What a relief to read last week’s “Taxes unchanged under Falmouth budgets.” Kudos to our town manager and all who helped. I hope they continue the practice. Such efforts just may haul us out of the rabbit hole I feel we’ve fallen down. A thrifty Yankee upbringing has always persuaded me, a lifelong Democrat, that […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Main Street means business
As a business owner on Main Street and a citizen of Cumberland for 35 years, I would like to see the credit union on Main Street to restore the original business activity in town. Route 9 is called Main Street for a reason: it is the main artery through town. It should feature business, tradesmen […]
advertisement
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Quality of life is not enough
How many times have you heard that Maine’s “quality of place” is our competitive advantage, our unique and unquestioned asset that attracts businesses and creative types who will support and sustain our economy? Or perhaps you’ve heard it said that our “quality of life” is what sets us apart, that we have what the world […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Have they no shame?
The most compelling thing about the howls of public and political execration aimed at the big bonuses given the bailed-out boneheads at AIG is not so much the understandable outrage at rewarding failure with gifts of tax dollars, but the fact the American people haven’t been able to work up such anger over far more […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Shame on South Portland
I am writing to express the great disappointment I feel for the shameful way South Portland treated some well-respected, long-time employees who were known for exemplary service in their departments. For me, this whole sorry event raises questions about the personal integrity, accountability and plain common sense of our civic leaders. Those responsible for this […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Scarborough feedback
The boards of the Scarborough Community Chamber and Scarborough Economic Development Corp. wish to thank those in the business community who participated in a series of successful forums held on March 4 and 5 at the Scarborough Municipal Building. As previously reported, the two organizations are reaching out to the community […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Be heard
President Obama has indicated in numerous speeches that it is the responsibility of citizens to take part in the democratic process by speaking out about what matters to them. In fact, his administration created a Web site to collect our feedback. I think it is crucial that we take his mandate seriously and let our […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Input needed on facilities
I want to thank the 140 people who attended the March 12 public meeting organized by Falmouth’s Ad Hoc Community Facilities Planning Committee. In advance of this large event, members of the committee visited with more than 30 community organizations to spread information, gather feedback and encourage folks to come to this larger meeting. The […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Facilities event fails
Last week I joined 130 or so of my fellow Falmouth citizens, and what appeared to be the entire town staff, at the much-heralded Community Facilities Planning event. The 98 percent of town residents who were tied up making a living or putting kids to bed missed quite a time. The coffee was hot, the […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
'Go ahead'
Hannah Merker called me from Bristol last week to ask a few questions about how I write my columns and where I get my ideas. I told her my motto is “Make a week’s pay off everyone you meet” and warned her that she might easily turn into a column. And here it is. Hannah […]