Hargraves has worked since 1994 on Pepperell paper mill
Bill Provost's Letter Published in the Groton Landmark
October 31, 2008
"Start with the truth, end with the truth" is a principle that I have encouraged my children to follow over the years. During this election season, voters understand that candidates will "spin" the truth to support their positions, yet we deserve that they make every effort to at least start with the truth.
Unfortunately, one candidate for state representative of the 1st Middlesex District has failed this test. Challenger Virginia Wood has repeatedly (during a recent debate and while on a local cable show) criticized incumbent Bob Hargraves for doing nothing to redevelop the Pepperell Paper Mill site while it sat dormant for 14 years.
The truth is, the paper mill in Pepperell, through the strong efforts of its employees and support from local officials including Rep. Hargraves, continued to operate until July 2002. In fact, I initially met then first-term Rep. Hargraves in late 1994 as he worked effectively with Pepperell selectman Barry Fuller and other local and state officials to help resolve the mill's steam supply crisis.
The paper mill site was sold in May 2003 and the initial redevelopment plans have not come to fruition. The site poses significant challenges to the residents and officials seeking its revitalization. The dilapidated buildings, the environmental uncertainties and the site's proximity to a river prone to flooding are all factors. Rep. Hargraves has submitted enabling legislation to designate Pepperell as a Target Economic Area to allow greater flexibility in the permitting process, and his support of Pepperell as their state representative over the years is very clear.
I ask that candidate Wood publicly correct her untrue statements regarding this issue. If she has ideas or solutions for the redevelopment of the paper mill site, I encourage her to offer them in a constructive manner.
BILL PROVOST
Former general manager
Pepperell Paper Company
