Letters

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 […]

Published
June 5, 2014

Letter to the editor: History will affirm a ‘no’ vote on park plan

In her May 29 Maine Voices column (“With park’s perpetual protection insecure, Portland voters should have final word”), former Mayor Anne Pringle wrote in support of the upcoming referendum that would make it more difficult for our elected leaders to sell or subdivide public space. Ms. Pringle cites two examples of the loss of public […]
Published
June 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: VA chief has positives in his legacy

The inexcusable delay in medical treatment at Veterans Affairs facilities and the accompanying bureaucratic deceptions were appropriate reasons for VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign. However, people should also remember that in other ways, he was an extraordinary champion for veterans. One episode in which I was involved illustrates why I have such respect for […]
Published
June 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: King is prepared to lead as York County sheriff

I am writing in support of the candidacy of William “Bill” King Jr. for York County sheriff. Bill’s professional career has prepared him for taking a leadership role in county law enforcement. He began his career as a Portland police officer, moved on to become assistant director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and was […]
Published
June 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Question 1 to invest in Congress Square

As Portland residents and business owners, we’re urging our neighbors to join us in voting “no” on Question 1 on June 10. While this referendum effort claims to be about protecting our parks – and who wouldn’t want to do that? – what it really does is undermine the approved plan for the revitalization of […]
Published
June 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: I-295 in Portland doesn’t ever need higher speed limit

I hope the new limit on Interstate 295 will never include the section skirting Portland. The exits in this section are very close to one another, and they are right on top of the entrances. Incoming vehicles pay no attention to the yield signs. It takes quite a bit of quick, nerve-wracking maneuvering to get […]

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Letters