May 2014
Honoring veterans
On Memorial Day, and on Veterans Day, the men and women who stood in the service of the country are lauded, and a grateful nation honors them, as well as the memory of those who died in that service. We do this not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because those who […]
Maine campaigns: Fertile ground for pundits
In a politically unusual move, independent Sen. Angus King, who almost always lines up with the Democrats, endorsed Republican Sen. Susan Collins for re-election. President George W. Bush labeled forecasting the political future based on today’s events as “punditry,” and King’s move was just the kind of tidbit pundits like. While I make no claim […]
The bear hunting debate
A referendum to repeal the use of baiting, hounds and trapping for bear hunting in Maine will appear for the second time in 10 years on the ballot this November. The campaign is being financed primarily by the Humane Society of the United States, but with logistical support from people in Maine. This article looks […]
Who am I?
I am an individual who has a Master’s Degree in my chosen field and employ it in the service of others. I’ve been in my job for 20 years and earn a base salary of $64,196. In addition, my employer funds a pension that will allow me to retire at age 62 with an income […]
Solar power, CMP
Cynthia Grovo’s letter of May 21 expressed concerns over increases in the cost of electricity. My concern was the proposed “tax” on solar power. Mainers are supposed to go green and have a low carbon footprint. Mainers used to get by without CMP. Before global warming they harvested blocks of ice, used whale oil lamps, […]
Of Mistakes and Mentions
We all make mistakes. I don’t have any stats to back that up, but I feel pretty confident in offering up that statement as the truth. I know I’ve made my share over the years and I know it’s likely I’ll do so again. A newspaper’s job is to deliver the truth to its readers. […]
Mud season?
In 2012, State Representative Charlie Priest suggested I apply to the Sewer Board that he chairs. We’d served on Brunswick’s Council for several years, and he knew my environmental policy background. I was appointed by the Brunswick Town Council fora3yearterm.I’ve been happy to serve as Vice Chair since then, with a professional, thoughtful Board and […]
Conversation about race needed more than ever
Race is the stain in American life that runs throughout our history. It thwarts the high ideals expressed in our founding documents, and yet we usually refuse to see it. Nearly six years after the election of our first black president – more accurately, biracial – the national conversation about race has gone sharply downhill, […]