We are all connected 

Hats off to Brunswick for its embrace of the asylum-seekers. As one who lives in Topsham, it would be easy to feel that the task is Brunswick’s alone. But that would be short-sighted. We are all connected. That is why Brunswick has opened its arms to families from Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—because we are all connected. That is why each of us who is able should contribute to the increased financial burden Brunswick must bear as it provides a cultural broker and increased school personnel to support the refugees’ transition. 

Whatever our religion, the words of Les Misérables remind us that to love another person is to see the face of God. Brunswick is engaging in a courageous act of love. We can do no less.

When Portland opened its arms there was an outpouring of support, including $870,000 to help defray added costs. While the full financial needs of Brunswick have yet to be determined, it is clear that extra funds are needed. That is why my wife and I have contributed to GoFundMe, the newly established Community Support Fund. I urge everyone who can to do the same. We are all connected. 

Rev. T. Richard Snyder 

Topsham 

What would Vacationland be without public land?  

Maine’s parks, forests, mountains, and beaches make the state a special place. Growing up in New Hampshire, my family came to Maine every summer. We spent afternoons at Ogunquit Beach, hiked in Acadia, and white-water rafted on the Kennebec River.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) makes Maine’s public lands — like Acadia — what they are today. But the fund does more than conserve major national parks and monuments. The LWCF also supports local recreation centers, hockey rinks and baseball fields, and even municipal swimming pools. In fact, The Times Record reported in February that the Town of Brunswick was exploring the LWCF to finance major reparations to the high school track. 

Thanks to the support of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Senator Susan Collins, and Senator Angus King, Congress made the fund permanent this past year. This is great progress! Legislators no longer need to renew the fund every few years, nor will it be allowed to lapse entirely (as it has in the past). 

Despite bipartisan support, Congress rarely fully funds the program. That means money spent elsewhere could be used for conservation projects. Our public lands deserve full support now and forever. It’s time to fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

Let’s keep Vacationland beautiful. 

Michaela Morris  

Campaign Organizer, Environment Maine,

Seabrook, New Hampshire