Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster

The Universal Notebook: 'Mud, mud, I love mud'

“April,” poet T.S. Eliot wrote in “The Wasteland,” “is the cruelest month, breeding/Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing/Memory and desire, stirring/Dull rots with spring rain.” I have never fully comprehended what Eliot had against April, unless it was that signs of rebirth and renewal reminded him of the transient nature of life. But if […]

Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster

The Right View: Economics is a matter of right vs. left

While out driving last week, I caught a bit of the WGAN Morning News with Ken and Mike. A gentleman had called in making the case that while many of us are out here in the media shouting about right-this and left-that, he was just trying to work and survive. While we are all discussing […]

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Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster

Policy Wonk: Only Gov. LePage is above the law

As odd as it may seem, the headline on this piece reflects Maine’s reality. In 2012, Gov. Paul LePage refused to issue $40 million in voter-approved bonds, notwithstanding a constitutional duty imposed on him to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” Other constitutional provisions characterize voter approved bonds as “an enactment” – in […]

Posted inForecaster Opinion, Portland Forecaster, The Forecaster

Superintendent's Notebook: Response to trends today impacts tomorrow

Maine is experiencing several of trends. For example, the state’s population is aging, and we’re facing environmental challenges as we consider how to best meet Maine’s energy needs. How we respond to trends today will impact our future, so it’s very important that we react thoughtfully. That is why I’m inviting you to an important […]

Posted inForecaster Opinion, Portland Forecaster, The Forecaster

Letter: Tax rates put Portland and Maine at disadvantage

With Maine politicians debating tax policy, I’m reminded of the tax burden differences for two coastal New England cities: • State income tax rate (married couples earning more than $41,850): Portland, Maine – 7.95 percent, Portsmouth, New Hampshire – 0 percent. • State capital gains tax rate (married couples earning more than $41,850): Portland – […]

Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster

Letter: LePage damages Maine's reputation, economy

Thanks once again to Edgar Allen Beem for his astute summary of Gov. Paul LePage’s reign of terror. LePage’s followers often tout his rising above his street upbringing to achieve business success. Based on his crude behavior, it looks to me as though he takes “the street” with him wherever he goes. His obscene speech […]

Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster

Letter: Columnist, LePage take the same tack

In reaction to recent praise for Julie McDonald-Smith’s columns, I would like to suggest the praise is due not so much for what she has to say, as for The Forecaster’s willingness to publish her right-wing blurb, riddled with lopsided, distorted, simplistic and twisted logic. An example is her recent rant about alleged welfare fraud […]

Posted inPortland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster

South Portland water main repair expected to snarl traffic near Casco Bay Bridge

SOUTH PORTLAND — Drivers can expect major delays Sunday while the Portland Water District repairs a water main at the intersection of Waterman Drive and Broadway from 7 a.m-7 p.m. Westbound traffic on Broadway will be shut down, according to a Fire Department press release, and traffic in other directions is expected to experience significant delays. […]