The November election comes at a critical time for South Portland. We’re fortunate to have excellent candidates running for City Council in Districts 4 and 3. Linda Cohen and Richard Matthews will bring a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience to the council, both having served for many years in many roles. Pragmatic and level-headed, […]

Julie Zimmerman of Topsham argues in her letter “Executions have no place in the U.S.,” (Oct. 3) that death row inmates “have the capacity for generosity, love and change,” and consequently execution “had no place in our country.” Ms. Zimmerman may be right in general, but I would argue that there are specific circumstances that […]

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians continues to smolder and periodically ignite with terrible consequences. Those of us concerned about the region feel powerless to have any influence. But there is new legislation in the U.S. House sponsored by Andy Levin, D-Mich., that could help, and I would urge Rep. Chellie Pingree to support it. […]

The inaccurate and illogical commercials alleging that Ballot Question 1 will change the law show the desperation of CMP and its Canadian partner. The previous assertion – that the power line would bring jobs to Maine – was abandoned, probably because it was wrong-headed. At present Maine construction companies, large and small, have plenty of […]

In typical Washington style, a few needed programs have mushroomed into a giveaway bonanza. But how will all these potential gifts affect the country as a whole? Should we expect safer, healthier and more productive citizens, improved parenting or a better-educated and more empathetic society? I don’t expect to see any of that happen. We […]

I am compelled to write this as I watch another luxury condo being built down the block from where I live in East Bayside. I question, how can the developers who have built so many of these high-end buildings put their rights as a businessperson ahead of being a good humanitarian? A humanitarian would also […]

I take issue with your newspaper’s account (Oct. 5) of the loss of two Portland school board members, which states they “are stepping away … citing a lack of collaboration and tolerance for differing viewpoints, especially those that don’t align with progressive values.” Sarah Thompson, who is dropping her campaign for re-election, says the board […]