SCBOC chair takes exception to state rep's letter

To the editor:

I find it is disheartening how Rep. Cliff Newton can tell half-truths and be outright deceitful in his letters to the editor. What is more worrying, is some people might actually believe him.

His August 20, 2024 Letter to the Editor in The Rochester Voice is full of inaccuracies. It is obvious he is running for office and is banking on convincing people to vote for him by attempting to deceive them. He is deflecting his own actions onto others to make himself seem electable. Don't be fooled!

By a vote of two thirds, the Strafford County Legislative Delegation approved the appropriation of $6,261,184 for the purpose of designing a new nursing home to replace the over fifty-year-old Riverside Rest Home and authenticating the site through wetlands, wildlife preservation, endangered species review and indigenous people verification, all which are required by Federal or State Statute for this type of development. Those reports and the design are not wasted money; they sit there awaiting further action.

With Representative Newton in attendance, the Warrenstreet Architects design firm gave a presentation to the Delegation, which authorized the design process and the intended use of the funds. Progress reports were given to the Delegation in the 19 public meetings as the design took shape. In fact, the majority of the Delegation voted in favor of the design and full construction cost of a new facility.

Rep. Newton sits on the Delegation Building Committee and during their review he publicly stated that we were collectively "on the right track" and wanted to move the discussion to the Delegation because in his words "they should be brought up to date." Once the Delegation was called back to review the plan, he led the charge to vote against the bond to fund the new nursing home.

This vote that he spearheaded cost the County all of the funds spent on design as well as the $15,353,548 forgivable loan from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Take some responsibility Rep. Newton for your leadership and your vote when it comes to the accountability for loss of federal revenue. When you look to point fingers apparently there are "no mirrors in your house."

- George Maglaras,

SCBOC Chairman