The work our city officials do often goes unrecognized and the sacrifice they make to serve our city is under appreciated. I am writing to thank the members of our planning board in particular for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making our city a better place to live. Admittedly it wasn’t until the most recent meeting that it occurred to me how difficult their job really is. The interactions with the people trying to build a casino really drove this sentiment home. Those proposing the casino clearly don’t like being asked questions, aren’t interested in addressing concerns, and at times come across a touch too arrogant, in my opinion.

Planning boards require, and ask for, all kinds of various studies regularly in order to gather as much information available to ensure they are making proper and informed decisions that result in as few surprises post construction as possible. During this particular meeting it was clear the casino team had no interest in providing the requested study and became a bit combative with planning board members over it. What should have been a fairly straightforward discussion dragged on needlessly. The casino team resembled that of an obstinate child who didn’t want to do the homework assignment and then haphazardly pulled something together at the last minute hoping to get full credit, then were upset that it didn’t work. Kudos to the board members for putting in the work, staying long hours, and remaining steadfastly committed to doing their job properly and professionally.

Dan Robertson

Concord

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