Stop goldilocks-ing and start deciding

Written By Cape Elizabeth

Please note: This letter reflects opinions regarding the November 2024 “Middle Ground” school referendum. It does not represent the current 2025 Cape Elizabeth school proposal which is an updated and revised version.

BY JENNA PFUELLER

Much like the fabled, golden-haired little girl, opponents of the school project keep moving the goalposts... insisting any plan put forward must be “just right.” The only problem is “just right” doesn’t exist in their fairytale land.

First, they said it was too expensive. Then they said the architects weren’t good enough. Then they said we needed an Owner’s Rep. Then they questioned the new architects and the Owner’s Rep. Then they said the tax increase must not be higher than 10%. Then they said, get it to 5-10%. Then they said the gym was too small. Then they said the gym was too big. And on and on.

There will always be plentiful excuses not to do something. Constantly changing the criteria for what is considered acceptable only delays progress and creates more obstacles...which is what the anti-school, anti-tax activists in Cape Elizabeth actually want.

After 4+ years of study and 900+ pages of reasons why we need to address these 60+ year-old buildings, we have to accept that there will never be a “perfect” plan or project. Concessions must be made in order to move forward with a reasonable tax increase. 

It’s time to stop Goldilocks-ing and make a decision, lest we leave a trail of muddy footprints, empty porridge bowls, and broken furniture behind in our quest for “just right”. It’s time to send the project to the voters. Tell the town council at the public hearing to put the “Middle Ground” on the ballot.

 

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Cape Elizabeth
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