As many of you know, the Maine Maritime Academy entered into a purchase agreement for the Abbott House, a historic property in Castine. Since that event, I have given a good deal of thought to the concerns voiced by many of the parties who feel strongly one way or another about that purchase.

I had a brief conversation with President Tyler when he was in Augusta, I had a long discussion with the assistant attorney general representing the Academy, and I had a similar talk with the attorney general. I have also met with members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee and other legislators concerning this matter. Additionally, I have met several times with groups of Castine residents who have thoughts they wish to voice on this issue.

I have concluded that there are no culprits or villains involved in the efforts to support or oppose the purchase of the Abbott property. There is wisdom on the part of the Academy to provide a more appropriate space for its president and release space currently used for that purpose to educate students. There is a shortage of space, and existing structures are in need of improvement.

Many citizens in Castine, however, see the purchase as a violation of the existing ordinance with no assurance that future board decisions might not aggravate any actual or perceived intrusion on the town’s residential zone by the Academy.

My assessment of the matter has compelled me to provide the board and administration of the Academy with an unsolicited opinion: I believe it would be in the best interest of the Academy and the town of Castine to nullify the Abbott property transaction. The reasons for my position are as follows:

Those of us who worked hard to pass a “higher education” bond package, which ultimately directed $1.5 million to the Academy, feel the expenditure of an equal amount for a luxury home for the president undermines our efforts to support the Academy’s need for repair and renovation funds.

Any event that polarizes the community, leaving part of it at odds with the Academy, ultimately weakens the ability for the Academy to expand its footprint and access important municipal services in the future.

I find it difficult to understand why the taxpayers of Castine must use their tax money to defend their zoning ordinance only to be challenged by the Academy, which is represented by the Maine Attorney General’s Office. That office, of course, is funded by taxpayers. Clearly this issue is a drain on taxpayer funds at a time when we need to conserve those funds.

I am aware and appreciative of the fact that the Academy is one of the largest employers in the district and that its employees reside and pay taxes in Castine and other surrounding towns. It is also a fact that the Governor’s school administration consolidation effort and the Department of Education’s flawed Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding scheme have caused reductions in state funding of local schools equivalent to the price of the Abbott House. This will create a burden on all families and taxpayers and should be disturbing to all employers who want to attract a strong workforce.

These are times when surplus funds need to be dedicated to the most important mission of an institution. If the purchase of the Abbott property represents that mission, then I would propose we look more carefully at future state funding for the Academy.

I look forward to working with all those who have an interest in this matter. I am sure a solution can be reached that recognizes the needs and interests of the Academy and honors the wishes and concerns of the people of Castine.

Jim Schatz of Blue Hill is state representative for House District 37.