During this season of giving, it’s important to stop and reflect on those in our community who give of themselves to lift up those around them. There are countless volunteers who don’t ask for anything in return. They just give selflessly of their time, resources, and energy to make a difference. Throughout York County, we […]
Courier Opinion
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Getting ready for the 132nd Maine State Legislature
On Dec. 4, I was sworn in for my third term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 31, which includes Buxton, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco. I am full of gratitude for – and deeply – humbled by the support you continue to give me. For the remainder of December, I will be submitting […]
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Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Building a more resilient Maine – together
Last month, some local credit unions hosted a forum, and I served as one of the panelists. An audience member asked the group to describe ourselves in just one word; a question which I often struggle with so you can imagine my stress when I was handed the mic to answer the question first. After […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
A heartfelt plea for creatures, great or small
This is a bit of a departure from my usual topic of finding something inspiring in nature to share with readers. But I don’t think it’s that big of a stretch, and here’s why. I love all animals and appreciate the many gifts they bestow upon us daily. Be it a beloved domesticated pet like […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Ruralist Lament: Network news glosses over US-funded horror
The season winds down. Yesterday morning I picked lettuce as yet undamaged by frosty nights alongside staked tomatoes not-so-fortunate. This is the shoulder season when life still clings to some crops while others surrender to bitter cold reality. So too in the political season, where the frosty (though minor) squabbles over “policy” between members of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Forecaster Opinion, Kennebunk Post, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Forum: Students can activate democracy by volunteering at polls
As an election worker in my hometown of Kennebunk, I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical role that youth can play in our democratic process. Empowering young voters with knowledge about our democratic system is essential. In the 2020 election, Maine saw a significant increase in youth voter turnout. According to the Center for Information and Research […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Beyond the Headlines: Limiting the corrupting influence of money in politics
During my eight years as a State Senator and Representative for our area, I took on the political establishment, the engrained special interests, and high-paid lobbyists to shake up a broken system. While it didn’t always make me the most popular legislator in Augusta, someone needed to stand up and do what was right over […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Op-Ed: UNE Center for Global Humanities expanding to Biddeford
For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of instructing students at the University of New England’s Biddeford Campus. I am not an expert in the marine sciences or environmental sciences or one of the other signature programs that draw students from across the U.S. to our idyllic waterfront campus. I am a […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Ruralist Lament: US health care system in trouble
The most recent USDA agricultural census (2022) showed the number of American farms decreasing 6% since 2017, with the number of producers aged 35 to 64 declining 9%. Generally, people with (something like) “options” and their lives ahead of them – when confronted with the bleak economics of farming – try to do something else. […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Supporting our public schools is an investment in Maine’s future
School is back in session, and like many others, my family is getting reacclimated to the rhythms of the school calendar, from class schedules to extracurricular activities to getting our kids to the bus stop just in time (quite early, in our case – thank goodness for coffee). It’s a hectic but exciting time, and […]
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