Letters

Published
April 5, 2014

Letter to the editor: Don’t cut American and New England Studies at USM

As one who has worked with the faculty, students and alumni of the University of Southern Maine’s American and New England Studies program for more than 25 years, I want to add my voice to those who are calling for its retention. During my lifetime, I have witnessed the renaissance of Portland as a major […]
Published
April 5, 2014

Letter to the editor: Mixed messages on welfare spending, charter schools

Lately, all we’ve heard in the news from the LePage administration is the need for welfare reform because recipients are spending money out of state. Has anyone noticed that this same administration is promoting virtual charter schools that will be taking public tax dollars for tuition and sending this money to a for-profit corporation out […]
Published
April 4, 2014

Letter to the editor: Snow-shoveling volunteers deserve a hearty ‘thank you’

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely and heartily thank each and every person who shoveled snow for all the elderly folks, ages 65 and over, all over the city of Portland in the winter of 2013-2014. This was a particularly bad winter for storms of all sorts. And all the shovelers deserve […]
Published
April 4, 2014

Letter to the editor: Don’t cut a class act – theater at USM

I was greatly saddened when I heard about the layoffs of University of Southern Maine professors and the recent major cutbacks to the Theatre Department. I want to add my name to the list of supporters of this amazing program. After graduating from Portland High School, I was encouraged by my loving parents (Mike Johnson […]
Published
April 4, 2014

Letter to the editor: Simple effort by Maine businesses can help welcome disabled

I applaud recent efforts to make Portland more accessible for people with disabilities (“Portland seeks better access for people with disabilities,” March 24). Here’s my suggestion: As someone with mobility issues, I am often afraid to try a new restaurant, go to a show or visit a local business because I don’t know what barriers […]

Published
April 4, 2014

Letter to the editor: Idea to help pay for college: No-penalty 401(k) withdrawals

I’m writing in regard to the March 28 article “$1 trillion student loan debt widens U.S. wealth gap.” I have another idea, in addition to Congress’ debates, to help pay for a child’s education: Why not have the federal government change the law in regard to tapping into one’s own 401(k) retirement account to fund […]
Published
April 4, 2014

Letter to the editor: Think hard before acquiring a bunny or chick at Easter

It is getting close to the time of year when people think about bunnies, chicks and ducks as Easter gifts. Many feed stores and pet stores have them available right now. But these creatures are not always a great choice as a present for children. They all require specialized care, especially as babies. Rabbits are […]
Published
April 4, 2014

Letter to the editor: Maybe the rich inventors can save Maine school of law’s patent program

After reading your March 28 article “Loss of patent program a huge blow to Maine inventors,” I, too, am saddened that the free legal service offered by the University of Maine School of Law, the Maine Patent Program, will be terminated. Unfortunately, the law school is in the midst of making deep budget cuts, as […]
Published
April 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: ‘Moral turpitude’ too strong a term for drunken driving

I was just reading the article headlined “Gorham town councilor charged with drunken driving” (March 26). Is it his first alleged offense? If it is, the man made a bad decision, according to police. If he has had more than one charge, well, shame on him. Per the article, “Gorham’s town charter requires elected officials […]
Published
April 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: Bureau of Unemployment Compensation employee exemplifies business-friendly helpfulness

As the human resources director for a small business, I have had very few dealings with the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. However, the dealings I have had have left me feeling very discouraged. I have never felt as though anyone at the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation was willing to understand things from an employer’s perspective […]

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Letters