Broken bottles
Maine’s bottle redemption law has driven me to the brink; or should I say Clynk? For the most part, it has functioned as designed and kept beverage containers out of landfills and off the side of our roads. For quite some time it was relatively easy to return and redeem the empty containers but that is no longer the case. Where once there were numerous redemption centers to choose from, now there are precious few, and they are being overrun with patrons and containers due to the lack of available centers.
The lone redemption center in Topsham has been closed since the pandemic claiming a lack of hired help. The outlet on Bath Road in Brunswick is closing due to a rent increase they could not maintain. The only other center in Brunswick has limited hours and if you don’t get there at the right time, the lines become too long for our meager returns. Speaking of which, why do you wait six months and have to back up a dump truck with your beer bottles? There is nothing more frustrating than showing up with a single bag only to be stuck behind a guy who looks like he just cleaned up after a frat party.
I was then alerted to a redemption center in Lisbon open seven days a week. A bit of a drive but worth it to get rid of our cans and bottles. This was the tipping point, no pun intended. After the many miles we pull in to see activity around the building. We drag out our bags and containers and approached the door only to see a crudely written sign taped to the glass to say they were out of money and to come back tomorrow.
So yes, I gave in and established a Clynk account. I write this not to promote a business but rather to share my frustration with the functionality of the beverage container law. I am sure I am not alone.
Steven Edmondson,
Topsham
Douglas Rooks’ analysis of Maine issues and his policy prescriptions nearly always make me nod in agreement. Not so with his “Doing public power the right way” (Oct. 20 Times Record).We have two key points of agreement. First, Maine’s foreign-owned monopoly utilities, Central Maine Power and Versant, are among the worst performing in America. Second, creating a Maine Public Power Authority is needed to reach Maine’s ambitious climate goals: an accelerated transition to renewable energy and electrification of the economy (heat pumps, electric vehicles, etc.). I’ve previously made this case in the Portland Press Herald (“Maine needs to ‘go big’ to meet climate goals” March 22).Where Rooks’ analysis and policy prescription fall short is in his critique of the Pine Tree Power initiative, which would replace our investor-owned monopolies with a consumer-owned utility. Rooks’ argument against Pine Tree Power rests on two core inaccuracies.First, he contends that “Figuring out how this would actually work – there’s nothing like it elsewhere – can provoke queasiness.” On the contrary, America has a great deal of successful experience with consumer-owned utilities. Nearly one-third of American households – and 97 Maine towns — currently receive their power through COUs. Generally, COU electricity is both cheaper and more reliable than private monopolies.Second, Rooks naively accepts Central Maine Power’s grossly inflated $13 billion estimate of the cost of acquiring its assets. The actual acquisition cost, to be established by independent auditors, is likely a fraction of that magnitude. And the assets would be acquired by issuing long term bonds at a low tax-exempt interest rate.Maine must indeed “go big” to reach its climate goals, and a consumer owned utility should be at the heart of our strategy.David VailProfessor of Economics emeritus, Bowdoin CollegeBrunswick
Countering the housing crunch
The City of Bath should consider doing what neighboring communities, such as Freeport, are doing by building affordable housing units in under-utilized parking areas. Bath doesn’t have as much open land as some communities but what it does have could be better used.
For example, the shopping area now occupied in part by Shaw’s has had empty store fronts and half vacant parking lots now for several years. Taking that space and building affordable housing would generate more income for the businesses in that area while placing residents within walking distance of the downtown and close to major highways for commuters and public transportation.
Another area of Bath begging for more housing is the former site of Morse High School on High Street. Rather than using a good portion of this land in the center of town for a new and expansive fire department, the city should consider building it on a Wing Farm site where there is plenty of space and much easier access to major routes in and out of the city, leaving the space on High Street for more housing.
