LePage Proposal Harmful to Solar Users, Economy

Last week, I traveled to Hallowell to testify in support of net metering for electricity customers who use solar power. In 2015, I installed a solar power array to generate electricity for my household. Through net metering, the excess energy my solar array generates feeds back into the system is energy which CMP and its customers do not have to buy from other, environmentally destructive sources — many of them from out of state. Gov. LePage often talks about promoting investment, yet proposals to gut net metering for solar power would actively discourage and retard investment — investment which helps generate not just electricity, but also economic activity. Solar power and other renewable energy sources are truly the technologies not just of the future, but of the present. Every day, I’m both using and generating solar power, and so are a growing number of residences and businesses here in Maine.

But we lag behind other states in solar power because of a lack of vision from our governor, and we are losing out not just on solar energy but also on jobs and investment. This is disgraceful. We should all work together to bring Maine’s energy economy into the 21st century, and promoting solar energy by providing financial incentives for more households and businesses to invest in it makes sense from an economic, as well as environmental perspective. But if Governor LePage truly does not believe that solar power is a viable source of energy — not just for the future, but for right now, then I have a hot tip for him on a great energy investment opportunity in a major share in a whaling ship set to sail from Nantucket. Good luck with that, Paul.

Janet Lynch,

Pownal

Vote Tucker

We are pleased to express our support for Ben Tucker’s school board candidacy. We think Ben has the experience and passion to serve in this important role.

Keith grew up with Ben in Brunswick and attended Brunswick High School with him. Also like Ben, he left for college and other opportunities but ultimately returned for personal and professional reasons. When we had the opportunity to move to Southern Maine, we chose Brunswick because it is a wonderful community with great schools and teachers.

Ben has young children in the school system and two of our children our now in the school system. We have seen his knowledge and passion at work in many situations. Keith and Ben currently serve together on the board of Family Focus Early Learning Center, a nonprofit organization that provides early childhood education and care, after school programs, and summer camp opportunities in the area. Ben is patient and a great listener, qualities that are critical for a public body such as the school board.

Thank you for the opportunity to share our support for Ben.

Beth and Keith Bisson,

Brunswick

Tepler Critical to Maine

Topsham needs Denise Tepler in the state legislature. She brings the intelligence to dig deep into issues and determine the best path for Topsham and Maine. One important issue is our energy policy. Denise voted for the 2016 comprehensive solar bill that our governor vetoed. In the last few years CMP have invested $1.4 billion in updating it’s bulk power transmission system so that it can deliver more than enough power during the maximum loads. The maximum load is approached only on several warm sunny summer days. That’s the only time that much of this equipment is used. Solar generation peaks on long sunny days. Power from one roof top solar system goes directly to the neighborhood, never reaching the bulk transmission system. Had we invested even a fraction of the $1.4 billion in solar incentives, we could have avoid saddling rate payers with years of higher distribution costs. 2/3 of your electric bill is for distribution charges. That’s where CMP and it’s international parent makes their money. It’s also power delivered during high demand which costs 2 or 3 times the normal rate that makes many gas and oil power plants profitable. Guess who’s paying for think tanks, political advertising, lobbyists and opinion pieces opposing solar and wind? We need re-elect Denise Tepler, who can see past the smoke screen and vote for what’s really best for Maine.

Victor Langelo,

Topsham

Vote Democrat to Hold Governor Accountable

It’s hard to convey in words how disappointed I am in the behavior of our governor. I think we are all up to speed on his actions and I will not waste the newspapers ink rehashing the statements or threats he has made that resemble more comments made by dictators then from those that are in public service. More then ever I am grateful to be living under a democratic form of government where there are always opportunities to make things better.

We need to send a message this election and vote the democratic ticket. As some republicans in the state legislature have ignored calls to even censure the governor as he continues on without consequence it is time to vote them out. I hope you will join me in putting this check on the governor’s power to prevent further damage to our state. In my district the democrats I will be voting for are Denise Tepler for the House and Eloise Vitelli for the Senate. I know they are both responsible and qualified leaders that will serve Maine well. Both individuals of courage they have served Maine well in the past and will do so in the future.

After this election my hope is that the state’s republican party will figure out what it stands for. In the past they have added much to the debate and even though I have not always agreed with their positions I have respected them because of the quality of their leaders. I feel until they can regain control over their own party they do not deserve the keys to Maine. My hope is starting on November 9th they will reflect, they will grow and learn from their mistakes.

Jim Byrne,

Topsham

Greene for Selectman

When you vote, you have the opportunity to vote for two people for Woolwich Selectmen. I am encouraging you to join me in casting one of those votes for Allen Greene. He has been on our Planning Board for 15 years — and Chair for about 10. I have served there with him. He is knowledgable, calm and reasoned, levelheaded and thoughtful. And very interested in this new opportunity to serve. I feel that he would do an excellent job.

Debbie Locke,

Woolwich

Lyons for State Rep

I have known Ruth Lyons for over 40 years. During that time, she has always exhibited an exceptionally high level of integrity and a strong empathy and concern for others. When addressing a problem or issue she has a fierce tenacity for seeing it through to resolution and is always willing to listen to, and thoughtfully consider, the thoughts and ideas of others.

Over the years, Ruth has owned and operated three small businesses. As such, she is aware of the challenges and issues that face the small business owner in the State of Maine. She is committed to addressing those issues and promoting small business ownership.

She has served the residents of Topsham for over 20 years as Town Clerk. She currently holds the position of Selectman. During this time she has come to know and understand the concerns of Topsham’s residents. In addition, she has demonstrated how much she truly cares for the people of Topsham.

It is the aforementioned qualities that back my decision to support Ruth Lyons for State Representative, District 54.

Linda St Louis,

Topsham

Bad deal for Wiscasset

MDOT’s Main Street project is a bad deal for Wiscasset taxpayers. Route 1 is a federal-aid primary highway that the State of Maine is responsible for maintaining, including signal lights, and the state can get federal assistance to do this. Local taxpayers should not shoulder maintenance costs for this big, overly elaborate project.

Last spring, we were enticed to a straw vote by some pretty pictures showing fancy landscaping, café tables and chairs, benches, and a clock — only to discover that Wiscasset would have to pay for all the ongoing maintenance, including plowing and even signal lights. Some in the know calculate that this will cost Wiscasset about $50,000 a year. We’re already struggling with the cost of maintaining town infrastructure — we can’t even keep our existing town clock on Fort Hill working.

Yes, the MDOT should do something to help alleviate traffic congestion on Main Street. They’ve said they are going to put signal lights at Middle and Water streets, with “bump outs” for quicker, safer pedestrian crossing. Okay, let’s give those a try–on the MDOT’s dime. Let’s not commit to a $5-million plan the maintenance of which will add to the burden of Wiscasset taxpayers.

The selectmen should not sign the municipal/state agreement for this project. Townspeople deserve a full understanding of the ongoing costs to them. Come speak your mind at the special selectmen’s meeting devoted entirely to this issue, Tues., Nov. 1, at 6:00 p.m., at the Wiscasset Community Center.

Seaver Leslie,

Wiscasset