It was a sad and difficult decision for Drew to deorganize. It was brought about by the state's purchase of half the town. No town can afford to lose half its tax base because the remaining owners will see their taxes double or more. This attack on Drew by Augusta is part of a continuing pattern of rural cleansing. If Augusta can eliminate jobs, stifle economic opportunity, close schools and drive people away they will accomplish the goals stated by the Maine State Planning office when Evan Richert ran the place. He wanted Mainers to live in "core service communities" in government approved housing. There is no way that a logger can live in a condo in Brewer. People that work in the woods need to live in the woods or very near the woods.

There was no good reason for Augusta to buy half the town of Drew, but they have to do something with all that money in order to preserve our position as the highest taxed state in the nation per capita income. The next step is for the legislature to vote to allow Drew to deorganize. It's a formality. Drew is willing to give up their freedom, their right to vote for those who govern them, control of their local graveyards and all historical town records. Augusta has won.

Roger W. Ek
Lee, Maine

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