The Edgecomb selectmen decided that organizing trumps complaining Monday night, and decided to invite selectmen in the midcoast area who would be affected by the building of a gasification plant by Twin River Energy to join in a discussion of the project.

The Edgecomb board will send out invitations to selectmen representing towns in the midcoast to meet October 11 at 6 pm. Roger Bintliff was present at the meeting and offered to host the meeting in one of the function rooms at Bintliff's Ocean Grill at no cost.

"We had an organization of local boards that did meet quarterly, but that fizzled out," Selectmen Jo Cameron said. "Maybe this will be a topic that will re-ignite the interest to gather."

Edgecomb selectmen sent a letter to the Wiscasset board prior to their decision on September 18 to include the height ordinance change on their November ballot. The letter included the following statement: "We believe that going slower - rather than full-speed ahead - is prudent in this instance. Taking the time now to learn all you can about the long-term ramifications of this project before you request a vote will protect not only your community and residents, but all of us who love Maine, the midcoast region and our towns."

However, Wiscasset selectmen approved adding the ordinance change to the November ballot by a vote of three to one, leaving those in area towns who have concerns with the project still looking for a forum to voice their opinions

The decision to organize the midcoast troops followed a heated public comment period.

"This is the most beautiful river in the world, and they want to turn it into a barge canal," Stott Carleton said. "People think that this project will bring jobs to the area, but we will lose far more jobs than we will gain."

Carleton referred to the many area residents that earn their living from the river. "It's not just the lobstermen that will be hurt," he said. "It will also be the people who drive the trucks to market and who work on the boats," he said.

"But it will hit many more people than that," he added. "Some of the main industries in the area are tourism and real estate. Folks who take care of property in the area will lose their jobs. There will be no summer cottages, fewer people will visit the area, and money will be lost on real estate."

"People come to Maine to enjoy the smell of pine needles, to eat a lobster sitting on a rock ledge and just feel good," Carleton continued. "People are concerned because our kids leave Maine to experience the excitement of Boston or New York, but they come back because of the beauty they left. Now they'll leave and not come back."

Bintliff also expressed concerns. "I couldn't sell a home to someone in good conscience," he said. "Many of the people who I have already sold to would be looking for an exit strategy. They have bought into a way of life, and we'd be tremendously affected."

"I'm not interested in living downwind from a gasification plant. Frankly, I would be very embarrassed to keep my operation going," Bintliff said.

"We haven't gotten any real answers from the promoters of this project," Johnson said. "In fact, the newspaper recently ran three long articles from Twin River staff that gave the appearance of giving answers about where the water would come from and other issues, but didn't."

Johnson added, "I don't see why they have been given so much space. If they want an ad, they should take one out."

Bobbi Carleton was also present for the public comment period and raised the issue of how Edgecomb is using the time of the newly hired town planner, Byron Johnson."

"It was my understanding that the town hired a planner to change and update the town ordinances that many have felt were not adequate," she said.

"I have been to several Planning Board meetings where our planner has presented beautiful reports that include color photos and an overview of the applications. He also prepares a PowerPoint presentation," Bobbi Carleton said. "Beautiful job Byron, but I don't want to pay for it."

Cameron said that she realizes that the standing ordinances need revision. Both Stuart Smith and John Johnson agreed that it would be wise to review the job description.

"We agree that he is working very hard, but we should probably meet to be clear about what our priorities are," Cameron added. The selectmen also noted that he may be doing some of the work on his own time.

Cameron also gave a brief report on the first planning meeting of the proposed Regional School District of Union 49, 74 and Jefferson. The group of representatives from the towns will divide into four sub-groups: finance, facilities, governance and central office. Because there are four present School Superintendents, they will head each group.

At present, all meetings are scheduled to be held at the Edgecomb Eddy School. The next meeting is October 23 at 6 p.m. when they will have a general business meeting and then divide into sub-groups.