More and better housing begins with more effective urban planning in the City of Bath.Richard Kessler,
Bath
You can trust Mrs. BakerI met Linda Baker a couple of years ago as I became interested in how to better serve my community. Linda has been a role model to many as an educator for over 30 years, as a community leader serving on Topsham committees, and as a Maine State Senator. In speaking with Linda, I know the value Linda places on supporting teachers and schools while also believing in the important role parents play in shaping the educational experience of their children.Not only is Linda a champion of education, but she has proven her dedication to Maine’s environment as well as her commitment to seeking real life solutions to complex issues. Linda knows how to serve the citizens of Maine by being willing to reach across the aisle for the benefit of all stakeholders.Imagine my shock when a mailer from an outside entity came to my home falsely claiming that Linda Baker cannot be trusted. Who are these people? How can they make false accusations? I know it happens all of the time, but not in our community.I know Linda Baker. I know her dedication to serving her community and the citizens of Maine. Linda is a trusted member of our community. I refuse to let negative ads from outsiders influence my vote. I have voted for Linda Baker, and I hope you do to.
Holly Kopp,
Topsham
Vitelli for senate
We have voted in many elections over the past 50 years and one thing that is clear is that issues of policy come and go. This year’s priority issues are likely to be forgotten before the next election. This is not to diminish the importance of the issues facing voters this year.
What is important is that individuals who represent us at every level of government have integrity, are willing to work across the aisle, and listen to their constituents. For these reasons we strongly support the reelection of Sen. Eloise Vitelli. During her time in the Legislature, she has consistently met these high standards while also advocating for important issues such as jobs creation, protection of women’s rights as well as those of all Mainers, making health care available to thousands of additional Mainers, supporting working people, protecting the environment, and increasing access to education.
For these reasons, we urge you to cast your vote for Sen. Vitelli on election day.
Mary and Peter Walsh,
Dresden
Jauch for District 51 Rep.
Please join me in voting for Rebecca Jauch for State Representative for District 51, covering most of Topsham. I am so pleased she has stepped up to run. Sometimes when you leave a job, you worry that the people and projects you care about will get lost in the shuffle. After eight years as Topsham’s representative, I had that worry — but not anymore.With Becky on the job, I sure that my constituents will have a new Representative who takes their calls and works to meet their individual needs and our community’s concerns. She is hard-working, smart, and she really cares. Having knocked on over 2000 doors she has heard from and seen much of our town. Haven’t heard from her? Give her a call – (207) 522-7438. I know she’d love to hear from you.
Denise Tepler,
Topsham
Re-elect Arford
I am writing to encourage my fellow residents of Brunswick’s newly created District 101 to vote to re-elect Poppy Arford for State Representative to the Maine House of Representatives.
Poppy worked hard and effectively as a State Representative in the last legislative session. In addition to creating and/supporting legislation that positively impacted Brunswick townspeople, Poppy also provided a range of constituent services that helped Brunswick residents identify and effectively connect with local and state services. As a recipient of Poppy’s assistance with an issue effecting my family, I can attest to the value of this service. Poppy identified and provided information about an agency that had lots of information about and influence on the issue facing our family. It enabled us to have a more productive response to the issues we were facing. Poppy’ response was not only productive, but it was also prompt.
Vote for Poppy Arford for continued effective and caring representation.Sandra HodgeBrunswick
Elect Peter Lewis
The residents of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, and Richmond have observed the perspectives and agendas of candidates in the upcoming election. Peter Lewis’ town hall Zoom meetings are a unique way for voters in Maine House District 52 to learn who Peter is and what he stands for.
After attending a town hall meeting on Oct. 15, Peter has earned my vote this November. Peter was refreshingly transparent and pragmatic in addressing our community’s needs. I am confident Peter will lead with integrity and respect for all.
As an educator and parent, I believe Peter will represent and advocate for all educational stakeholders, especially parents and students, the most important of all the stakeholders.
Peter’s willingness to examine the issues and listen to concerns sets him apart from other candidates. Peter has earned my support and my vote, and I encourage you to vote for Peter Lewis on Nov. 8.
