Letters to the editor, Oct. 14

Re-elect Stacy Brenner for SD 30

To the editor,

I am writing in support of Stacy Brenner for Senate from Scarborough and Gorham. I have known Stacy since 2017 as we worked together on a team of physicians and advanced practice nurses teaching immigrant women English lessons about their bodies. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, Stacy would carefully answer their questions about pregnancy and how to and keep themselves and their unborn child healthy. With her compassionate response, she showed her understanding of the difficulties these women face, not knowing our language or our health care system. Stacy exhibits this understanding and compassion throughout her first term as our senator, as her voting record shows. She has successfully advocated for PFAS legislation, equal rights, nondiscrimination, fertility care, and action to combat campus sexual assault. Her record shows us she is a senator we can be proud of to represent us toward a just world. Re-elect Stacy Brenner for Senate.

Susan Davis Doughty,
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Scarborough

To the editor,

I told Senator Stacey Brenner about my recent trip to Finland. Stacey then told me that some years back she skied across the whole country, from west to east, something I doubt I could have done in the best days of my youth. Stacey is an extraordinary person with good will and stamina to spare.

She has successfully been a parent, a nurse, a farmer (Broadturn Farm), board member of Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, a board member of Land for Maine’s Future, and our state senator. Her farm has trained numerous apprentices who will further the cause of wholesome local food. She gets good work done.

Stacy is highly responsive to constituents and her voting record proves beyond doubt that she will always prioritize the common good. She understands the enormous challenges of our time, including climate change, and acts accordingly. Hers is the best representation I have ever had in my 77 years.

Charles Spanger
Scarborough

Vote Sophe Warren for HD 124

To the editor,

This is a letter for Rep. Sophie Warren. I’m supporting her for re-election to the Maine House of Representatives in Scarborough.

Two years ago, I met Sophie while she was campaigning door to door. I found her personable, interested and well informed. She has spent the past two years in Augusta fighting climate change, and supporting veterans, and property tax reform. We need her to keep up that work.

I hope my neighbors will join me this fall in supporting Rep Sophie Warren for re-election.

Rebecca Duer

Vote yes for library expansion

To the editor,

A vote in favor of the addition to the Scarborough Library is an opportunity for our community to envision numerous possibilities far beyond a space to just consume information. Libraries of the 21st century engage communities with opportunities to learn new skills, engage in creative experiences, develop innovative ideas, and collaborate with outside organizations. Imagine spaces where groups can meet for opportunities to learn new languages, increase knowledge in the Arts, technology, robotics, 3 D printers, podcasting etc. Imagine spaces to meet with authors, develop writing skills, examine topics like climate change, data analysis, sustainability, equality, personal protection, etc.

Yes, we do need a library this size because it’s not just about today and tomorrow, it’s a library to plan for the future. It will cost approximately $35 a year over 30 years on the average $400,000 Scarborough home. $35, a year! Well worth it. Vote Yes!

Donna Beeley

To the editor,

I support the proposed Library expansion. When my husband and I moved to Scarborough, the Library was the community center where we met new friends. Through Library programming we learned the history of Scarborough and of Maine. The Library appeals to all ages. It’s the community center where kids hang out after school, where parents and babies share experiences, where shelter is available in emergencies. It’s the community center where acquired skills are improved and new interests are explored — knitting, computer skills, games, genealogy, discussions. It’s more than a traditional book and media repository, more than a public communication center. The Library is a busy, lively place that has far outgrown its space.

Marjorie Rosenbaum
Scarborough

To the editor,

Years ago, I lived in a community that struggled with the idea of building a new library. The existing structure was simply too small for the growing population. There were sincere concerns on either side but, after much debate, the community went for it and built a beautiful new space with room for programming, collections, meetings, and growth. After the fact, I don’t think anyone disputed the positive impact of that project. In addition to directly benefiting the many citizens who use it, it has become a prized asset to the town, and is often showcased in promotional materials as an indicator of a healthy and forward-thinking community. I will vote Yes for investing in our library.

Sandy Willcox

Scarborough

Re-elect Sophie Warren for HD 124

To the editor,

Many of us chose to live in Scarborough because of the community’s beautiful beaches and natural resources. Climate change is threatening it all.

Our State Representative, Sophie Warren, has devoted herself over the past two years to fighting climate change. She has stood up to powerful interests in Augusta and voted in favor of protecting the natural environment for quality of life, health and Maine’s economic future. Many of Maine’s leading industries are reliant on sustainable natural resources.

I will be voting for Sophie Warren this fall for reelection to the Maine House of Representatives. I hope you will join me.

Trish Brigham
Scarborough

Teens help bring awareness to domestic violence

To the editor,

Thank you, Scarborough Leader, for recognizing the middle and high school students, who helped hang Finding Our Voices (FOV) survivor posters throughout the Scarborough Public Library last week, for Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

The Teen Advisory Board (TAP) represented students from grade 6 to 12. The students were articulate and mature responding to questions to why they volunteered to be there. … “Domestic violence is a real problem and victims and survivors need to know they are not alone.”

The Reducing Sexism and Violence Program president felt what FOV relates to what the high school is doing. She said, “Domestic violence is a serious matter — one that needs to be addressed across all communities and at all ages.”

It is never too early to begin to help our children to recognize that “Love should feel good. Love should not hurt;” to give children the tools and support to stand tall when they are bullied; and to be aware of a relationship that controls and isolates them from their peers.

Thank you, students of Scarborough middle and high school! You are our future and watching you last week brought tears to my eyes and HOPE to my soul .”