In Bath’s Democratic primary, I was surprised to learn that “being a native” was considered as a differentiator between the candidates. Our city just received the Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust Main Street Center. This recognition comes from countless hours of dedication from citizens, business owners and municipal employees. I would […]

I am supporting Jon Hinck, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. I am impressed with his sincerity, knowledge of issues important to me, and his eagerness to make a difference in Washington. Jon understands that striving toward lower cost energy and lowering our dependence on fossil fuels not only provides jobs today, but strengthens our […]

Saw a bumper sticker the other day that had a peace symbol on it and the words “Footprint of the American Chicken.”  The message was pretty clear: War is patriotic, peace is cowardice. Unfortunately, patriotism in this country has become misidentified with militarism and nationalism. My country right or wrong. Might makes right. True patriotism, […]

I was a few years behind Mitt Romney at Cranbrook. I even lived in the same dorm, although he was gone before I arrived. I’ve been bemused by all the references to Cranbrook as “prestigious” and “elite.” My experience is better described as hyper-competitive, Dickensian, unforgiving – a gulag. OK, maybe not “gulag,” although I’m […]

It’s time to say farewell. As I prepare to leave the Portland Public Schools next month, I am thankful that this former Portland High School dropout had the opportunity to give back to the city of my birth, and thankful to the staff that helped me along the way. My first speech three years ago […]

I came to know Karen Campbell five years ago when she was president of the Greely Volleyball Boosters. Since that time we’ve shared hours cheering for Greely’s volleyball and track teams and, in general, getting to know each other. A shared belief in the value of education and enrichment for all students – not just […]

About 80 percent of the proposed budget increase for the 2012-2013 school year in School Administrative District 51 addresses the ending of federal jobs funds, increases in mandated services, and prior contractual commitments. The modest additional spending of just over 1 percent makes valuable investments to solidify our gains in learning and teaching – including […]

I encourage Cumberland residents to vote for Jeff Porter for SAD 51 School Board. A lifelong Cumberland resident, Jeff has never stopped giving back to the community in which he grew up and has raised his five children, all current or former SAD 51 students.  As a parent, I feel fortunate that Jeff has decided […]

I’m supporting Sara Gideon, Democrat for Maine’s House of Representatives, for her thoughtful consideration shown on many important issues. Her support of Freeport’s Shellfish Commission and small businesses make her an excellent candidate for the Legislature. Sara’s experience on the Town Council provides her with special knowledge of what Freeport residents truly need. Property taxes, […]

I am writing to encourage my neighbors in Freeport and Pownal to vote for Melanie Sachs, a Democratic candidate for the House District 106 seat. Given her political experience working with Sen. George Mitchell and working for Mainecare reform, and her long career as a social worker in both the public and private sectors, Melanie […]