Stiffer OUI law needed

Kudos to state Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, for pushing new legislation that would stiffen penalties for those who choose to drive drunk. That’s the kind of lawmaking we need more of – practical laws that positively impact daily life.

The proposed legislation, if passed, would impose a mandatory one-to-10-year sentence, a $3,000 fine and the permanent loss of a driver’s license for anyone who is convicted six times for operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those three penalties taken together send a clear message that Maine is getting tough on impaired drivers.

This weekend especially, it would be nice if we had such a law in effect. Someone with multiple drunk driving convictions will inevitably drive drunk on the roads of Maine on New Year’s Eve. And it isn’t a stretch to predict there will be dire consequences. While Diamond’s law can’t prevent someone from drinking and getting behind the wheel, it could make some think twice before they do it. And if they still choose to drink and drive, they will be severely punished after the sixth conviction.

The toughest part of Diamond’s proposal is the possibility that someone will permanently lose their license. We’re sure some lawmakers will have trouble agreeing to such a measure. But, someone who gets caught drinking and driving six times deserves no less. The new law would certainly cripple one’s ability to get places, which in Maine is critical because of the lack of public transportation. But given the severity of the crime and the stubborness of the offenders, giving up the keys seems the only solution.

A worthy project

Local teens trying to raise money for a skate park in Raymond should be commended for their efforts. Here’s hoping their dream of a skate park – which could benefit from a massive $50,000 half-pipe the town recently acquired free of charge from the town of Camden – becomes a reality.

Kids are always saying they need things to do. While some activities, such as playing video games and watching movies, are less-than-stellar in terms of their health and socializing benefits, a skate park would be a positive and welcome alternative.

Skateboarding is good exercise. Kids pursuing and learning more about a common interest with other kids can be a fruitful experience. Plus – and adults will love this one – skate parks give kids something to do. And we all know youngsters are less likely to get into trouble when they have constructive activities to preoccupy their minds and bodies. (A check of the Windham police log once the Windham Skate Park closes for the season will confirm this reality.)

Another thing adults in Raymond should appreciate about this project is that there is no tax money involved. Looks like a win-win. For more information on the project or to donate, contact Barbara Harding Loux, a teacher at Jordan Small Middle School, at 655-4743.

-John Balentine, editor