SUN JOURNAL • April 28, 2022
In 1923, Maine’s Legislature passed an Act to Incorporate the Auburn Water District “to prevent pollution of the water of Lake Auburn and to preserve the purity of said water of Lake Auburn.” For 100 years, we have protected the lake by limiting development, acquiring properties, planting trees, treating runoff, and creating the Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission. The proposed septic ordinance is a Trojan horse, greenlighting ill-advised development in the Lake Auburn watershed rather than continuing to restrict it. Accelerating the need for a filtration plant, and raising water rates by increasing development, does not advance science or the public interest, but waves a white surrender flag to self-serving private real estate interests. ~ Richard Whiting, Ward 1 city councilor, Auburn