Peace Fair is Aug. 6

Perhaps when it feels that the world is a chaotic patchwork of terror, prejudice, anger and revenge and when one of our major political parties devotes its convention to encouraging the belief that we are desperately unsafe, it’s time to take a breath and remind ourselves of the many people engaged in working for peaceful solutions.

We will have that opportunity on the Brunswick Mall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6 at the 12th Annual Peace Fair. Every year the Fair provides families an opportunity to enjoy music and activities for all ages and to engage with many wonderful local organizations. The atmosphere of fun and fellowship is sure to be a great antidote to the nightly news!

Lynn Lockwood,

Topsham

Thanks to Hobart, Baker for Helping Fix Ball Field

All too often we hear that our politicians are too busy bickering to get anything done for the communities they represent. That is not the case when it comes to Rep. Brian Hobart of Bowdoinham and Sen. Linda Baker of Lincoln County.

As many of us who live in Richmond know, the Richmond High School baseball field was in terrible shape for years. Water drainage issues had transformed the pathway leading to the field into a soupy, muddy mess. Richmond residents who wanted to see their kids play baseball had to either change into mud boots or risk their feet getting soaked as they slogged their way to the field. The condition of the pathway had deteriorated to the point where elderly residents could not even make it to the field.

I decided to call our state legislators to see if they could help. I met with Rep. Brian Hobart and Sen. Linda Baker and explained the situation. It didn’t take the two of them long to act. Within a very short time the drainage issue had been fixed, the pathway was tarred over and all new walkways were put in. For those of us who have made our way to the field recently the difference is remarkable.

Without the hard work of Rep. Hobart and Sen. Baker this may have never been done. It’s refreshing to know that we know that we have such dedicated people, who truly care about their communities, representing us in Augusta.

Danny Stewart,

Dresden

Support for Tepler

I’m writing to thank the people of Topsham for giving me the chance to work with Rep. Denise Tepler in the Legislature these past two years. As one of the chairs of the Taxation Committee, I’ve found her to be a positive influence on the work we do.

During committee hearings and work sessions, Rep. Tepler asks extensive questions until she gets to the bottom of every issue. She leaves no stone unturned, and she holds everyone — including herself — accountable for their work. All of this reflects her conscientious approach to her job — exactly what is needed on a committee that spends hour after hour reviewing Maine’s very complicated tax code.

Rep. Tepler’s advocacy on behalf of property taxpayers has been especially impressive. I’ve always believed in a tax system that is fair for everyone, and that’s why it has been great to have Rep. Tepler fighting hard to reduce property taxes, which typically hit working families and seniors the hardest.

She fought against offshore tax havens that let multinational corporations evade taxes here in Maine, forcing the rest of us to make up the difference to support our schools and basic services. She has been a leader in speaking out against tax giveaways at the expense of working families. Any time Rep. Tepler sees something that looks rigged, she tries to fix it.

I’m proud to call her a colleague and look forward to her continued work on behalf of Maine taxpayers.

Rep. Adam Goode

Bangor