This concerns Ben Bragdon’s editorial, “Consumers should know if food genetically tweaked” in the May 31 Lakes Region Weekly, written in support of Maine bill LD 718. On the surface, the position Ben presented – that consumers have a right to know what is in their food – sounds perfectly reasonable. Food labeling requirements are […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Current, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Web
EDITORIAL: Local spending has its limits
Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to eliminate municipal revenue sharing in the next two-year budget was roundly, and rightly, denounced by local officials throughout Maine. It was a dereliction of duty on the part of the governor, who acted tough while passing all the work and tough decisions to the cities and towns. Fortunately, many legislators, […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Current, Lakes Region Weekly
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH: Words from the wise
I recently had the honor of being invited by the senior class at Windham High School to deliver the commencement address at their graduation. It was the students, not the faculty or administration, who chose their graduation speaker so that made the invitation even more special. I enthusiastically accepted, feeling especially privileged to be asked […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
DOWN THE ROAD A PIECE: A difference that’s eNormous
In the early part of the last century, things were different here in Maine. A lot of things have, if not improved, at least changed over the last 100 years. Long ago, Maine homes were heated by wood. It was difficult cutting, splitting and drying firewood, which then had to be hauled into the house. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
DOWN THE ROAD A PIECE: A difference that’s eNormous
In the early part of the last century, things were different here in Maine. A lot of things have, if not improved, at least changed over the last 100 years. Long ago, Maine homes were heated by wood. It was difficult cutting, splitting and drying firewood, which then had to be hauled into the house. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
LETTERS: Essential service
Gorham’s police, fire and rescue personnel keep 16,000-plus residents safe while working in woefully inefficient and substandard conditions. The current building at 270 Main St. is more than 40 years old, is too small, lacks a sprinkler system and doesn’t meet ADA requirements. In 1999, a facilities study recognized a new public safety building as […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Current, Lakes Region Weekly
EDITORIAL: Grads, make sure to refill the ice cube tray
To the class of 2013: Refill the ice cube tray. You’ll receive a lot of advice in the coming weeks, from parents, teachers, siblings and classmates, but the best of it can be boiled down to those five words. You’ll be told to follow your dreams, to take chances and to make a difference, but […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Current, Northern Forecaster, Web
ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS: Some warm memories of summer
Some older friends and I were reminiscing about our youth recently and have decided life really was different, especially in the country town where we grew up – about 15,000 less people, mostly dirt roads and a place where everyone knew your name and names of several prior generations. As children, we played in the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Current, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster
GUEST COLUMN: Repealing 2011 tax cuts is the right alternative
Maine’s state and local taxes, including income, sales, property and estate taxes, are the subject of various proposed bills in the Legislature. Mainers would be best served if tax changes are based on informed sound tax policy. However, politics and the lack of detailed understanding of tax laws by the vast majority of legislators, business […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Current, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster
GUEST COLUMN: Repealing 2011 tax cuts is the right alternative
Maine’s state and local taxes, including income, sales, property and estate taxes, are the subject of various proposed bills in the Legislature. Mainers would be best served if tax changes are based on informed sound tax policy. However, politics and the lack of detailed understanding of tax laws by the vast majority of legislators, business […]