We have not heard much lately regarding the proposed wind project in Highland Plantation.
We are very aware that, at some point, First Wind LLC will likely submit another application to the Land Use Regulation Commission with a few tweaks included to make the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife happy. There is also a very high probability that wind turbines are in the works for Lexington and Concord.
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There has been a lot in the news in recent weeks regarding the green energy options of wind and solar.
Not all of the news has been favorable.
The Solyndra scandal is a great example of how alternative energy companies can go bust. The public is going to pick up the ticket for Solyndra. How many more of these poor government choices can we afford to pay for?
Wind power will bring higher electricity rates to an already burdened public. New power lines to carry the power south on the grid will be necessary, adding more to the cost, which will again be passed on to you and me.
How many more added expenses can you and I afford to pay in this downward spiraling economy?
The costs of food, gas, fuel oil, clothing, etc., have been rising dramatically over the past few months. It makes it difficult to keep our heads above water. There have been no cost-of-living increases to Social Security.
Any additional expense makes it even harder for people on limited incomes to survive.
Linda Miller
Lexington Township
Civic center should be sold to private-sector developer
Why not sell the Cumberland County Civic Center?
Maybe the private sector would purchase, repair and operate this poor, decaying building. I would wager that the same improvements would cost a lot less than $35 million. The private sector would probably go with the lowest bid.
If the city is capable of raising any money, why not put it to good use and repair the streets of Portland?
It would be nice to drive down Warren Avenue without spilling your coffee.
George Locke
Portland
Same-day registration will send her to polls this year
In recent years, I have been fired up politically about strictly commonsensical issues: building and expanding bike paths, making whoopie pies the state dessert, placing adequate signage on trails.
However, I have found another issue to support: same-day voter registration.
If you are like me, you probably thought it was your God-given right to waltz into your polling place on Election Day and register right then and there. However, in attempts to complicate the process, the first referendum item on the ballot threatens to take this away and create unnecessary confusion in the democratic process.
This is not Florida or Ohio, folks. We are, some years, a purple state because our two congressional districts can go any way they choose, not because we have issues counting votes or disenfranchising voters. I intend to keep it that way. That is why I will be voting Yes on 1.
True confessions: I was not planning on voting this year, considering it is an odd-numbered year. I did not even know the date of Election Day. Turns out it is Nov. 8, a good one to mark on your calendar.
If something so much of a no-brainer is on the table, sure, why not, nothing like getting one of those stickers.
Besides, this important issue is catching everyone off guard. I figure if only my mother, friends, and the three people who read this vote, we will settle the issue.
Yes on 1, please!
Amy Niemczura
Ellsworth
As rights have changed, so should requirements
Few financial entitlements came along with citizenship when the United States was founded. In those days, additional citizens created little added federal expense.
Through the years, the rights of citizenship have changed.
Now, those rights include Social Security, education, Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps, to name a few.
It is unlikely that the framers of the U.S. Constitution thought of these programs.
As rights have changed, shouldn’t the requirements for citizenship change? I think so, starting with dropping birthright citizenship.
Ted Samuel
Freeport
Cartoons may be mean, but Parker warrants giggle
The Oct. 11 Portland Press Herald contained such a contrast in style and content.
As I read “Voice of the People,” I again shook my head at another of Lisa Benson’s attempts at political satire, which is supposed to be entertaining. Some of her cartoons are just plain mean.
Then I turned the page and laughed out loud as I read Kathleen Parker’s very clever piece titled “Thank you, God, for making yourself heard on the GOP race.” I don’t always agree with her, but her columns are always entertaining and even thought-provoking.
Valerie Betts
Boothbay
Vietnam veteran is touched by the sound of thank yous
I am a veteran of the Vietnam War. I served my active duty on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal CVA-59, where I worked on the flight deck as a “blue shirt” plane handler.
When we separated from the service in the years prior to 1975, veterans were given a cold shoulder. Today, all veterans are much more appreciated.
I can’t count the number of times that I’ve heard “thank you for your service,” and I quickly respond “you are quite welcome.”
Just recently I was wearing my U.S. Navy veteran hat and a cashier at Amato’s said, “Thank you for serving for our country.” To anyone who is a veteran or who now serves in any branch of the military, I thank you for your service.
Steven Haskell
South Portland
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