How do you build community? Not by snubbing fellow citizens in the churches, supermarkets and on the streets of the towns where we live. Snubbing casual friendly greetings because you disagree with that person's politics, religions or stance on local issues does not build community.

How do you build community? By attending and supporting locally sponsored causes such as the great variety show here in Searsport last Sunday to raise funds for less fortunate members of our community who need a helping hand with fuel bills. By raising funds for food cupboards where the under employed can receive groceries. By raising funds for neighbors facing major health issues.

How do you build community? By voting and knowing what you are voting for and not calling foul that you haven't been informed when full information has been available. By serving as volunteer or elected officials in your town and not just when it suits your own cause- but on a day-to-day- year after year basis.

How do you build community? Not by continuing to fight anything that might support the commerce or industry centered around the port of Searsport.

We are hearing much about building community on the one hand. We are hearing about planned prosperity. Yet, the battle cry is being raised to begin the fight against the long planned and proposed dredging of the port of Searsport. The same group that fought industrial growth at Mack Point now takes up arms to fight the maintenance and improvement of the second largest port in Maine. This facility produces a major source of income for the dock workers. It is the port of entry for fuels we all use and for materials important to industries across the state. It is often the export facility for products we sell to other areas both foreign and domestic.

If we are going to build community let's get the elephant out from under the table and say Sears Island. The same opponents in the recent opposition to growth on Mack Point have been working to keep any possible industrial expansion off the island for many years now. How does that equate to building a peaceful, prosperous community?

Don't misunderstand. I love Sears Island. I look at it every day from my front windows. I have hiked and biked and enjoyed skiing the beautiful trails. A picnic on the shore looking back at our beloved town is a summer treat. Preserving this part of the island has and continues to be a great contribution by many dedicated volunteers. However, an agreement was reached that not only preserves this sanctity for all to enjoy in our leisure time but that also allows for growth when it is necessary for the economic health of Searsport, Waldo County and beyond. That agreement needs to be honored and not subverted by lengthy delaying tactics that further break down communities and delay prosperity.

If we do not grow we die. The port of Searsport cannot be allowed to lag behind the world in its ability to serve the ocean going commerce that so much depends on. Fighting the long planned and much needed dredging project is fighting the very life line of commerce and prosperity for our area. It is not building community!

Faith L. Garrold lives in Searsport.