Election letters

To the editor,

I am writing to encourage South Portland voters to support Richard Matthews for the upcoming election for city council. Dick has been on several boards, committees, and has volunteered at many other community activities.

I have known Dick for years, having served with him on the school board. I am not writing today to talk about his city service, as impressive as it is, but rather about his service to his fellow South Portlanders. Dick drives people who need transportation to doctor’s appointment or to fill prescriptions. His selfless acts also include visiting nursing home residents. Thank you to everyone who serves this great city, but Dick serves both the city and his community.

Dick has an even temperament and is willing to listen to those who disagree with him. I think the city, and all of us, need more of that. Please join me in voting for Richard Matthews for city council.

Rick Carter

South Portland

To the editor,

Before you vote, ask yourself these questions:

Should parents have the right to direct their children’s medical care? Republicans think so, but Democrats do not. LD 1292 (Roll Call No. 366) would have required parental consent before a child could have physical examinations, surgical procedures, prescription drugs, and vaccines. A veto held because of Republicans.

Do you want to allow sex trafficking? Republicans do not, but Democrats do. LD 1592 would have legalized prostitution in Maine (Roll Call No. 386).

Did you know our local farms are struggling for survival? Republicans care, but Democrats were deaf to the local farmers who strongly opposed unionizing farmworkers in Maine. LD 151 (Roll Call Nos. 414, 494, 487).

Did you know democrat lawmakers voted to raise your property taxes? Republicans do not support tax increases, especially with a looming recession, but party line democrats supported a real estate transfer tax on all properties valued above $150,000. The bill, LD 418 (Roll Call No. 245), was so egregious even Gov. Janet Mills vetoed the bill and Republicans voted to sustain.

Do you care about crime, drug use, and public safety? Democrats voted to hamstring the ability of police officers to investigate crime. LD 417 (Roll Call No. 385).

Did you know Democrats were almost successful at decriminalizing possession of large amounts of hard drugs, including cocaine, heroin and fentanyl? The bill narrowly failed LD 967 (Roll Call No. 473).

Did you know Democrats voted to prevent judges from requiring convicted criminals on probation to participate in treatment? LD 844 (Roll Call No. 421).

If you are concerned about these issues, vote Republican on Nov. 8.

Kandi-Lee Hoy

South Portland Republican Municipal Committee

To the editor,

I’m writing to voice my support and vote for Brendan K. Williams for South Portland City Council. As a resident, I’ve witnessed Mr. Williams strong support for long-term affordable and low-income housing. As a renter, Brendan understands the struggles that many renters across the city goes through when it comes to not only finding affordable housing, but also being able to stay there long term.

I’ve seen Mr. Williams post and comment on social media pages his effective ideas to solve the housing crisis. During his campaign, I’ve heard Mr. Williams speak about the urgent need to improve our mental health crisis with help from both the state and federal level.

If elected Brendan will advocate for a temporary shelters for asylum seekers and people suffering from homelessness, while looking for ways to have more long term housing throughout the city.

Victoria Morales, representative, Dist. 33

South Portland

To the editor,

As a 20-year resident of South Portland, I am proud to support Steve Silver for city council. Steve is a person with outstanding analytical and communication skills, which he will apply to the many challenges that our city is facing.

As an employment attorney working on behalf of employers, Steve has unique insight into the needs and challenges of our business community and is determined to clear the path of undue regulation that inhibits their success. Steve previously served on the Maine State Board of Property Tax Review and is currently chair of the Maine Gambling Control Board.

As a young father of twins, Steve is aware of the pressure on families with the increasing costs of heating oil and groceries and is determined to exercise extreme discipline when reviewing the city budget, especially as it pertains to increased property taxes.

Steve believes firmly in the need for transparency and responsiveness in the role of city councilor and with his experience in law and balanced views, will be a much-needed and welcomed moderating factor on our current city council. Please join me in voting for Steve Silver in November

Ellen Clancy

South Portland

To the editor,

Please join me and others in voting for Marty Riehle for South Portland School Board. Her career as the vice president of nursing at Maine Medical is well known. As associate chief nursing officer she managed the functioning of 24 operating rooms and associated departments and managed a multi-million dollar budget. Her commitment to delivering the best health care possible will carry over to helping deliver the best educational experience for our students and parents.

