Route 1 no place for sandwich boards

Having read Duke Harrington’s recent article, “Sandwich boards cut in Scarborough” (Current, 7-26-12), I can only wish Joe Palmieri the best of luck when he moves his local establishment, Chicago Dogs, to South Portland. When Mr. Palmieri complains about “A dumb little ordinance” he seems to mock the sensibility of a simple ruling established by the town to protect the safety and zoning standards of Scarborough. Sandwich boards, typically indicate daily specials, current sales, or a welcome to passers-by. They were never meant to be a ‘Billboard Advertisement’ on a main thoroughfare such as Route 1 in Scarborough. Hopefully, Mr. Palmieri will be able to find a location suitable for placing sandwich boards, intended for the recognition by foot traffic, somewhere in South Portland, rather than the thoroughfare which he decided to obtain his current business in Scarborough. That, Mr. Palmieri, may be the “common sense” you are seeking.

Scott Adams

Scarborough

Volk right on dental issue

Hats off to Rep. Amy Volk for speaking against a proposal that would allow a new level of dental care provider – a dental therapist. Proponents argue that this is the way to provide more access to dental care quickly and efficiently to more Mainers. Dental therapists would work under the supervision of a dentist and be allowed to perform approximately 85 percent of all procedures done by a dentist. The educational requirement for a dental therapist is two years of training following high school. It takes a dentist eight years post high school to earn his license. I personally do not feel that a dental therapist will be qualified to safely perform root canals, extractions, fillings and identify oral cancer.

I do not think that it is fair to experiment with people’s heath by trying a lower level of care through dental therapists just to save time and money. I believe that poor people deserve the same level of care as everyone else. A single standard of care should exist, no matter who is providing the care. It’s just not right for Maine.

I applaud Rep. Volk for her careful consideration of the proposal and her common sense conclusion on this issue.

Mark Diamond DDS

Scarborough

Volk for Maine House District 127

I have known Rep. Amy Volk personally for many years and have great confidence in her ability to represent Scarborough in the state Legislature. Rep. Volk had a busy and successful first term in office. Over the past two years I have been impressed with her updates, her explanations of bills in Augusta and her ability to represent our community professionally.

One area where Rep. Volk has been an effective legislator has been in the area of economic and business development. As an example, Rep. Volk was the lead sponsor on LD 323, a law passed this session to coordinate and improve tax credits available to attract business development around the state and to provide a system to evaluate which state programs are most effective at retaining or creating jobs. LD 323 was named by Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development director as “one of the most important business bills to come out of the 125th legislature.” This is the type of advocacy we need to improve Maine’s economy.

I am impressed by the strong family support and the great energy that Amy has dedicated to her service to our community and our state. I urge Scarborough voters to return Rep. Volk to the legislature for a second term.

Sylvia Most

Scarborough