TONIGHT: Fryeburg Maine, Poland Spring on Al Jazeera America LIVE 7:30 PM EST

   The show will be broadcast live to the nation on Al Jazeera America TONIGHT Friday, September 27, 2013 at 7:30 pm EST. 

    I would like to invite my fellow Fryeburg residents and other interested parties to tweet at the show @AJAMStream or by using the hashtag #AJAMStream.  

   To find out what channel Al Jazeera America is on, you can visit Aljazeera.com/getajam.

The guests on tonight's show include:

• Thomas Welch, PUC Chairman

• Mike Corthell, Fryeburg resident

• Bruce Taylor, Fryeburg resident

• Colin Woodard, Journalist Portland Press Herald 

A great summary of the issues involved is contained in this Portland Press Herald story by Colin Woodard. The producers of the show have told me that this is to be a respectful, civil discussion with the opportunity for all parties to be able to express their opinions. 

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Fryeburg Business Association - I chair the Economic Committee, I am also Vice Chair of the Fryeburg Planning Board and the Fryeburg representative on the Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council board of directors but tonight, on this program I will be voicing my personal opinions regarding issues involving Poland Spring, the Fryeburg Water Company, Food & Watch Watch and others. My political views are generally conservative while being a moderate on social issues. I believe and fully support the American free enterprise system. I am a Christian, pro-life. I support good stewardship of of our planet's abundant resources. Lastly, I will never turn a blind eye to either the abuse or degradation of any human being and will do everything within my power to prevent it.

Having said that, I will try my best to bring balance to this great opportunity for the town of Fryeburg, Maine to, on one hand show the we are a responsible and welcoming place for both visitors and business but also show that we do care about maintaining our towns natural beauty and our rural character.

For those who are interested but will be unable to watch the show, these are the points I will cover:

• Poland Spring/Nestle is a responsible community partner - They respect the sustainability of our natural resources and have absolutely no intention of overusing or abusing them.

• They are very generous benefactor – supporting local charities and area community efforts.
• The majority of people in Fryeburg appreciate and want Poland Spring in their community and are tired of the outside, special interest groups like Food & Water Watch trying to create controversy here.
• Fryeburg is sovereign and we expect to govern our affairs without undue out-side interference. We do not want to be treated shabbily or like a 'political football'.
• Poland Spring has been purchasing water in Fryeburg for over 20 years with no ill effects to our town or water supply and by having a long term contract with the water company it only benefits the rate payers by keeping their bills low.
• The town monitors the withdrawal of water and has the power to stop withdrawal by Poland Spring at any time if were to compromise or looks like it could compromise the sustainability of our water supply. So again, the majority of us are not concerned by unfounded negative or misleading information by outside interest groups, such as Food & Watch Watch.
• Fryeburg, the oldest town in Oxford County, Maine is also one of the most beautiful towns in the northeast region of the United States with 33 miles of the tranquil, pristine Saco River running through it and we intend to keep it beautiful, rural and charming but we also intend to revitalize it economically by recruiting quality business partners, like Poland Spring to be part of and share our piece of heaven. We are not only a great place to live,work and play but we are a friendly, welcoming place. Come and see for yourself – you won't want to leave because Fryeburg is also a magical place and it's waiting for you!

If anyone will like to voice their opinion to me ahead of the show feel free to  either call me or email me (before 6:00 pm please):

MikeCorthell@roadrunner.com 

(603)986.8110