Marty has an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School. She has the background and experience to understand complex financial issues and the demands placed on a limited budget.

Just as she supported her medical staff, Marty will support our teachers and staff to deliver their best. As a school board member, she will be able to weigh competing financial demands and understand budget processes.

In these challenging economic times Marty Riehle is the person we need to join our school board. Vote for Marty Riehle and our students will be the big winners.

Robert Sellin

South Portland

To the editor,

I am homeowner and small business owner in South Portland. My business, My Wonderful Dog, a dog training and off-leash dog walking company, has been in operation since 2000 and for 10 years I’ve been walking groups of dogs in South Portland.

Dog walking had been my most reliable source of income until last year when the city council, without warning and no outreach to businesses that might be affected, mandated that having more than two dogs off leash at a time, was illegal.

During the height of the debate, and prior to the passage of the new laws, I had written an email to all the councilors outlining some practical solutions to the off-leash issue because, in my opinion, simply banning dogs from certain areas would never address some of the legitimate complaints that many residents had about off leash dogs. At the time, only two councilors took the time to acknowledge my email, and none reached out when the restrictions passed.

Late 2021, I contacted the zoning board to see if I could find a space to expand my training business. I was told flat out that South Portland does not permit dog businesses, even though I knew of several past examples (including a business I had on Thaddeus Street). In contrast, not only was the city of Portland willing to work with me, but their business liaison reached out to South Portland on my behalf. To my embarrassment, she never got a response.

South Portland is anti-dog and seems to be anti-business, and that needs to change. That’s why I support Steve Silver for city council. He will consider both sides of the dog issue and he understands that small business is the lifeblood of our community. He will stand up for all of us.

Elsa Larsen

South Portland

To the editor,

After watching the South Portland city council candidates forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, I feel confident in casting my vote for Natalie West as one of our at-large South Portland city councilors. Natalie displayed equanimity and thoughtfulness in her demeanor and in her responses.

Natalie has been active in the community and involved in diverse issues for many years. She has maintained positive and friendly relationships, even in the face of differing points of view. She has a proven history of working well with city staff and other officials in addressing pressing issues and helping to draft critical policy.

Natalie understands the need for climate crisis response and has a deep understanding of the impact that local policy can have in making change. Stepping into the role of city councilor in South Portland will be an easy transition for Natalie, as she has demonstrated care and commitment to our South Portland community in all of my interactions with her over the years.

I hope my South Portland friends and neighbors will join me in voting for Natalie West, who will represent with discernment and a balanced approach to local government.

April Caricchio

South Portland

To the editor,

I am writing in support of South Portland City Council candidate Richard Matthews. He is a lifelong South Portland resident who has dedicated so much time and effort to our city. Mr. Matthews is even tempered and honest, and takes the time to listen to, and consider, what others have to say — whether he may agree with their viewpoint or not.

I have known Mr. Matthews for about eight years, mostly through his hard work and diligence while seated on the South Portland School Board. My oldest child has Down syndrome, and Mr. Matthews was always one of his biggest cheerleaders, both on and off of the board. He always considered my thoughts on special education policy and procedures, and made sure that students like my son had a voice. Our city’s students will benefit from his years of service for a long time to come.

Now we have the opportunity to elect Mr. Matthews to our city council. South Portland will be well served by his expertise and care, and is the ideal candidate to move our city forward.

Jennifer Christensen

South Portland

To the editor,

As I think about the upcoming elections, I believe the world and the city are at a critical juncture re climate, the economy and social justice. To address these difficult issues, we will need a profound willingness to accurately identify problems, consider all our options and work together. If we over-simplify complex problems or blame others, we will fail to accurately identify problems.

We need to look at issues as part of a big picture and appreciate deeply held values and beliefs as integral to decision making. Everyone needs to be able to at least live with solutions, know their voices were respected and understand the rationale for decisions. The opportunity to correct for errors needs be built into planning.

It is hard to commit to a decision and at the same time know that the course might need correction; we need to be both courageous and humble. We have made mistakes in the past, we will make mistakes again and yet we have to move forward. This requires some level of trust and belief in a common good. This is what I believe is required of all of us.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve six years on the South Portland City Council. When I chose not to run for re-election, I wanted to have someone I respect be elected in my place. I believe Natalie West would be an excellent council member because of her integrity, knowledge, skill and compassion.

