“The vaccine (for chicken pox) was introduced in the 1990s. … ‘It is an entirely preventable disease. We don’t need to have chicken pox circulating in our environment.’ ” – Yarmouth pediatrician Dr. Laura Blaisdell, as quoted in the May 16 Portland Press Herald article “Chicken pox outbreak reported at day care center in Westbrook.” […]

Can someone tell me why Mayor Ethan Strimling thinks it is a great idea to force Portland businesses to provide sick time to seasonal teenage workers? Almost all 14- to 17-year-old seasonal workers live at home and have no financial responsibilities. So why put this burden on struggling businesses? Don’t forget all those great nonprofits, […]

Re: “Chamber CEO: Portland mayor’s divisive politics bode ill for businesses” (May 21): It was disappointing to see the sensationalist op-ed by Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Quincy Hentzel, which whittled down an important public health and economic justice public-policy issue to an imagined “war of division” waged by the mayor. First, this isn’t […]

I’m thrilled that Lori Gramlich is running to represent the people of Old Orchard Beach in the Maine House of Representatives. I first came to know Lori in her role as executive director of the Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. As a social worker with 30 years of experience, I know […]