Letters

Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Concerned about ‘corporate’ cannabis market? Pass Question 1, then amend if necessary

I’ve seen a lot of “No on Question 1” commentary that opposes legalization of cannabis in Maine on the grounds that the initiative will invite corporate control of Maine’s cannabis market. The question and the proposed law may be imperfect, but justice too long delayed is justice denied. If you vote “no,” and the question […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Backing by small-business owners could add new jobs

I urge Maine’s small-business owners to vote Yes on 1. Regulating and taxing marijuana for adults is an opportunity to create a responsible new industry that will help agriculture, manufacturing and tourism and ripple through our economy. Tourism growth in Colorado has outpaced the nation, and Colorado has one of the fastest-growing state economies in […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Tips aren’t affected by minimum wage laws

As a server at a restaurant in downtown Portland, I’d like to clear up some misperceptions about Question 4, the minimum-wage referendum. Contrary to some of the fears out there, tips are just as high or higher in states that have raised or phased out the subminimum wage for restaurant servers. Think about it: Do […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Vote ‘no’ to keep marijuana users off Maine roads, sidewalks

I really have a difficult time dealing with Question 1. I will vote “no.” I have seen young men outside Hannaford smoking marijuana. They throw it on the ground and go in to shop, glassy-eyed. The odor is just offensive, not just to myself but others. I certainly do not want to meet these people […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Interfering in labor markets impedes growth

Leave aside the academic debate about how many job losses are caused by moderate minimum-wage increases, these increases are part of a larger problem. If third parties constantly interfere in important business decisions like starting-level pay, overtime compensation and the amount of time off, all of which have significant effects on the cost of labor, […]

Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Voting ‘yes’ offers chance to grab an emerging industry

I’m a working single mom, a PTA member and a volunteer in my community. The fear of stigma, the impact to my career and the legal risks of being associated with marijuana stopped me from sharing my story for a long time. I’m speaking out because now is the time for Mainers to act. Voting […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Dave Miramant pursues what constituents need; re-elect him in Senate District 12

Democrat Dave Miramant is a pilot and local businessman who has served his district well in the Maine Senate and deserves re-election. I have had the pleasure of working with Sen. Miramant on myriad issues in recent years. Sen. Miramant has worked hard to balance the need for a healthy environment and the need for […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: For leadership skills, elect ‘Molly’ MacAuslan to Maine Senate

After watching the Cape Elizabeth Town Council during the past several years, I have come to admire the ability of Martha “Molly” MacAuslan, council chairman, to bring people together to make progress. She has the rare ability to listen to disparate views and find common ground and solutions to difficult problems. She is running as […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Chris Caiazzo will vote for health, child care; elect him in House District 28

Health care and child care issues are important to me, and I couldn’t disagree more with the record of Republican state Rep. Heather Sirocki, who’s seeking re-election in District 28. She voted against a bill to strengthen childhood vaccination against deadly diseases; opposed expanding access to MaineCare for low-income Mainers; opposed using available federal funds […]
Published
November 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Rep. Karen Vachon is smart, tireless worker; re-elect her in House District 29

This letter is in support of the re-election candidacy of Republican Karen Vachon in Maine House District 29 in Scarborough. I have known Karen for six years as a fellow agent in the health insurance business and can say unequivocally that she serves her clients with unsurpassed energy, dedication and skill at a time of […]

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Letters