Like many of my fellow Mainers, I have experienced times when I’ve needed to take an extended amount of time off from work. In my case it was due to injuries, but it could also be because of an illness, welcoming a new child, or taking care of a sick relative. In these difficult circumstances […]

As a Maine resident, I write in opposition to the late-term abortion bill, L.D. 1619. The bill would allow abortion at any time in pregnancy, even until birth (even though Maine’s current law already allows abortion past the age of viability), with a qualified medical professional’s approval. It would also decriminalize abortions done by someone […]

I don’t think guns should be in school, especially on teachers, an issue under consideration before the Maine Legislature. It’s unsafe and unneeded. Why bring the problem into school? Arming teachers is like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole. It’s just treating the symptoms and not the sickness. Most shootings are with guns that […]

I recently saw where Gov. Janet Mills has introduced bill L.D. 1619, which would allow abortions up to time of birth, with the approval of a qualified medical professional. This bill seems extreme in multiple ways, regardless of religious beliefs or non beliefs. It appears that society has turned a blind eye toward abortions and […]

On June 18, 1983, 10 Bahá’í women were hanged in prison for their commitment to justice and equality. As the 40th anniversary of this heartbreaking event approaches, I reflect on my personal connection with these remarkable women. They were my friends, and the older women served as my mentors. I left Iran in 1979, just […]

I am a retired teacher and a grandmother. I recently testified against a bill that would allow teachers to be armed in school (LD 52) and another that would allow individuals with a concealed weapons permit to carry in schools (LD 1557). Bringing a loaded weapon into a school setting is a disaster waiting to […]

June 19 is Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the end of American slavery. It is also World Sickle Cell Day. For me, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the challenges patients face while battling the chronic condition. Through blood donation, I discovered that I was a match for patients living […]

Maine Veterans’ Homes gratefully acknowledges the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee’s role in enriching residents’ lives through their volunteer support of activities organized on behalf of our veterans during the past several years. An important misnomer bearing correction, however, is the suggestion that at any point during the past three years our residents have been […]

There are countless Mainers who face insurmountable barriers in accessing essential health care, but one bill — L.D. 199 — can restore MaineCare coverage for all individuals in our state. It is time to ensure that all Mainers receive the vital care they need, regardless of immigration status. When COVID-19 hit, we sought solace in […]

I applaud Jeff Harmon’s decision to run for mayor of Auburn. He would be a breath of fresh air for the city. I’ve known Jeff going back to our law enforcement days when he was deputy chief of the Maine State Police. He is bright, has high moral character and is a true public servant. […]