It’s officially budget season — the time of the legislative session when legislators in Augusta make difficult decisions about how best to allocate the state’s resources in ways that benefit the hardworking people of Maine. But as we look south to Washington, D.C., it’s increasingly likely the federal budget will cause more harm than good. […]
opinion
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Reflecting on our work to protect and preserve Maine’s environment
As Senate chair of the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee (also known as ENR), I’ve spent much of my first five months in office discussing the most pressing environmental issues facing our state. I’ve heard from so many Mainers coming to testify about the challenges of coastal erosion, water pollution, waste, plastics, PFAS, extreme […]
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Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Letters to the editor: Stansky for school board; response requested; Declaration of Conscience
Former councilors endorse Katie Stansky for Brunswick school board As former chairs of the Brunswick Town Council, we’ve worked with many public servants who set aside grievance politics to focus on one thing: the good of Brunswick. In this school board election, the choice is clear: We’re supporting Katie Stansky. Brunswick values fairness, inclusion and […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Breathing easy at Oasis Free Clinics
In the 1950s and 1960s, over half of the men in the United States smoked. This was partially related to government issued cigarettes, most notably in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam, when cigarettes were a standard part of military rations. Smoking was heavily promoted, and often, tobacco companies frequently used medical […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Brunswick High School valedictorian gives hope for the future
Brunswick High School valedictorian Simone Wiley lights up the world wherever she goes. She’s extraordinarily accomplished, but you wouldn’t know it upon first meeting her and seeing her connect with people, both young and old. She’s genuine and warm, a teen without angst, a girl without guile, a young woman without wiles. Simone has been […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Letters to the editor: More leaders like Mills; age is just a number; school board candidate; Earth Day disappointment; the right to health care; new Wiscasset committee
Americans need more leaders like Mills If we had more Americans like Gov. Janet Mills who clearly speaks truth to power, our current President Trump might not last long. It is inspiring to watch her stand her ground and protect Maine laws. Whether she agrees with the law or not, she knows it is her […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
‘Now I’ve got kind people in my corner’: Coming back from loss and homelessness
Before people lose their homes, they often lose something else first — someone they love, the job that paid the bills or the stable health that helped them manage it all. Robert’s journey with Tedford didn’t begin with eviction or homelessness; it began with loss. Over the past five years, Robert has lost four important […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Maine State Music Theatre primed for another stellar season
Get your tickets. Open your heart. Set your worries aside. Prepare to enjoy another amazing slate of offerings presented by Maine State Music Theatre, the local cultural gem dedicated to, as the MSMT Singers proclaim, “bringing Broadway to Brunswick.” I recently sat down with Curt Dale Clark, artistic director of MSMT, to get his take […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
The case for accessible child care in Maine
As I think about the future of Maine, one thing is clear: The well-being of our children — and the families who raise them — is at the heart of our success. While I’m not yet a parent, I often think about the daunting question: How would we, as a family, afford child care? For […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
A reminder to be nice
“Be Nice.” Signs printed with this sentiment have been springing up on lawns, sidewalks and streets, and I enjoy seeing them. They always make me smile, and I consider them worthy reminders for us all to treat each other with kindness and respect. At the same time, I can’t help thinking it’s sad that we […]