Thorp raps opponents on lack of leadership

Harrison Thorp ... 'We need both ambulances'

LEBANON - As the town of Lebanon mulls whether to give up one of its ambulances due to cost concerns, House District 20 write-in candidate Harrison Thorp sharply attacked his two rivals for the seat on Wednesday saying their lack of interest in a safety issue vital to the town does not bode well for the district if either one of them is elected to serve in Augusta.

Town selectmen held a Public Hearing on Monday to air their concerns about economic realities regarding an upcoming $40,000 lease payment on a 2010 Chevrolet ambulance, the department's newest and best ambulance.

Selectmen and the Budget Committee recommend that the town get rid of the new ambulance and rely on an older 2004 model as its single transport vehicle for injured patients.

A vote in November will decide whether the town, which comprises 60 square miles and is the second-largest town in York County, will see its Rescue Department continue as a one-ambulance or two-ambulance department.

Neither of Thorp's opponents, Republican Karen Gerrish or Democrat Bettie Harris-Howard, showed up for the meeting or have publicly stated any position on the subject.

"I find it remarkable that these two who want to be our leaders in Augusta could have missed a publicly advertised hearing of this importance, then after they missed it, to have absolutely no comment," Thorp said today. "If this is the way they're going to "lead from behind" in Augusta, I think everyone needs to take a second look at who's on the ballot.

"The people I saw speaking at the hearing, which was attended by 50 or so concerned citizens, were overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the newer ambulance despite its cost. It's a matter of public safety."

Rescue Department members showed up en masse at the meeting, imploring the town to keep the newer ambulance as well as its standby.

"Winter's coming on and there are many times in the winter when we get two calls simultaneously," said Rescue Department member Ryan Therrien.

Rescue Department Jenny Sheriff also passionately urged residents to keep the 2010 ambulance.

"I'm thinking of our health and welfare," she said.

One resident chided selectmen, "Why pull the rug out from under them?" referring to the Rescue Department as a whole.

If the town votes to keep the ambulance the money would come out of the town's contingency fund. If town taxes were raised next year by the $40,000 payment amount, it would result in less than a dime on the town's mil rate, it is estimated.

That means the owner of a $100,000 home would pay less than an extra $10 for the year on their taxes.

"I for one will tell you right now the only vote on this issue is a vote to keep both ambulances," Thorp said. "It's a huge town, and we need two ambulances. It's a small investment to make for public safety."