Thumbs down to the Maine State Legislature for approving a law that requires school districts to ask parents for their children’s Social Security numbers. The Legislature should rescind this law, as communities have asked, to protect Maine’s students from a greater risk of identity theft.

Recently, the Biddeford School Committee passed a resolution asking the Legislature to rescind Public Law Chapter 448, entitled “An Act to Improve the Ability of the Department of Education to Conduct Longitudinal Data Studies.” Just as many states have hesitated from using Social Security numbers on driver’s license, they should refrain from using them as much as possible. In a world where we rely on the Internet ”“ where systems are hacked and breached all too often ”“ the government should be protecting students, not putting them at risk.

Thumbs up to the Biddeford Planning Board for taking on the issue of how to zone and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries and growing facilities. The board is recommending that such facilities be conditionally allowed in several zones in Biddeford, but it will ultimately be up to the City Council on how to proceed. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday announced that Safe Harbor Maine, Inc., of Poland, will be allowed to operate a dispensary in the public health district of York County. One of Safe Harbor’s board members, Glenn Peterson, said in an interview last week that they hope to open the dispensary by Jan. 1. With that date fast-approaching, regulations need to be in place and the city needs to get an ordinance on the books to ensure a dispensary will run smoothly and have all the necessary safety and security measures in place.

Thumbs down to Sanford officials for contracting for a report from an investigator regarding the arrest and then release of Councilor Alan Walsh. The cost has not yet been reported, but Town Manager Mark Green said last week, based on bills for similar previous reports, he expected the fee to run between $10,000 and $15,000. Kennebunk took a different approach, not long ago, when the conduct of a selectman in Kennebunk came into question: The town manager collected statements and presented the information he had to the other board members for review. Since Walsh’s place on the council was not in jeopardy, nor was he charged with a crime, the council could have relied on statements and reports to get a clearer view of the incident. With due credit to the council for its diligence and openness in this matter, perhaps the money could have been put to better use.

Thumbs up to local emergency management officials for getting the word out to locals and visitors about potential for storm damage and preparedness tips. Last week the advance of Hurricane Earl was cause for concern, and emergency  personnel came through with advice and advisories.

— Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.