Letters

Published
April 30, 2018

Letter to the editor: Lawyer Rubin Segal enters race for Cumberland County judge of probate

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for judge of probate for Cumberland County as a Democrat. I currently have a solo law practice in Portland, which I have maintained for almost 30 years. I am a native of Portland, having grown up on Munjoy Hill, where my parents had a mom-and-pop grocery store for […]
Published
April 30, 2018

Letter to the editor: It’s hard for Maine parents to find good help for a troubled child

Regarding the letter headlined “Youths taking action to prevent suicides” (Page A4, April 24): As a parent who struggled to find help for a now-grown child, let me make it clear: The stigma and shame came as the result of seeking help, both from professionals and other community resources. One of the most stinging and […]
Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: Scarborough shaken by tacky coverage

Issues over the schools aren't a 'cage fight.'
Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: Term-limit modification well worth the discussion

Thanks for running the piece I co-authored with George Smith on modifying term limits for legislators (“Commentary: Time to term out term limits,” April 22). I hope it will provoke some discussion and some action. A minor correction: The editor’s note identified me as a Republican. That was my party affiliation for many years, but […]
Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: Windmills part of answer to exploitation of resources

Maine Voices columnist Roger Merchant rails against the proliferation of wind farms in northern Maine (”Wanted: Windmill, power-line free zones,” April 22, Page D2). He says the ubiquitous flashing lights on these towers result in “losing visual ground.” I noticed that he is described as a forester and photographer but nowhere is he described as […]

Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: Trump clips protections for our migratory birds

I am dismayed that the Trump administration has reinterpreted the century-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Department of the Interior has issued a statement of guidance that releases an individual or company from accountability for the death of a migratory bird if their intent was not to “take” (read: kill) the bird. In practical terms, […]
Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: How Mills needs reminding that justice isn’t foolproof

Here’s what your readers should know about Janet Mills, Maine’s current attorney general, who is running for governor: Last spring, L.D. 677 came before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. It attempted to amend Maine’s post-conviction review law to allow prisoners a fair chance for a retrial by establishing a legal basis for a claim of actual […]
Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: Gaston’s column brings to mind poignant observation

The thoughtful and poignant April 22 Maine Observer column by Zoe Gaston, about her remembrance of a dead bird, brought to mind one of my favorite observations: “An atomic explosion pales by comparison with the cosmic upheaval that occurs the first time a 4-year-old discovers a dead bird in the corner of the barn.” Thanks […]
Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: Maintain student graduation standards

I urge Maine lawmakers to keep the proficiency-based high school diploma law and not go the optional route. I also urge them to get back to the people’s business. I taught for 36 years, 25 in midcoast Maine. I saw schools reach for every new, shiny program that purported to improve students’ academic proficiency. New […]
Published
April 29, 2018

Letter to the editor: Poliquin oblivious to Maine’s hunger

Even as parts of Maine make a comeback, thousands of Mainers are still struggling to make ends meet. This reality is perhaps best seen in statistics regarding food insecurity; citing the federal 2013-2015 average, a 2017 Good Shepherd Food Bank-Preble Street study revealed that Maine is the third hungriest state in the nation. To the […]

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Letters