Maine has an abundance of water resources, yet in many cases, the quantity and timing of available water may not be sufficient. Over the past several years, drought conditions have presented problems in our state. Maine has also been subject to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, with three of our four most recent droughts taking place […]
Courier Opinion
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta: Addressing Maine’s housing crisis
Earlier this month, people in our community and throughout Maine hunkered down for a weekend of record-breaking cold. Like many folks, my wife and I covered drafty windows, opened our sink cabinet doors and cranked up the heat, all while praying that we would not lose power. The cold was bone-chilling, while the weather app […]
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Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Ruralist Lament: Still haven’t found what I’m looking for
The Press Herald’s Business section headlined (2/16/23): “Study shows ‘striking’ number who believe news misinforms.” Clutching my pearls, I read — “Half of Americans in a recent survey indicated they believe national news organizations intend to mislead, misinform, or persuade the public to adopt a particular point of view through their reporting.” The task of […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta: Start of legislative session offers fresh opportunities to help Mainers
The start of a new year is often seen as a time of new beginnings, with many of us resolving to make positive changes and explore opportunities for a fresh start. Our work in the first session of the 131st Legislature is no different. As your state representative, it is my duty to ensure that […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta: Making way for psilocybin therapy
During the 130th Legislature, you may recall that I sponsored LD 1582, “An Act to Enact the Maine Psilocybin Services Act.” Although the Maine Senate passed the bill, the Maine House rejected it. As a lawmaker who has previously served in the House and who currently serves in the Senate, I know that some bills […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta: Looking forward to working for you in Augusta
On Dec. 7, I was sworn in as your state senator and am now serving my first term in the Maine Senate. It was a great day, and I was proud to have my family and friends with me in the State House. Being elected to represent you in the Senate is the honor of […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Beyond the Headlines: Making county government more accessible
One of the biggest issues that I saw before ultimately deciding to run for York County commissioner was the fact meetings were not accessible to the public, particularly for working Mainers. I saw regularly scheduled county commission meetings at 4:30 p.m., 4 p.m., with special workshops and public hearings held even earlier at 3:30 p.m. […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Ruralist Lament: And the Inconvenient Ike
January brings many things, sometimes even … snow. Since Covid is officially “done with us” (though it isn’t) the Maine Agricultural Trade Show was an in-person affair this year. I went, plodding through the Augusta Civic Center among the other agri-geezers and the enthused (though doomed) “farm-business” aspirants. There were presentations on PFAS/ PFOS, irrigation, […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta: Getting to work in Augusta on behalf of Biddeford
As a new legislator, I am excited and honored to represent a portion of Biddeford in the Maine House of Representatives and work alongside so many diligent and thoughtful colleagues to help the people of our state. This is the first of my new monthly column, where I intend to share the work I am […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta: Looking ahead to committee work
Lawmakers have many duties and responsibilities. We help our constituents, share information and sponsor bills. We also serve on committees, which conduct public hearings and work sessions on bills before the bills go to the Senate and House Chamber for votes. Last month, I learned that I have been appointed to serve as the Senate […]