A Thousand Words

Not all pictures are worth a thousand words, but the photo in Wednesday’s paper of the Bath resident with the large Trump sign in his yard was worth a lot. Here is a man, obviously well-to-do, judging by the manse behind him, who, when found in violation of a law, claims his first amendment rights are being harmed. Is that rational? It sounds a bit like Mr. Trump, himself, above the law that applies to the 99 percent. Some of the statements on the sign are also contrary to fact — again, like so many Trump utterances. Possibly this is an example of the 1 percent sticking together, but it might be an example of the power of fantastical thinking that has grasped many Americans in 2016.

Paul Kalkstein,

Arrowsic

RCV a Better System

I am writing in response to Gordon Weil’s column of Sept. 16 on ranked choice voting and runoff elections. The two systems are similar in that that they restore majority rule. However, Weil is wrong in suggesting the two have similar costs and benefits.

State Treasurer Terry Hayes has said that Question 5 (the referendum on ranked choice voting) proposes the most cost-effective and efficient process to assure a majority vote in Maine elections and that the cost to implement this procedure is estimated to be roughly $550,000, while run-off elections are estimated to cost $1.5 million-$2 million. Ranked choice voting would actually save Maine taxpayers a significant amount over the alternative.

Ranked choice voting is a better system because voters no longer have to fear “spoiler candidates,” it provides more choice in our elections (multiple choices on the ballot), and you can vote for your favorite candidate, without the fear that your least favorite will win. Runoff elections would not address these issues.

Runoff elections would also result in four more weeks of negative campaigning and a decline in voter participation. Runoff elections disenfranchise absentee and overseas voters, including the men and women of the U.S. military who are stationed abroad because there is not enough time to get ballots to and from them. Ranked choice voting allows these voters to fully participate.

Voting “Yes” on Question 5 would spare Maine’s town clerks from additional work of conducting runoff elections and property owners a potential for another tax increase. It’s just a better, more inclusive system. Vote Yes on 5.

Polly Shaw

Bath

Brunswick Leadership Short Sighted on School Spending

I’m glad that Brunswick is finally looking at building a proper school to replace the outdated design but have to wonder just who the short sighted people running the project are.

Since the proposed school is much larger than the current school and goes above the allowed square foot building size allowed, the town will be forced to offer a zoning variance. This project has to take conservation land, playground space and force students to cross a road to access playground areas — it’s a little above and beyond.

Considering that the current property already has an entrance and exit road, wouldn’t it be better to build tax producing homes on the land?

My proposal would be to build the new school in the space around the high school. Place the building so that when we are ready to replace the junior high, it goes in between the High School and new Elementary school. I know I will hear from some who say that neighborhood schools are the way to go and that’s great if you like extra costs. At a recent board meeting, I saw how Fort Kent has everything from Pre K to the University of Maine Fort Kent all within 1,500 feet of each other. In Scarborough, all facilities located in same location, just the same as Hiram . By consolidating all the schools into one area, the tax payers will be rewarded with less expenditure on gas and maintenance of access roads. he days of nostalgia for the neighborhood school are in the past. Taxpayers need to be considered, not just a neighborhood but the town as a whole.

Jason Coombs

Brunswick

Supporting McCreight

Two years ago I endorsed Jay McCreight for Legislative District 51 based on her promise. Now I am endorsing her based on her record.

While hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine last month, I met hundreds of hikers from across the U.S. and from other countries. Most of them saw Maine as the most beautiful of the 14 states they’d walked through on the AT, because of our forests, our water, and our spectacular scenery. It struck me how important it is for Mainers to keep our waters clean and our forests healthy — not only for our own enjoyment and health, but also to keep attracting new visitors here, as well as new businesses and residents. These are exactly the things Jay McCreight is fighting for. She supported releasing the Land for Maine’s Future bonds, voted against mining rules which would have degraded ground water quality, and supported the Solar Bill in order to bring 21stcentury jobs to Maine along with 21st-century renewable energy. Jay has a 100 percent score on the Maine Conservation Voters scorecard and has been endorsed by the MCV.

Our marine resources are equally important to Maine’s economy and ability to attract new people and businesses.

The issues range from fishery depletion to invasive species, to sea level rise, to ocean warming and acidification. The Gulf of Maine has one of the highest warming rates in the world. From her position on the Marine Resources Committee, Jay looks out for ways to maintain sustainable traditional fisheries and to promote aquaculture, as well as to react to and anticipate global changes.

For all of these reasons, and others, I encourage you to support Jay McCreight and return her to the House of Representatives.

Jeff Stann,

Harpswell

Vote for Carson

I write to express my strong support for Brownie Carson, who is running for the Maine Senate in District 24. I have worked with Brownie as he has gone door to door in Brunswick, and am impressed with his knowledge, his enthusiasm, and his capacity to listen thoughtfully to voters across the political spectrum. His energy and commitment are inspirational.

Brownie cares deeply about many issues, including two close to my heart: education, and the environment. As Executive Director of the Natural Resources Coucil of Maine for 27 years he was a tireless advocate for Maine and led many efforts to protect Maine’s forests, coastline and wildlife. He was a strong leader, but also a good collaborator, able to separate the personal from the political. Therefore he could work effectively even with those who disagreed with him

Now more than ever, we need that kind of leadership and collaborative ability in the Senate. Brownie Carson will be an outstanding advocate for District 24 and I will be honored to vote for him.

Cynthia Shelmerdine,

Brunswick

I Like Eloise

Mainers deserve a strong economy and leaders who will put economic opportunity and jobs first. Eloise Vitelli, candidate for State Senate representing Sagadahoc County and Dresden, already has experience to do so. She has spent her life increasing opportunities for Mainers who want to start their own business, learn new employment skills, and save for their future. Her experience in the state Senate included service on the Workforce and Economic Future Committee.

Maine’s economy depends on our natural resources. Eloise supports taking action on climate change, investing in renewable energy sources and protecting Maine’s natural resources. Eloise’s bi-partisan solar bill has now become law. The law was unanimously enacted in the Senate and passed in a 103-39 vote in the House. Senator Vitelli’s bill creates a roadmap for solar energy in Maine.

A healthy population will strengthen our state’s economic health. Eloise voted to expand healthcare to Maine’s most vulnerable populations and supported a measure to increase access to healthcare services for low-income Mainers. This bill was expected to save the State of Maine between $1.9 million to $3.3 million annually. Life-saving health care can create thousands of jobs, which is crucial at a time when Maine’s economy lags behind the nation.

I am convinced that Eloise will serve Maine well in the legislature. She is a strong leader who will work across the aisle while fighting for jobs and a robust economy. That’s why she will get my vote on November 8.

Julia G. Kahrl,

Arrowsic

Keeping Pets Safe

Hurricane Matthew — the Category 3 storm roaring towards the U.S. coast after ravaging Haiti — underlines the urgent need for emergency preparedness, which includes precautionary measures to keep your beloved pets safe when disasters strike.

American Humane is reminding pet owners everywhere to put together kits containing essential emergency supplies, including: enough water and nonperishable pet food for several days; an extra leash or harness; a week-long supply of any medications your pet requires, stored in a waterproof container; copies of your pet’s medical records and vaccinations; and recent photos of your pet.

Pets should always wear collars with up-to-date identification information, including a cell phone number, in case of disaster-related power outages or evacuation. American Humane also recommends microchipping your pet to increase the likelihood of reunification in the event of separation.

But above all, pet owners should follow one simple rule to keep their animal companions safe in disasters: If you evacuate, bring your pets with you.

Robin Ganzert,

President and CEO,

American Humane,

Washington, DC