Timberdoodle of T3R11, ME Right on Al! This has NOTHING to do with kids, budgets, money and meeting the laws set forth by the state of Maine. It all has to do with water levels and the lake. Kids be damned! Let them swim!

It has been reported time and again that Union 52 is one of the most cost efficient in the state. If it aint broke dont fix it.report abuse

citizen of Vassalboro, ME I have a hard time determining what the water level of china lake has to do with the structure of our school system. School Union 52 has been about the most cost-effective school district/union in the state. The best that Vassalboro residents can do is break even with school consolidation. It is much more likely to cost the average homeowner in Vassalboro alot of money in increased school costs.

I don't recall that being the intent of our Governor in promoting school consolidation. This is what happens when a bold undertaking is rush through without adequate thought and study, and also when a bold undertaking is subjected to the cuts of 186 legislators.

In the end, I hope we are able to maintain our mutually beneficial association with China and Winslow.report abuse

Al Althenn of China, ME Could this proposed school union including Vassalboro be one of the reasons the China Selectmen have been dragging their feet about pinning Vassalboro down regarding the flood hazard the current use of the China Lake Outlet Dam has created?

Vassalboro has little option with the misuse of the dam for the past 35 years than to flood China again (they did twice since raising the lake in ’69) using the flash boards or lowering the gates when the outlet stream begins to flood their residents. This situation is caused by using the dam to impound five extra feet of water in China Lake thus taking away the need emergency storage capacity in the lake, without flooding China, when the dam is needed to control the downstream flows.

If it weren’t for the draw the Kennebec Water District puts on the lake and the three sewerage plants Vassalboro has on the China Lake Outlet Stream Vassalboro wouldn’t feel the need to keep the water five feet above the natural level to assure flows during dry periods. The amount of water that is impounded is roughly ten times the amount Vassalboro really needs to assure operation of their sewerage plants. Someone made a very bad mistake 35 years ago when this plan was first hatched and the lake was raised far more than needed.

The high lake level now has both Towns at an unnecessary risk and it’s the little guy (in both Towns) who will suffer along with the environment that is already destroying the lake from water too high and too stable. Go to depu.org for more information.report abuse