During the mayoral debate, I listened to Cecil Yates take credit for the Park Place development. If I were him, I am not sure I would.

I have been wondering about how it will be filled. I heard the Town’s Economic Advisor speak to the fact that there is currently a 30 percent vacancy rate in the old commercial spaces. He mentioned recruiting restaurants, etc., but I understand that this unsightly four-story development with fairly bright garage lighting lacks the ambience of our “dark skies” town and has few commercial tenants interested.

Having been a partner of a multi-use project in Fort Collins, Colo., I know that it was mostly rented or condos were bought right after construction began.

When Ginny Dickey was serving on the town council, there had been a vision for a true downtown with a movie theater as a part of that project. Due to the recession, the developer they had backed out. Too late now, but I pictured an area where the youth of our town would have a “go-to” area. I myself would have taken advantage. We no longer even have a partial bookstore since Gridleys closed.

I encourage you to vote for Ginny, who does not have a piece of this building, as does Cecil Yates, and would do her best to help our town be the best place to live while encouraging tourism and better resources for all of us.