At the upcoming Thomason town meeting on Wednesday June 14, I hope you will join me in voting yes on Article 5 to support the Knox Clinic in creating a Community Health Center at the former prison site.

The articles under consideration allow for a balance of mixed use. The health center's building footprint will be less than a quarter of an acre out of a 15 acre space. Well over half of the 15 acres can be designated as open park space with article 3, and the rest can be a mix of community benefit between the health center and the
fire station, with room left over for future commercial projects if the town supports them.

A community health center is a critically important opportunity for the region that will care for everyone not just a few. It makes a lot of sense to locate here, for Thomaston and to help the peninsulas, Warren, Rockland, and Union.

Let's put aside 'us versus them' and come together as a community for common sense consensus. We can have walkable holistic affordable medical, mental health and dental care, as well as gardens, walking trails and open space. It makes sense and is a win-win.

I urge you to join me on the 14th at the Thomaston Town Meeting and vote Yes on Article 5 for a community health center in Thomaston.

Rich Stuart lives in Thomaston