Editorials

Published
October 2, 2010

Our View: Zoom bus expansion worth exploring by Legislature

A new plan shows that workable public transit wouldn't take a massive investment.
Published
October 1, 2010

Our View: Poll shows Blaine House race is still wide open

Poll numbers and election results look so much alike people tend to confuse them. But there are enough big differences that we should never forget what we are looking at when we see the latest numbers. There are no "undecided" votes on Election Day. Real voters, as opposed to survey participants, have to pick a candidate. And there is no margin of error when the votes are counted, just a winner and some losers. But there is such a margin in the best of polls.
Published
October 1, 2010

Our View: Racial profiling argument still short on information

It's still unclear how often people are questioned solely on the basis of their race.
Published
September 30, 2010

Our View: Data breach makes case to end tracking program

Students should not be asked to send their Social Security numbers to the state.
Published
September 30, 2010

Our View: Texting study a call for action from state lawmakers

Maine lawmakers should not get frightened by a study that suggests that accident rates go up when states ban texting by drivers. This should not be seen as a reason not to ban texting -- but a sign of how serious this problem really is and why we need a ban here.

Published
September 29, 2010

Our View: Offshore wind potential supported by new study

An environmental group's report on the benefits of off-shore wind power made a couple of interesting findings. One is that even if only partially exploited, strong winds off the Atlantic Ocean could generate much of the electricity needed for the population centers of the East Coast. Another was that the list of 11 states with the best potential for off-shore wind does not include Maine.
Published
September 29, 2010

Our View: Southwest Airlines welcome addition for jetport

Connecting with the largest discount air-travel network will give Mainers and visitors choices.
Published
September 28, 2010

Our View: ‘Smart meter’promises need to be kept

There were objections from unions and warnings from computer security experts, but neither was sufficient to halt the Public Utilities Commission's approval of a $200 million program to install "smart meters" to measure residential electric use – and, perhaps, to steer consumers to alter their patterns of usage. The meters, being set up with the help of a $96 million stimulus grant, within a relatively short time will be measuring electrical use at all 600,000 homes serviced by Central Maine Power Co. Designed to be read remotely by computer links, the meters are replacing all the old meters that feature small odometer-like dials. Utilities in other states have been engaged in similar upgrades in recent years. The project has several goals, one of which will save CMP the salaries of 141 employees who used to travel from house to house to read the old-style meters, or who supported the work of the field crews.
Published
September 27, 2010

Our View: Higher ed belongson state’s front burner

It's impossible to look at the numbers and miss their symmetry. When it comes to the percentage of state residents with education after high school, Maine has the lowest in New England. When it comes to median income, well, that's the lowest, too. In this current recession, workers with high school diplomas or less were the most likely to lose their jobs. In the projected recovery, they are the least likely to find new ones. Post-secondary education has a powerful impact on an individual's life earnings, which also directly relates to the economic health of the entire state. That's why it's one of the key public policy challenges that face Maine and belongs at the forefront of the gubernatorial election.
Published
September 27, 2010

Another View: Sebago column illustrates need for tough enforcement

A columnist's complaints about anti-pollution rules at the lake show why they are needed.

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Editorials