In the first six months of 2017, Maine saw 185 drug overdose deaths compared to 180 for the same period in 2018. In 2017 there were 418 drug-induced deaths, an increase from 2016 when my sister, Sarah Cookson, lost her battle with drug addiction and depression. My sister became one of those numbers, Dec. 16, […]
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Posted inLetters, sj-web
In support of Cherri Crockett
I have known Cherri Crockett for many years, both as an acquaintance and professionally throughout our work careers. I was very excited when I learned she had decided to run for the Registrar of Deeds for Oxford County. I know she is the right person for this county position and will bring many excellent qualities […]
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Posted inLetters, sj-web
Truth in political advertising
The time has come for Maine to become the first in the nation to adopt a law addressing truth in political advertising. It should be illegal for big money interests or special interests to promote false advertising in order to get their candidate elected. The state can turn a negative into a positive. And if […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Mitch McConnell makes it clear moral fitness does not matter
When Mitch McConnell, majority leader of the U.S. Senate, accused those questioning the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court of playing politics with the nomination, his was the voice of experience. For me, it was McConnell’s third strike. Actually, it was after the third strike, but you’re only allowed three strikes. To be […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Seth Carey shouldn't be elected DA because of a slogan
Slogans can be a powerful tool for communicating, but they’re a poor substitute for thinking. Those Republicans who wasted their primary vote on Seth T. Carey, GOP candidate for district attorney of Prosecutorial District Number 3 (Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties), might want to ruminate on whether they made a wise choice by voting for […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Brett Kavanaugh fights back
WASHINGTON — As the father of two daughters, I want them to live in a world where they are treated with respect and never experience sexual abuse — and if they ever do, they are taken seriously. As the father of two sons, I want them to live in a world where their lives and […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Bah to ranked choice voting
When I first started to vote, it was one mark for governor, one for another candidate for another office and another mark for another candidate’s office. So on down the line. Now, people can put numbered choice marks for each candidate for governor (four this year), and numbered marks for each candidate for any office. […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Trump is hastening the arrival of a post-American world
NEW YORK — President Trump’s speech on Tuesday at the United Nations was an intelligent — at times eloquent — presentation of his “America First” worldview. He laid out an approach of pursuing narrow self-interest over broader global ones and privileging unilateral action over multilateral cooperation. But Trump might not recognize that as he withdraws […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Questions about Bruce Poliquin
This is in response to the Sun Journal profile of Rep. Bruce Poliquin (Sept. 23). In the article, Poliquin is quoted as having “ignored the noise” in the controversy over last year’s Republican bill designed to eliminate the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Yet 60 percent of Mainers had voted to expand Medicaid under Obamacare in […]
Posted inObituaries, sj-web
Helen M. Lewis
HARRISON — Helen Lewis passed away Friday, Sept. 28, peacefully in her sleep at Market Square Nursing Home. She was born Aug. 20, 1919, in Baldwin to Zella and Leslie Kenison. She married Roger Lewis of Harrison on Jan. 22, 1939. They had five children and lived all of their lives in Harrison. Her husband was […]