor:

Normally, this letter would go to the Kennebunk Board of Selectmen, the budget board and the town manager, but we have one of those situations where men of good will, whether in government, academia, or the corporate world, become so involved in what they believe is needed to improve their milieux that they lose sight of the most important needs of the people they have been elected or appointed to serve.

I am referring to a proposal under consideration to replace Wanda Cannell, who has supplied social services for the town for the past 24 years, with a front office manager who also will have Wanda’s responsibilities. Wanda has a pretty full plate these days, especially since she was asked to provide the same services to Wells, services that the town – not Wanda – is reimbursed for.

Putting that aside, does it make sense to reduce social services for our most vulnerable townspeople just when unemployment is peaking, our nation is on the brink of a depression, and the welfare rolls are growing daily? Could their timing be any worse? The Alfred shelter is swamped with requests for meals and food baskets. The number of locals being helped by our own Church Community Outreach Services is larger than last year, etc. etc. It has been suggested by someone on the board that the local churches and charities could fill the void caused by reducing Wanda’s hours, which reduction would eliminate her doing the 20 or 30 different things she does to help those in need, items not “mandated by her job description.” Come-on! Those groups are already doing their share.

Rumor has it that one of the prime causes of this poorly thought out “reconfiguration of departments” is the need for more office space for a proposed “economic development” position. Let me see if I understand what is being proposed: the town needs an economic czar but won’t increase taxes to pay for staffing the position. Instead, they want to cut the social services budget while the new economic guy gets Wanda’s office which means that those in need will have to plead their case at the front desk to someone who doesn’t know their history while standing next to people getting beach passes. So much for confidentiality and dignity. Do you see what I meant about elected officials and bureaucrats losing their way?

There’s plenty more to talk about, but perhaps they will come to their senses, negating the need for a second letter. One of America’s great leaders once said words to the effect that, “The most important sign of the greatness of a nation is how fairly it treats the least advantaged of its citizens.” I believe similar words were spoken about two thousand years ago. For those of you who have been wanting to make a difference but haven’t found the time, now’s your opportunity. Call town hall at 985-6173 or write or visit 1 Summer Street. Let them know this is not the time to reduce social services. Explain to them that our three communities care about those having hard times, that caring for our fellow citizens is an important part of what makes our small towns as special as they are. And, Kennebunk residents particularly, remind them that you vote!

Lou Miller

Kennebunkport