Tell It To George is a collection of thoughts from here and away, from people who want to get their two cents worth in, without using their names.

I don't want to mention names or exact locations but you should have an idea of the places I speak of.  For years now we've driven to the dump from Route 27 and passed by a garage filled and surrounded by junk.  I partly know the situation but still, why can't someone step up to the plate and get this place cleaned up. 

Put a sign out front, "Take what you want." Hopefully there's no leaking oil or batteries. There's a few other places in Wiscasset right on Route 27. The only thing I have to say is respect your neighbors and community and start throwing away your junk that's been out there for too long... please.

In response to the logging issue on Westport, the loggers aren't the problem, nor does anyone have an issue with them making a living, but the landowner or owners who are profiting by the logging is the issue. The taxes paid by the truckers go to the state and federal government, what little is then seen by Westport does not make up for the damage done by 6 or more trips a day on roads that are already in poor shape.  I am a poor working stiff too whose tax dollars support those who do not work full time.  Wildlife? Where do they have to go, now that the land has been cleared and empty of trees?

Last year I overheard one of Wiscasset's graduates (D.L.) say, "Why can't we all just get along?"

That will stick with me for many years to come. This young man at the time was 17 years old. Why can't adults in town, "just all get along?"

Imagine the productivity that would benefit our citizens and our community as a whole!

There is nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree yet still work together in a positive manner.

In last week's editorial page Tony True made several misrepresentations.  

     First, the "Wiscasset Whiner" letter to George was a response to an attack on educators from this community.  The author was not saying that she did not give a "rat's …" about anyone but herself as Tony stated.  Rather, the author was identifying the prevailing opinion of the vocal community members who place their needs above the future generation's needs.  Had Tony read the entire context, he would have understood this.

Second, the "devaluation of education" is a separate issue from the budget while Tony tried to imply the teacher linked the two.  

     Third, Wiscasset's budget does exceed E.P.S. formulas/funding. I hope we continue to exceed the bare minimum recommendation for school funding set forth in the E.P.S. formula. I think anyone would be hard pressed to find a school in the state that does not exceed E.P.S.   

This same formula Tony touts recommends $102 per pupil for 9-12 and $30 per pupil for K-8 in the areas of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities - a pittance of actual costs, yet Tony argued against the elimination of some sport offerings.  

If administrative and special education costs of this district are removed from the per pupil expenditures and compared to the recommended costs with the aforementioned areas removed, i.e. compare apples to apples, the costs in Wiscasset are only slightly above state average costs per pupil. I agree with Tony that the schools need to find a more effective and cost efficient means of operating, but to place that all on teacher salaries is unfair. How many residents would be willing to settle for a cut in pay and no cost of living adjustments?

For over five years the WICIC of Westport Island worked to usurp Wiscasset as the "Pettiest Little Village in Maine."

We were getting close last week when two malcontented library patrons emerged. As a result we concede the title to Wiscasset.

At a special meeting of the board it was decided to change our ways and change our logo to W.L.Y.G. A special delegation are slated to go to the next selectmen's meeting and give George a big hug and say, "We love you George."

Have you hugged your librarian today?

Well once again our Superintendent had a bad sense of judgment on the weather by not delaying school for an hour or two. We had several buses stuck on roads not being able to make the hills.

The Primary School had to be evacuated to the Community Center because of an odor shortly after they arrived at school. So we again bused the kids all around town on the slippery roads, but to get to the Community Center they went on Hooper Street, then Federal Street/Alna Road, to West Alna Road, to Huntoon Hill Road to arrive at the WCC. I think this is ridiculous, as look at the gas wasted for several buses and why could you not find an alternative route like turning onto Churchill Street and then taking the street right before the Town Office.

I am wild about this whole thing but you will get nowhere with the Superintendent as I have tried before. Very disappointed in how bad our school system is going downhill so quickly.

Send "Tell It To George" entries clearly marked (this way, we won't use your name) for the "Tell It To George" column, by mail at P.O. Box 429, Wiscasset, ME 04578.

Or hand carry them to our office on at 47 Gardiner Road (don't mail them to Gardiner Road, because they will be sent back to you by the post office); just put them in our mailbox right next to the front door.

Or, walk right in and give them to us.

Or, send them to us by E-mail, at wiscassetnewspaper@verizon.net.

Or, fax them to us at 882-4280;

Or, if you're not good at writing, leave us a voice mail on our answering machine after hours, at 207-882-6355 (speak slowly and distinctly). Please make sure your entries a r rive by noon on Tuesday for publ i cation in Thursday's issue.