Letters

Published
June 7, 2014

Letter to the editor: A ‘no’ vote is a first step toward a more vibrant public realm

The Portland Society for Architecture is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that believes that thoughtful design of our built environment is an integral component of Portland’s vibrancy. That’s why the PSA feels it’s time to recast the Congress Square conversation from one of failure and blame to one of possibility and engagement. The decision facing Portland […]
Published
June 7, 2014

Letter to the editor: Put trust in elected leaders and vote ‘no’ on 1.

I would like to urge my fellow Portland residents to vote “no” on 1. Our city’s leaders were elected by all of us, and in turn, we trust that they’ll do what’s right for the city. The Friends of Congress Square Park emerged because the city was allowing the sale of a small piece of […]
Published
June 6, 2014

Letter to the editor: Anti-LePage letter relied on biased report

I am responding to a letter written by Shirley Rosen of Portland on May 28 (“Women voters would do well to avoid LePage”). She was referring to an article written by reporter Randy Billings, who covered the Women’s Legislative Council of Maine meeting in Augusta on April 17. Our speakers were the gubernatorial candidates: (in […]
Published
June 6, 2014

Letter to the editor: State Rep. Andrea Boland will make a fine senator

I have lived in Sanford for over 20 years. I am a Democrat and a small business owner. I have been very interested in the work of state Rep. Andrea Boland, who is running for the District 33 seat in the Maine Senate. During her four terms in the House, she has worked long and […]
Published
June 6, 2014

Letter to the editor: Nemitz speaks for Portland and a majority of Mainers

Contrary to the assertion of Jon Roderick (“Letter to the editor: It’s time to muzzle MaineToday’s attack dog, Nemitz,” May 28), columnist Bill Nemitz does Portland and Maine a great service every time he articulates a progressive point of view on the public life of the city and state. Nemitz is a voice for the […]

Published
June 6, 2014

Letter to the editor: Slow down and save the world

What if I told you that you can save money, save lives and save the planet, and it won’t cost you a penny? Crazy? You be the judge. A little research online yielded some interesting facts. The following is based on a 50-mph optimum speed limit for most vehicles’ highway fuel efficiency. The vehicle gets […]
Published
June 6, 2014

Letter to the editor: ‘Yes’ vote on park question sign of faith in city’s future

I’ve lived and worked near Congress Square Park since its inception in 1982. As a teenage MeCA student, living in the Eastland, I survived the building’s fire. I also witnessed a positive transformation by tandem virtue of the park and the Portland Museum of Art. The public space became the fulcrum point for our nascent […]
Published
June 5, 2014

Letter to the editor: A ‘yes’ on parks avoids unforeseen consequences

Question 1 is an effective, forward-thinking action to protect public land, through which the fate of Congress Square is tied. When it comes to development, consider this: “For every solution, there are unforeseen consequences.” It is an important design tool to explore these what-if scenarios. Are we sure that Portland needs more privately programmed space? […]
Published
June 5, 2014

Letter to the editor: Vote ‘no’ to give Congress Square best chance to succeed

On June 10, Portland voters are being presented with an ill-conceived referendum that appears to be about protecting public parks, but in reality seeks to overturn the City Council’s decision to sell part of Congress Square Plaza for an event center. Portland’s Downtown District has supported this sale from the start. Yet we are advocates […]
Published
June 5, 2014

Letter to the editor: A ‘yes’ on park plan could lead to a better solution

My office is on the fourth floor of the State Theatre building on the High Street side. I overlook Congress Square. In two short months, the park has been transformed. It is clean. It feels safe. People come to the park to eat lunch at the Small Axe food truck. They sit or lounge on […]

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Letters