I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the fine work of Mario Moretto, former reporter for The Forecaster, who previously covered South Portland. I serve on the City Council, and I always found Mario to be polite, cooperative, thorough and, most importantly, accurate. He took time to listen, asked meaningful questions and seemed […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inCurrent, Forecaster Opinion, Southern Forecaster
MY SIDE OF SOPO – The selling of a bad plan
Alan Greenspan said, “The number one problem in today’s generation and economy is a lack of financial literacy.” I have often commented on the financial illiteracy of the South Portland school board and the City Council. Their ignorance has resulted in millions in excessive taxes being collected and millions in wasteful spending over the past […]
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Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
No Sugar Added: Vacationland isn't for sissies
Who knew that living at the beach could be so torturous? Me: Who wants to go for a walk on the beach? My children: Ohhh Mom, do we have to? Or, the equally charming response: Not me! It’s July. I drive down the street to the beach – it’s so close to my home that […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
The Universal Notebook: Whose side are you on?
The only decision anyone really has to make between now and the presidential election in November is “Whose side am I on?” The sides and the stakes in the upcoming election could not be more stark or more serious. If you side with the privileged few, you vote for Mitt Romney. If you side with […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Superintendent's Notebook: Teachers hit the classroom in summer
Lots of people envy teachers for having the summer “off.” But many of our teachers in the Portland Public Schools are spending these beautiful, sunny days in class, learning new content and new teaching strategies that will improve their practice. We know that an effective teacher is the most important, school-related factor influencing student achievement. […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Letter: Biking in Harpswell a dangerous affair
Biking in Harpswell, on Route 123 on Harpswell Neck, and on Route 24 on Orr’s and Bailey Island is very hazardous. The roads are hilly, windy, and two-lane, with pathetically narrow “bike lanes” bordering the right shoulders to allow bicycle passage. Cars and trucks traveling at 30-50 mph (depending on the speed limit) pass, often […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Letter: Beem wrong about lowering the drinking age
Ed Beem is so far off base in his recent column, where he advocates lowering the drinking age to 18. Once again, probably due to guilt, he defends his actions to play guardian at a drinking party where his daughter was present. Has he never read of the effects of alcohol on the undeveloped brain […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Letter: King will bring change as U.S. senator
I believe that Angus King is best suited to address the partisan gridlock that continues to undermine our political system. Think about it, there is an astronomically low approval rating beholden to members of Congress, due to the fact that most elected officials are not doing their jobs. We need more people like Gov. King […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Letter: King is one-of-a-kind politician
I began volunteering for the Angus King campaign as a resume builder. Like many Mainers, I was so disenchanted with politicians that I harbored few hopes that Angus was any better. Sure, I knew he was a great governor and I had heard his pledges to run a positive campaign, but I assumed that this […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Letter: In search of reckless Falmouth driver
While my visiting family and I were having some much-needed family reunion time on Cliff Island recently, someone decided to drive recklessly and dangerously through the intersection of Bucknam Road and Middle Road and right through my new fence. It happened just after midnight on July 8. Whoever was driving failed to leave a note […]