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Letter To The Editor

Tuesday February 5, 2008

Open Letter to The Town of Middlebury Board of Selectmen
To Whom It May Concern:

   We feel it is our obligation as not only business owners and operators, but as concerned citizens and tax payers of the Town of Middlebury to express our concerns for the future of our town and the businesses that make up our community.

   In this case as others that have precluded it, another item is waiting approval for purchase to further benefit the town and the town tax payers.  We use the word benefit as that is what it should be looked at rather than an obligation or a prestigious want by a select few.  The Middlebury Fire Department states they are in need of a new tanker truck.  The truck that they feel they are in need of, was offered up to bid with specifications designed for an over spec’d truck and specifically suggested a rated horsepower that is not stated or required in the 2008 NFPA Standards.  By overstating some of the specs needed for the new truck, this once again, left out any truck we or any one of the other local tax paying dealers from being able to deliver.  We can however, deliver a truck that we feel is more than adequate to do the job necessary.  In turn when we quoted and spec’d the truck, David Holbrook, our Commercial Truck Manager with more than 20 years experience in this area, offered his assistance in any manner, but he has not been contacted as of today to be of assistance or to answer any questions concerning the specs of the truck.

   With all of this being said, we are concerned on where and to whom our tax money is being paid out.  The amount of money is not the issue it is the principle of purchasing where the money originates.  Take a walk for yourself and make a check list of the items in our town shed, in our town offices etc. and you will see not many have come from the local businesses that pay for them.  If this town hopes there will be a future for our businesses and our children, then we need to scrutinize how our money is spent.  We all are aware of the bumper stickers on the backs of cars saying “Buy Local” then the town needs to lead the way by setting the example.  Every business in this community should be given a fair shake when it comes to purchasing anything needed to better run our town.  This would mean we are supporting the businesses that make it possible for our salaries, community events, building improvements, areas for our children to play and flourish, resurrection of old historic landmarks, entertainment events, help in untimely emergency situations, and simple enrichment of our community and all that are fortunate to live here.

   All the towns people need to be aware of how things are being handled and need
to realize what will be in the best interest of the entire community now and especially the future if business plans on surviving in our town.  We are sure, given the opportunity all the businesses would love to provide their services in the town they pay taxes, provide jobs, and enrich the lives for all that live here.  Thank you for listening to our opinions and hope that this will give all of you an opportunity to realize the future of the town is in all of our hands and should be treated as such.

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