I urge my fellow and sister townspeople to vote in favor of the three so-called Thomaston Green articles on this year’s Town Meeting warrant.

Moving forward on developing part of the former prison yard was approved in 2022, and we’ve got both a great necessity and a great opportunity to begin doing so this year. We need a new in-town fire station; and to have a full-time county health clinic in our town would be a godsend for many in Thomaston and beyond.

The prison yard property is no historic verdant meadow; it is a skillfully reclaimed demolition site. We have enjoyed picnicking by the gazebo during summer concerts, cross-country skiing in the same area during the winter, and strolling along the river-view walkway year-round – and may well enjoy it more with the windbreak these proposed buildings along Route 1 will afford the preserved open space behind them.

We really can have the best of both worlds, if we come to the municipal building, sit in the chairs and hold up our ballot cards on June 14. Please join me in voting “Yes” on Articles 3, 4 and 5. 

Dagney C. Ernest lives in Thomaston