The votes cast on both sides of Question 1 regarding the final disposition of the Plummer-Motz/Lunt school site made it clear that the people of Falmouth care a great deal about how things move forward and achieve the best possible outcome for our community. As a town councilor I will take my responsibility as part of that process very seriously. Both sides of the issue acknowledged that they want to see the most economically advantageous approach to the development of the property, and both sides were in favor of developing a community center and moving Community Programs to the site. I always looked at the issue from the standpoint of preserving our options so Falmouth can get the best possible use for the site at the best possible terms.

Now the time for action is upon us – but we must apply best practice business principles to our approach and ensure that we don’t confuse a quick result with the best result. The most appropriate course of action is to engage an unbiased and completely transparent proposals process to receive as many competitive bids as possible. Falmouth can spell out our priorities and let the open market from both near and far respond with their best offers. It is important for everyone to remember that we are in control of a valuable parcel of property in a thriving town. As long as we remain in the driver’s seat we will get the best possible result for Falmouth.

Chris Orestis, town councilor
Falmouth