A third decision, which would have allowed a gambling casino to be built in Albany Township, near Newry, was overturned by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. The boat launch votes, however, are regarded by Wight's critics as indicators that he does not grasp the commission's repsonsibilities appropriately. The commission is responsible for usage questions involving nearly half of the land in Maine, the state's unorgainzed territory and townships. Because of Wight's votes on the two ater access issues and what they are construed to mean, some people want his nomination to be rejected by the committee. That action would be extreme and is unwarranted.
Differences of opinion are common in public life.
During his time on the commission, Wight has participated in more than 600 votes. And though a case could be made that as commission chairman Wight wields some influence with the other commissioners, it would be insulting to them to claim that his vote is so controlling that he should be denied another term. Those who oppose Wight, or who have issues with the majority decisions of the commission, have alternatives. Yes, fighting his renomination is one of them, but they need a stronger argument to bring to bear than any that has been offered so far.