Houlton has lost a great leader

8 years ago

To the editor:

This is a story about a man most of us knew and respected, a man that worked tirelessly for the citizens of Houlton, a man that gave thousands of his hours on numerous committees to make Houlton a better place to live, a man who did much more for Houlton, a man we all know as former councilor Phil Bernaiche.

No one person has dedicated as much time trying to making a difference as former councilor Phil Bernaiche did. In the 17 years that I knew Phil I never once heard or saw him ever give up on Houlton or its citizens. This kind of dedication to our town, I believe, will never be seen again. As for us as the human race, we could and should take this lesson and build on it.

When it came to fighting for Houlton or its citizens former councilor Phil Bernaiche was the first to stand to the plate. He held people accountable for their actions and made sure the taxpayers’ money was being spent wisely, asking questions and demanding answers in order to make sound decisions.

On Sept. 17, 2016 Houlton lost former councilor Phil Bernaiche a great leader and citizen. On Sept. 19, 2016 at a council meeting it was asked of the council to dedicate this meeting in honor of former councilor Phil Bernaiche, with no response from anyone on the council, it did not get dedicated. If this is how we treat our citizens, no wonder the state did not list us as a business-friendly community.

Shame on the town for showing so little respect for our former councilor Phil Bernaiche, a citizen that was so dedicated to our town. This to me is absolutely unacceptable.

This to me is absolutely unacceptable.

Carl W. Lord, Jr.
former councilor
Houlton