To the editor:

To my fellow residents and citizens of Wilmington: I have lived in Wilmington for 50 years. I have been a homeowner for 47 of those years. I was also a town councilman for eight years. We’ve had many important issues over those years. But I cannot recall even a peep about those issues from Mr. Sam Haselton. Never saw him at a board meeting, public hearing, etc. But now he is a write-in candidate, a knight in shining armor supposedly coming to the rescue.

Why the sudden interest?

Oddly enough, his platform seems to mirror that of Tim Follos, a current town board member and also a candidate for the supervisor’s position. Seems to me that Mr. Haselton should be Mr. Follos’ ally, not his opponent. Where was Mr. Haselton the last four years as Mr. Follos was advocating many of the same policies that Mr. Haselton now says he wants to enact?

Shifting gears … I invite you to take a drive through town.

The North Pole Campground is now an industrial KOA with zero eye appeal. Let’s move on down to the town beach. Truly one of Wilmington’s greatest assets. Now featuring prefab condos right down to the property line — as many as could fit.

We all can cite other examples.

Tim was at the meetings. Everyone knew where he stood.

Where was Sam?

Little by little our town slips away, with little or no regard for the residents’ quality of life — or lack thereof.

How has all this wonderful growth helped the residents of Wilmington?

The value of our homes has certainly increased.

How are your taxes?

Tim voted against exceeding the tax cap in each of the past three years. Again, everyone knew where he stood.

Wilmington is slipping out of reach for the common working family. The scenario we are witnessing has taken place in many of the beautiful areas in our country. Locals are displaced from their hometowns. They can no longer afford to live there.

But a small group profits.

Have we not seen enough?

I have. And I say: No more kicking the can down the road!

We won’t stop future logging, clearing and population growth, but we can be much smarter about how we deal with the next group of developers and investors eyeing Wilmington.

With better leadership we will do better.

Tim Follos was born and raised in Wilmington. He has demonstrated his love and dedication to Wilmington since his childhood years. And as a member of the Town Board for the last four years he has shown an unrelenting work ethic for the residents of our town. He has endured strong headwinds during the last four years as he attempts to steady the boat for all of us, but he has never wavered in his dedication to our town. He has been steadfast.

Tim Follos is knowledgeable, has a strong work ethic, is consistent and has the right values for Wilmington.

He deserves your vote.

Charles Assetta

Wilmington