Letters

Published
February 24, 2015

Letter to the editor: As mayor, Leeman would look to cut costs

I have lived in the Northgate area of Portland for many years, in an area that was considered a flood zone. In order to get a mortgage or a home equity loan, one had to purchase flood insurance. This was an added burden for new homebuyers or those selling a home. We contacted then-City Councilor […]
Published
February 24, 2015

Letter to the editor: State taxpayers shouldn’t pick up Portland’s General Assistance tab

The U.S. Senate continues to wrestle with immigration, most recently over a bill to authorize spending for the Department of Homeland Security. Here in Maine, the General Assistance controversy has Gov. LePage and the Department of Health and Human Services at loggerheads with our cities over benefits for residents. Portland, with 5 percent of the […]
Published
February 24, 2015

Letter to the editor: Leaders should find plenty to change for pretrial justice

I read with interest the article titled “Legislation seeks to eliminate setting of bail for Maine defendants” (Feb. 9), and as someone who helps states to become informed enough to take on issues of pretrial justice, I am familiar with the varying opinions articulated in the article. Many states across America are thinking about, or […]
Published
February 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: Maine has no grounds to take river from Penobscots

Thank you for publishing Nickie Sekera’s column regarding the Penobscots’ fight to retain their authority over the Penobscot River (“Maine Voices: State should drop lawsuit that would grab river from Penobscot Nation,” Feb. 17). Her column points out a number of problems with the state’s claims to have jurisdiction, and it also notes important flaws […]
Published
February 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: Heinous human trafficking needs multipronged solution

There has been extensive coverage recently by many media outlets, including print, radio and television, on the subject of human trafficking. This epidemic isn’t new, but the attention it is garnering certainly is. I have been a law enforcement officer for close to 28 years, and I, too, was ignorant of the fact that most […]

Published
February 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: Maine should lead in banning pet store sales of dogs

I applaud your Feb. 16 editorial (“Our View: Pet store dogs too often have troubling origins”). Adding to the fact that pet store pups come from horrific conditions of suffering, I’d also note that pet stores rely heavily on impulse buying. You see that adorable puppy in the store, and you just have to take […]
Published
February 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: There’s danger in printing invalid argument on climate change

While I will defend a person’s right to publicly express an opinion, I take issue with the Portland Press Herald’s printing of David W. Knudsen’s Feb. 14 letter, “Human race will adapt to slowly changing climate.” Knudsen asserts blatantly scientifically inaccurate statements about climate change, our collective role in influencing climate and the rate at […]
Published
February 22, 2015

Letter to the editor: Clean car lights to ensure other drivers can see you

Hey, Mainers, have you checked out your headlights lately? If they’re anything like mine, they’re covered with salt and slush, dull as can be and not illuminating the road at night. Rubbing handfuls of new snow on them works in a pinch. While you’re at it, check out your taillights, too. Please be safe by […]
Published
February 22, 2015

Letter to the editor: Before commenting on the Inquisition, study its history

Ever since 9/11 we have been encouraged to keep alert to what our neighbors might be up to and to be sure to report any suspicious activity to authorities. Reminds me so much of the late Middle Ages. Right up until the U.S. Constitution in 1787, every country had a state religion. (Some still do.) […]
Published
February 22, 2015

Letter to the editor: Maine’s delegation urged to support tax on carbon

“We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Think climate change, due largely to human-caused carbon emissions: We are our own worst enemy. Decades ago, when scientists first started warning about climate change, they cautioned that if something was not done soon, our children and grandchildren would one day sadly ask, “Mom, Dad, Gram, […]

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Letters