There are many ways for a town to communicate today, but a gentle reminder as you drive by in your car is one of the most effective. The Union Fire Department and Union Ambulance knew this when they donated the sign in front of the municipal building twenty years ago. The sign has served the town well, but times change. In any given week, there can be multiple meetings, election deadlines, etc. Changing the fixed sign board letters to keep up with town business is just not feasible any more.

The sign was donated from a fund the fire department managed that was used for things that were necessary and needed, but things that should not be the responsibility of the taxpayers. We saw that sign as that back then and I do today. A couple of proposals were presented to the voters for an off the chart number of dollars for a brand-new sign that the voters rightfully rejected. The message was received loud and clear. When the subject came up again, I wondered if there might be a better alternative as I was certain a town vote would fail again. I voted against it twice and would again if it was on the ballot. I located a reputable, Maine family-owned sign company who quoted $12,600 to replace the changeable letter area of the existing sign with electronic panels controlled from inside the office, as well as remotely. I asked the Selectboard for a small amount of money to show a commitment from the town. That amount is $4000. I’m hoping there is interest enough in the community to raise the $8600 through donations, and possibly go beyond that amount and raise the total needed. It would be great to continue the legacy of the sign informing the citizens without tax money.

While I will have no say in the operation of the sign, my vision is that as many messages as possible would be displayed and the messages would be changed, if needed, several times a day, not instantly. If someone drove toward The Common, the message might be about a Selectboard meeting, and when they drove by in the opposite direction, it might be a reminder of taxes due or Town Meeting date. Not a constantly changing message, but the ability to display multiple messages on one sign.

The lighting in the existing sign needs to be updated and I have agreed to donate the funds for that. A fund has been set up at the Town Office to accept your tax deductible donation. Please consider participating in this worthwhile project, and thank you for your time reading this. Checks can be made payable to: Town of Union, Sign Account.

Bill Packard
Jim Justice