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The people have spoken against the Camden paid parking program and the board of selectmen has listened. However, it was a surprise to me to see how the board adopted the motion to suspend the program. Susan Dorr, who had been a supporter of paid parking, voted to approve, while long-time opponent, Ken Gross, voted against the suspension.
While there may be some irony in their switcheroo, I prefer to praise both members for their disparate votes. Kudos to Dorr for acting on her concern for the good of Camden in her concern over the division in civic harmony brought about by the controversial issue. She listened to the sizeable citizen dislike of the program and changed her mind. That’s what good representatives do.
Kudos also to Gross for his unanticipated “no” vote. While he numbers among the majority of town folk who dislike the program, he had valid concerns about the interim cost of it and was ready to end paid parking but only after startup costs were recouped. One must admire his balanced perspective.
This early resolution of two high-profile issues, police chief and paid parking, augurs well for the future success of the new selectboard in a new era of governing well by listening to their constituents.
Doc Wallace
Camden