Letters

Published
January 3, 2016

Letter to the editor: Community of Peaks Island deserves some spotlighting

Your Dec. 27 special feature, “Welcome to Portland: The Neighborhoods,” lists 17 of them – but why not Peaks Island? It’s certainly at least as distinct a community as India Street, East Bayside or Deering Center. Peaks Islanders pay taxes to the city of Portland, and are subject to its rules. Perhaps islands like Peaks […]
Published
January 2, 2016

Letter to the editor: U.S. Senate urged to enact gun law like Australia’s

In 1996, Australia enacted a law under which 700,000 guns were collected and retired from use. A person wishing to buy a gun in Australia has to wait 28 days to get a license to own it, and family members in his household can be questioned by police before a license is granted. I am […]
Published
January 2, 2016

Letter to the editor: Rigby Yard neighborhood should not face added risk

I strongly oppose the NGL Supply Terminal Co.’s plan to build a 24,000-gallon above-ground propane storage facility at Rigby Yard in South Portland. I’ve been a resident of Grandview Avenue in Thornton Heights (City Council District 4) since 1982. The residents near Rigby Yard are already living with the potential risk of an accident involving […]
Published
January 2, 2016

Letter to the editor: A voter suggests questions for presidential candidates

Presidential primary and caucus season is nearly upon us, and television moderators have scarcely been profiles in courage when asking the candidates questions. Inasmuch as there are plenty of presidential hopefuls currently roaming the hustings, perhaps it’s time for the voters to ask the questions. A few pithy suggestions: • Would you nominate a Supreme Court […]
Published
January 2, 2016

Letter to the editor: Portland should clear up responsibility for clearing sidewalks of snow

Over the last couple years, I’ve noticed an increased interest by city authorities in improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in Portland. A lot of money has been spent, with questionable results, but at least the attempt is being made. What bothers me enough to write is that this concern doesn’t seem to extend to winters. […]

Published
January 1, 2016

Letter to the editor: Timed lights would control traffic on State, High streets in Portland

I can’t believe the tenacity of the people advocating a return to two-way traffic on High and State streets! Here’s a simple solution to their concerns about speedsters. Install more lights for intersections and time them so that no one can make the green lights if they go faster than 20, 25 or 30 mph […]
Published
January 1, 2016

Letter to the editor: Sen. King should support proposed national park or national monument

I do not understand why U.S. Sen. Angus King has not come out publicly in support of a new national park or national monument in Maine – a no-brainer to me and my neighbors. Is it because he is holding tight to the forest products industry’s claim that air quality restrictions would prevent future industrial […]
Published
January 1, 2016

Letter to the editor: Sen. King should lead effort  for proposed national park in Maine

The land that Elliotsville Plantation Inc. has proposed to donate for the establishment of a new national park and recreation area east of Baxter State Park, along with a $40 million endowment for park operations, represents a potential recreational, cultural and economic boon for the Katahdin region and all of Maine. The park would provide […]
Published
January 1, 2016

Letter to the editor: Portland public venues fall short on correct use of English

Do wordsmiths annoy you? Do they correct you in public? Do they show you mistakes in publications? Are they esoteric and arrogant elitists? Do they affect to be superior? The answer to these questions is “no.” They are often English and/or foreign language teachers. Wordsmiths had smart language teachers who taught them well. They are […]
Published
December 31, 2015

Letter to the editor: Headline on Parker column offensive for many reasons

“For a segment of the male population, Trump is the great white hope.” That was the headline on Kathleen Parker’s column in the Dec. 29 edition of your newspaper. This is patently offensive for so many obvious reasons. Would the editor print a column regarding a female candidate with a headline using similar sexist and […]

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Letters