Susan Henderson

South Portland

Portland ship chandlery

To the editor,

The oldest continuous ship chandlery in the 1960s was Sargent Lord & Company. Founded in 1878, the store and
warehouse was located on Portland Pier. For over 30 years, my father, Ralph A. MacLean, Jr, worked in the grocery section. He developed a lasting circle of friends when Portland was mostly a working waterfront.

The company supplied every type of vessel with provisions and marine hardware. Prior to World War II, the company
supplied some of the first “ocean ships” built at the South Portland Shipyard. Large port and starboard steamship lanterns hung over the front door of the store as the mark of a ship chandlery.

Ralph A. MacLean III

South Portland

Writing to persuade

I am an adjunct professor at Southern Maine Community College teaching preparatory reading and writing. My students are learning how to write letters to the editor as part of their instruction in Writing to Persuade. This is the third installment, and we hope you will read and enjoy their viewpoints.

Rosemarie De Angelis

SMCC Professor

To the editor,

The cartoon of Simba is the scene that represents Africa; many people are raised with the belief that Africa is a country in a forest. Africa is a continent that has 54 countries, many cultures, languages, religions, politics, agriculture and cuisine.

Today we don’t all have the capacity to travel, but we have television, internet and books. Africa is the second largest continent. The USA, China, India, Europe and Japan could all fit inside its geographic border.

I would like the education system of colonizing countries to introduce the study of the African continent, and the writers have to cancel the word territory in their books.

Africa is not a country. Try to cultivate ourselves with the internet every day. Yes. We can’t know everything, but knowing that Africa is a continent is the minimum we should know.

Jandia Sonia B. Macosso

Angola

To the editor,

A gym is a place where people go to train and exercise but also to unwind and socialize. Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.

You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? Exercise helps to prevent excess weight gain and maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. It combats stress and disease, improves mood, boosts energy and promotes better sleep. It improves the ability of doing everyday activities like going to work or school.

People often go to the gym in order to lose weight. Many machines such as treadmills show the number of calories you have used during your exercise.

People who exercise regularly tend to live healthier and longer lives. You should definitely exercise often to remain healthy. Don’t be lazy. Go to the gym today.

Moise Armel Kanga Mbella

Congo Brazzaville

To the editor,

Doing your work on time and planning your day will make your day help you focus and feel better. It’s important to do homework or other daily work, but the most important thing is to do it on time.

The benefits are decreased stress, more energy, and a comfortable day and clear goals. Also doing work on time will make you feel successful. When I delay my work I feel confused, nervous, disorganized and the work will pile up on me. That’s why I learned to do it on time.

Most people delay their homework and daily work in life, so I advise everyone to commit to doing your work on time to live comfortably.

Teba Alsalihi

Iraq, Baghdad

To the editor,

Music is very important in my life. It accompanies me in all stages of life. This can be traditional, religious, urban, classic or modern music. Music brings a good feeling. I first learned music when I was 9 years old, going to church with my parents.

In achievements, we celebrate with music and everything gets even better. Music also brings nostalgia. Listening makes you remember someone, food or other moments already lived. In 2014, I decided music would be my life, my career, my passion.

Reader, when you can listen to good music, it will bring you many benefits. Try listening in your day, when you are going to work or when you are free at home. Music will make your day lively, make your heart full of love and will make you excited. Listen today.

Gloire Ilonde Eale Bolele

Democratic Republic of the Congo

To the editor,

Learning another language is helpful, because a person with this capacity can communicate with other nationalities without problem. Today there is an urgent need for increased cultural understanding than ever before.

First, if we learn how to speak a new language, we are able to share and express our thinking with more people. Next, we have many people who are migrating from their native land to developed countries in search of greener pastures. Speaking a new language helps people to settle at other places and achieve their goals. We can feel isolated when we are not able to understand others.

All schools should teach more than one language. I advise people who don’t have time to learn new languages at school, to install the application in their phone and spend one hour every day to learn. I would like you to go to adult education and start your free basic English class to be ready for college.

Anne Koumissi

Cameroon

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