House Republicans achieved a major legislative victory this month with the passing of the transformational, yet also controversial, $1.5 trillion tax reform bill. Passed 227-205, with every Democrat and 13 Republicans voting against it, it is undoubtedly a major step forward in simplifying America’s long-tangled tax code as well as encouraging increased private-sector activity. Tax reform […]

Maine voters sent some loud and clear messages on Election Day this year. First, they sent a clear message on the York County casino vote, which ought to send a message to every self-serving millionaire that thinks he can buy special privileges in Maine with a slick, deceptive campaign.  Then they sent Paul LePage another […]

In economics, the first lesson I teach my pupils is the lesson of things that are seen and things that are not seen. Actions have some effects that are readily apparent and others are overlooked or not perceived. It’s the same with our military veterans. We see the obvious price they’ve paid—the time they spent […]

As the country begins to digest the revelations in the new offshore tax haven leak known as the “Paradise Papers,” it’s important to not lose sight of the fact that the Congressional tax plan is out along with promises that it will end the gaming that has allowed multinational firms to shift trillions in profits […]

Steve slowly saddled Old Snort, and climbed aboard. Kinda stiff this morning. He pulled his hat down a little lower and pulled the wild rag up to cover his nose and mouth from the morning chill. How many mornings had he done this over the years? As Snort trotted out into the meadows and the […]

Whoever invented pie should be given the Congressional Medal of Honor, a key to the city and a $25 gift card redeemable at any Dunkin’ Donuts. Pies can be baked and eaten at any ol’ time of the year, and indeed I’ve munched on blueberry pies in August as an alternative to birthday cake, which […]

Earlier this year the Maine Development Foundation, a private, non-partisan organization created in statute in 1978, released the 23rd Measure of Growth Report. This annual report assesses a number of economic indicators in areas such as business climate, workforce, health and wellness, civic assets and the environment to help paint a picture of what life […]

Editor, I would like to mention the people of Poland Spring for donating bottled water for our firefighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel to consume while working at emergency scenes and trainings. Our mission is a never-ending battle to serve the needs of our citizens in time of crisis which causes extreme physical heat stress […]

How will you spend your Thanksgiving Day this year? Sleep in because you have extra days off? Settle down to watch football? Pull up a chair at four o’clock to eat a huge feast? Make plans for Black Friday, plotting with the multitudes to storm the stores and “shop-until-you-drop?” Why not consider another tradition? The […]

This is the season to be grateful and to acknowledge our many blessings, even in the midst of extreme difficult times for so many of our neighbors and friends the last three months in particular.  September was declared “the most active month for hurricanes on record since 1851, with three: Irma, Jose, and Katia photographed […]