Civics education is critical to a functioning Democratic society. When I served as the first student member on the Maine State Board of Education, it was something that I advocated for in the curriculum. Students should know how their own government works. Students should know how and why to register to vote. Students should know […]
Courier Opinion
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Giving our veterans the thanks and recognition they deserve
I recently had the honor to attend a presentation of the Post Century Award to our Old Orchard Beach VFW Post 7997, honoring their 100th year in operation. The presentation took place at Volk Packaging in Biddeford, where there is a Hero’s Wall in dedication to Maine’s service men and women. It was a moment […]
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Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
As more Mainers struggle with food insecurity, communities come together to help
Food insecurity is measured by how many families do not have consistent access to an adequate supply of nutritious food. Nationally, the food insecurity rate is 11.1 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. In Maine, 13.6 percent of households are food-insecure, the highest rate in New England. Sadly, this is […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Service takes many forms
As you may have heard by now, I have decided after serving eight years in the Legislature, with two terms in the House and most recently two terms in the Senate, to not run for and return for a fifth term. The current public health pandemic has forced many of us into moments of self-reflection. Opportunities to […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Unforgettable: That’s what Great Egrets are
Of course, I was focused on the ocean. When you go to Fortunes Rocks Beach in Biddeford, that’s what it’s all about … the sea, the waves and how they crash against the large rock outcropping or how they whisper more softly against the shore where little birds scurry madly to avoid being washed away. […]
Posted inScarborough Leader, Southern Maine Weeklies
September is National Preparedness Month
During September, we recognize National Preparedness Month, a great opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of personal and family preparedness. This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today”. Each week of the month has a different theme. During week 1 (Sept. 1-5) the focus is on making a plan. Your family […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Hiking trails of Clifford Park are a Biddeford jewel
I’ve been riding, walking, and hiking the trails of Clifford Park for more than 20 years, and I have seen it undergo a remarkably positive transformation, from a neglected, litter-filled area to a jewel of Biddeford. Clifford Park is about 150 acres, bounded approximately by Pool, Granite and West Streets and Parkside Drive. The Clifford […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Public sector and private sector are interrelated
Lately you can’t turn on the television without unfortunately seeing ongoing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, interwoven with a landslide of political ads. Also on many people’s minds as of late are the debates and dialogues about policing and social justice. In our educational system, everyone is hoping for students and faculty to return safely […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Democratic institutions under assault
Donal Trump is a direct and immediate threat to our democracy. I’m not being alarmist. This is not a drill, people. We have a sitting president of the United States deliberately and intentionally trying to undermine our Democratic institutions and undermine public faith in our election system. Our Constitutional Republic is predicated on the notion […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Getting to work
Whether shopping for groceries, walking around my neighborhood or spending time with friends and family, I’ve had folks ask me again and again: When is the Legislature going back into session? What do you do during the summer? Now is a good time to explain some of the legislative work I have been doing. Even […]