For over two decades, firefighting and EMS was my life. I started at 15 as a junior firefighter, driven by the desire to serve and protect my community. Biddeford Fire Department was where I honed my skills, fought fires, and saved lives. It was where I became a paramedic, and eventually, a lieutenant. The firehouse […]
Courier Opinion
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Beyond the Headlines: Suicide prevention month reminds us to support each other
September is Suicide Prevention Month. It’s an annual reminder to look out for one other and our own mental state. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000 and 2022. While the national rate grew, Maine’s suicide death […]
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Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Kennebunk Post
From Augusta – State gives schools a boost for the coming year
Lawmakers have taken steps to ensure that Maine schools and families have the resources they need to succeed.
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Ruralist Lament: Joy: The fairy tale
Summer is on its last bony legs. As I write this we are less than 30 days out from the autumnal equinox which officially sticks the fork in the season’s withering carcass and signals the arrival of more dark than light – more bouts of the shivers as we slide into another winter. The Maine […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Building an economy that works for all Mainers
This time of year, the Legislature is fairly quiet and my work is largely focused on answering questions from constituents and helping folks in Biddeford connect to the resources they need. It’s also a time to reflect on all we’ve accomplished over the last two years, including significant progress towards building a more fair economy […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: Sen. Donna Bailey laws take effect
On Aug. 9, non-emergency bills that passed the Maine State Legislature and received the governor’s signature, including two of mine, took effect – 90 days after my colleagues and I adjourned in May. Looking back, for the 131st Maine State Legislature, spanning 2023 to 2024, I introduced – or sponsored – 18 bills in total. […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Kennebunk Post
From Augusta – Prioritizing policies that support Maine families
During the hustle and bustle of our long legislative sessions, it’s easy for key policy decisions to be overlooked. I want to take a little time to reflect on a few successes that will help Maine families. As a father of three daughters and a grandfather of 12, all Mainers, I have witnessed the everyday […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Ruralist Lament: Living in a time of monsters
I came of age in a simpler time. The mill town of my youth produced textiles, shoes, and lumber. There were dozens of dairy farms, vegetable/fruit growers, and a poultry operation or two. The union movement, in the aftermath of World War Two had finally penetrated the steely resistance of the local mill owners. Generally […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Augusta: We must all do our part to support Maine veterans
In recent years, it feels like there has been a trend of stories shared on social media and on human interest segments in news programs that are meant to be heartwarming but, in fact, expose deep flaws in the systems that are meant to provide safety and security for our neighbors. I thought about this […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
From Washington: The National Defense Bill – protecting jobs and people across Maine
For more than 60 years, Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — an annual bill that prioritizes America’s national security interests at home — with strong bipartisan support. It’s one of the most meaningful pieces of legislation I work on in the Senate Armed Services Committee, but this bill is also very […]
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