International relations can often seem like remote issues that only affect faraway places, and the direct impacts on our daily lives can sometimes be unclear at first glance. But in communities like Old Orchard Beach, where we have longstanding cultural and economic ties to our Canadian neighbors, there is no question that the relationship between […]
Courier Opinion
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Ruralist Lament: Groundhog Day — 2025
Looks like the wood in the shed will get us through this year. Every year has been an adventure since we did the cold-turkey “adios” to the “Chrysler AirTemp” oil burner in 1974. Back then, I made what we laughingly referred to as “a living,” playing in a bar band and cutting/delivering firewood in the […]
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Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Providing help for homeowners today, preparing for the storms tomorrow
In the winter of 2023 and spring of 2024, severe weather devastated communities from the coast of Senate District 31 to the mountains of Western Maine. Both rising storm surges and raging floodwaters caused devastating damage to beaches, businesses, homes, infrastructure, and working waterfront. The impact left many Mainers reeling from the immediate and long-term […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Beyond the Headlines: 40 Under 40 award a culmination of life’s work
The new year is a time for reflection, introspection, and goal setting. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the journey that has led you to this particular moment in your life. I enter 2025 with deep appreciation for an award that is very meaningful to me. Mainebiz, a statewide business magazine, named me to their 40 […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Kennebunk Post
From Augusta: MaineCare: A crucial program for Maine people
In early January, I began my new role as Senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. This job is full of opportunities and challenges, and I’m honored to be guiding this bipartisan committee along with co-chair Rep. Michele Meyer. The work is necessary and I do feel compelled to share an urgent Maine […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Tackling an eclectic mix of important issues
Much of the most important work in the Maine Legislature happens in our committees. I am fortunate to serve on two: the Housing and Economic Development Committee and Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. In this column, I want to talk about my work on the latter. In Veterans and Legal Affairs, we tackle a wide […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: A New Year’s greeting and a new session
It’s a new year, and I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season with family and friends. On Dec. 4, I was sworn into the 132nd Legislature along with 34 of my colleagues from all over the state of Maine and from all walks of life. We are truly a citizen legislature. I […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augsta: Approaching deadline to enroll in affordable health care plans
As the returning Senate chair of the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance, and Financial Services Committee, I write to share this reminder with people who might be looking for health insurance in the New Year: The deadline to enroll in an affordable health care plan through the state health insurance marketplace – CoverME.gov – is Jan. […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Ruralist Lament: Thoughts on the darkest day
What the Romans called “the new sun” rises. The seed catalogs are arriving and though the wood stove’s fire struggles against the strengthening cold, a new year is being born. This theme of death and rebirth, ebb and the flow has long occupied human thought and practice. Huge stones, hauled great distances and erected with […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Let’s help each other muddle through
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be light Next year all our troubles will be out of sight” So begins the well-known Christmas carol, penned by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and sung by Judy Garland in the 1944 musical “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The song has endured and changed through […]