To the Editor:

Question 1 on the May 15 ballot deals with plowing of private roads here in Marion. We are asking residents to vote “yes” on this important question.

This is allowed under the provisions of Section 6C of Chapter 40 of the General Laws with the vote of a simple majority during a town election. Over the years, many Marion residents who live on unaccepted roads have paid for snow plowing out of pocket.

We are not asking for anything more than all tax paying citizens and residents of Marion are getting at this time. Our roads should be plowed for a variety of reasons. In a medical emergency, safe passage is needed for police vehicles, fire apparatus, ambulances and other vehicles. As EMTs have told us, minutes count getting to a fire or to a hospital, and short delays by emergency vehicles could be dangerous or even deadly.

Two of our neighboring towns, Mattapoisett and Wareham, have passed the provisions of this general law and currently plow their private roads and streets for safety reasons. Residents of private roads or compound areas within Marion can opt out, should they desire, to have private plowing continue.

On behalf of the more than 200 individuals who signed the petition last year to put this measure on this year’s ballot asking for the same service, we ask you for your support on Question 1 so that all residents will be fully vested in all the services provided by the town.

Albert W. Caron, Jr.,

Marion