Camden needs a Steve Bowen.

As an activist Rockport citizen who serves on that town's budget committee, Mr. Bowen has given yeoman service to increasing the town's governmental credibility. As a major influencer on the town's budget, he has pushed the town to a responsible budget request — zero increase in the property tax. Unheard of — in these salad days of double-digit increases. The Rockport Select Board listened to citizen input.

Contrast that with the bit-in-the-mouth governance of the Camden Board. Lead by a tight threesome of members who acquiesce to the will of the town manager, the Board plods on with initiatives with scant to no attention to the will of the citizens.

Police organization, zoning, paid parking are all matters that the Board presses on with while ignoring public input. In fact, incredulously, supported by the opinion of the town attorney, the Board will not even consider two citizen petitions, each gathered in two short weeks and signed by over 500 citizens! 

Isn't all this pretty surprising in light of the public wail of "no kings?" Camden could use a little regional help from Rockport's Citizen Bowen.   

Doc Wallace lives in Camden