In an era of “it’s all about me,” how heartening to discover that people still jump to help when help is really needed. That’s what this story is about. It began unfolding on Nov. 15, around 6:30 p.m. The Chebeague Transportation Co. had just returned from its regular 15-minute run to Cousins Island. Two weeks […]

Who is this guy, Alan Caron, and why would he make a good governor? Al Diamon gave us his opinion in a recent column, but I would like to tell you my story. Many people know me as an “ideas guy” who has thought a lot about growing Maine’s economy and creating a smarter, more […]

So, what with all the revelations and recriminations about sexual harassment, misconduct and assault, is 2017 shaping up to be a watershed year for women’s rights, gender equity and social justice? As a man, a husband and a father of daughters, I would like to think so, but somehow I kind of doubt it. On […]

Even on those rare occasions when he’s being sort of reasonable, Republican Gov. Paul LePage somehow manages to come off as totally unreasonable. It’s a talent. Take Medicaid expansion, for example. Voters approved it in referendum in early November by a substantial margin, a stunning rebuke to LePage, who had vetoed similar measures five times. […]

Welcome to another edition of Boos and Bravos, where we skewer the daft and uplift the worthy: BRAVO to President Trump’s brush-off of Time magazine’s duplicitous advances. According to Trump’s tweet, the magazine offered to make the 45th president the man of the year if he agreed to a big photo shoot and in-depth interview. […]

“Will somebody let the dog out?” If you haven’t made that request or heard it said, it’s the general plea to which few ever respond in time. It’s assumed someone else will do it and then it’s too late. Well, let’s put this request in plain language: Will you please let the dog out? In […]

As the reports of celebrities and politicians perpetrating sexual misconduct continue to grab headlines at a dizzying pace, I feel hopeful that we are edging closer to equal footing and safety for women in particular. If I let myself dream, I can even hope that some increment of justice is being exacted. However, I am […]

As the reports of celebrities and politicians perpetrating sexual misconduct continue to grab headlines at a dizzying pace, I feel hopeful that we are edging closer to equal footing and safety for women in particular. If I let myself dream, I can even hope that some increment of justice is being exacted. However, I am […]

Al Diamon’s description about ranked-choice voting (“Politics & Other Mistakes: Ranked-choice snake oil”) is right on the mark. RCV has been proposed as a voting methodology that will produce a “majority” candidate, improve the tenor of the debate, and improve the opportunity for political minority candidates. Unfortunately, these “facts” may not be true, as was […]

Al Diamon’s description about ranked-choice voting (“Politics & Other Mistakes: Ranked-choice snake oil”) is right on the mark. RCV has been proposed as a voting methodology that will produce a “majority” candidate, improve the tenor of the debate, and improve the opportunity for political minority candidates. Unfortunately, these “facts” may not be true, as was […]