Sarah K. Hughes
Bowdoinham
Running for the right reasonThis is a time when I find myself thinking about public servants and what motivates them to run for office. I suspect the reasons are varied and more or less admirable depending on the person. There is no doubt that Cheryl Golek, running for the Maine House of Representatives in District 99 (Harpswell and part of Brunswick), is motivated to run by a desire to help others, including those who need help the most.Cheryl grew up locally, learning about our communities and the challenges many of our neighbors face. Long before seeking public office, she reacted to her own experiences by advocating for others. Eventually the encouragement she received convinced her that she could play an impactful role as our state representative. In addition to the important work, she will do in Augusta, I am convinced that Cheryl will excel at constituent services and will be someone we all can turn to if we need an advocate.It will be an honor to cast my vote for Cheryl on Nov. 8.Linda Kreamer,
Orr’s Island
Vote Golek
It is time to cast our vote and deliver the message we want our state government to continue to work together and for all of us. Maine is strong and has the momentum to continue moving forward, not backwards. At a debate I attended last week LePage called Maine a “disaster.” Florida may be a disaster, not Maine … perhaps Lepage forgot where he was.In Harpswell/Brunswick, Rep. Joyce McCreight has termed out, now is the opportunity for candidate Cheryl Golek to be elected as our District 99’s Representative. Rep McCreight worked tirelessly for us all. McCreight’s reputation of partnering with her fellow legislators and her constituents (including Cheryl and myself) to get policies passed in Augusta is a standard we want to see continued.
Specifically, McCreight’s legacy in strengthening women’s reproductive rights must be protected and I know Golek will do just that. I have known Cheryl for 5 years and she understands the responsibility and demonstrates the commitment it takes to do the job in keeping us moving forward, not backwards. Go vote, vote Golek!
Sheila Menair,
Harpswell
I hope that voters in Brunswick’s new District 101 will vote to re-elect our current State Representative, Poppy Arford. During her first term, Poppy made significant progress to address homelessness and to increase affordable housing in our community. By collaborating with Brunswick’s Tedford Housing and sponsoring a bill to fund new construction of emergency housing, our community is better prepared to address the housing shortage so common throughout Maine.Having volunteered at our local soup kitchen for seven years, I’ve met and heard the circumstances of many who face the challenges of homelessness and limited housing options. Many of us don’t realize that we are just one or two life events away from being unable to afford our current homes. With a job loss or loss of medical insurance, an unexpected illness or accident, most of our patrons never expected to lose their homes.Poppy’s efforts have begun to provide a safety net for our community, with plans to evolve as state and local experts continue to develop better solutions. To continue to make progress on this and the other critical issues we face, I hope you will vote to re-elect Poppy Arford as our District 101 Representative.Kathy Higgins,
Brunswick
State Representative Poppy Arford has served her constituents well during her first term representing House District 101 (the redrawn former District 49) and should be reelected for another term in the legislature. Her commitment to representing the people of Maine is reflected in her 100% record for roll call votes during her first term. In addition, Poppy served on the Health Coverage, Insurance and Finance Services Committee, and here again, Poppy never missed a committee meeting and actively participated in addressing the many challenges presented to this committee. Finally, Poppy was a member of the Housing Caucus, the Gun Safety Caucus and the Health Care Caucus. There is no doubt that Poppy follows up her passion for the issues that are important to her by doing all she can in her legislative role to help many Mainers. Poppy does all she can to solve problems and improve the lives of all Mainers.In the legislature, Poppy’s main areas of concern are advocating for high quality, universal and affordable health care, and seeking solutions to the housing crisis that plagues a substantial number of Mainers today. She sponsored and supported bills that provided practical, workable solutions for these issues. Constituents may visit her personal or legislative website for additional information about Poppy’s legislative activities and accomplishments. The residents of House District 101 would be well served by voting for Poppy Arford on election day. She is the type of person who we should want to represent us, because she cares of the people of Maine.
Richard M Kania,
Brunswick
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