I thought it was time to speak to the One LA opportunity that is coming in November, 2017. As a member of the previous commission, it was our position to find ways for the two cities to reduce back office costs to save taxpayer dollars. I believe we did good work on this goal and […]
Letters
Letters to the editor of the Sun Journal.
The case for paper bags
In response to Ryan Lizanecz (letter, Aug. 3), why not go back to paper bags? They self-destruct and trees are a renewable, sustainable resource. There are a lot of them in Maine. There are still some paper mills and lots of experienced workers. Paper can be a used as mulch, even bedding for animals simply […]
Take pride in Balloon Festival
For 25 years, the communities of Lewiston and Auburn have hosted the Great Falls Balloon Festival, which is known across New England and beyond, and brings thousands of visitors to the area. Run by a board of local volunteers, the festival provides many area nonprofits the opportunity to raise funds for the services they provide […]
Climate change in Maine
A recent article in the Sun Journal detailed current and potential impacts of climate change in Maine. These issues are important to me and inspired me to visit Washington, D.C., to learn about how people can address this important problem. While in the capital, I met with staff members from various congressional offices and was […]
What is economic development?
It is indisputable that the vision by Hugh Chisholm had sustained a valued sense of economic freedom for residents of the River Valley during the 20th century. The introduction of the Rumford Light and Water company in 1892 and the Oxford Paper Company in 1901 was leveraged importantly by the presence of the great water […]
Cloutier a proven leader
I am delighted to endorse Kristen Cloutier for a third term as Ward 5 City Councilor of Lewiston. As council president this past term, she has demonstrated true transformational leadership by: • creating an inspiring vision; • motivating and inspiring people to engage with that vision; and • managing the vision through team building. Cloutier […]
Do what is right for Maine
As the chapter leader of the Norway region of ACT for America, I lead more than 100 Maine citizens. We brought LD 745 (the criminalization of female genital mutilation) to the Maine Legislature through our wonderful sponsor, Heather Sirocki. The Democrats in the House fought this bill almost from the start, except within the committee […]
Opioid crisis needs Chin, Medicaid
The upcoming election for mayor of Lewiston is important for many reasons. One priority is our urgent need for wise and compassionate policies to respond to the epidemic losses of loved ones to opioid addiction and overdose. The numbers are alarming. Everyone we meet knows someone affected. Ben Chin has been hearing their stories as […]
ACLU vs. Gov. LePage is prescient
The Sun Journal ran an article from the Bangor Daily News on Aug. 9 describing an ACLU lawsuit against Governor Paul LePage. The ACLU is asking the federal court to declare LePage’s censorship of comments on his Facebook page unconstitutional and to prevent him from blocking individuals from posting on this public forum, which he […]
Pelletier should run for council
I was elated when I read Bob Pelletier’s letter “New Faces for Lewiston” in the Sun Journal on Aug. 5, 2017. It’s good to have diverse opinions on the council. A race between Mr. Pelletier and current City Councilor Joline Beam would result in a clear message sent by Ward 6 voters as to the […]