“If you don’t have a vision, nothing happens.” That insightful quote from the late Christopher Reeve helps to explain the transformation happening today at the Pepperell Mill Complex in Biddeford. As Henry David Thoreau said “it’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” To their credit, visionary leaders in the public […]

A month ago, the president said that business should use rising revenue to invest in jobs. It was good advice and it appears that corporations are taking it. Last month companies created 222,000 jobs in manufacturing, construction, transportation, health care and hospitality. The unemployment rate dropped to 8.9 percent and economists are predicting strong hiring […]

The 2011 federal government budget impasse could shut down the government, yet neither the Republicans nor Democrats want this to happen. But the two sides are way apart. The administration is offering $6.5 billion and the Republicans want $61 billion in budget cuts. A lot of factors challenge a possible government shutdown, unless a spending […]

Maine’s economic worries get plenty of attention, but the latest “Measures of Growth” report from the Maine Economic Growth Council, continues to report on progress as well as problems. The council, established in 1978 with a mandate to promote Maine’s economy, has presented its latest report card to legislators. Once again it has listed both […]

On Feb. 23, United States attorney general Eric Holder, acting at President Barack Obama’s behest, announced the justice department would no longer defend a law banning federal recognition of same-sex marriages. During his press conference Holder methodically laid out the reasons why government statutes and regulations which treat gay and lesbian citizens differently than heterosexuals […]

One of the budget priorities of the LePage administration is to tighten up Maine’s welfare system. The budget proposes new restrictions on general assistance, MaineCare and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. But as advocates for Maine’s poor, aged and disabled argued this week, legislators should be careful not to weaken the safety net for those […]

I glanced out a front window yesterday around noon just in time to see a large raccoon walking down the snow-covered dirt road. It didn’t seem to be in any big hurry to get anywhere, nor did it appear to be distressed. It simply kept its nose to the ground as it ambled slowly but […]

Thumbs up to Biddeford City Councilor Jim Emerson for his proposal to institute a hiring freeze for the city, as taxpayers are facing a 9 percent increase next year. This expense is due to the $34 million renovation to the high school that voters approved in November 2009. With such a big tax increase coming, […]

The organizers of the annual La Kermesse Franco-American festival are hoping to continue their comeback this year and have mentioned some crowd-pleasing concepts. What could be more pleasing than free admission to most of its events, for instance. Other interesting changes are on the table as well, including one that should have been tried years […]

Republican legislators are promoting a change that could inconvenience voters and complicate the lives of election clerks throughout the state. A bill proposed by Rep. Richard Cebra, R-Naples, and 83 Republican co-sponsors would force voters to show a photo ID for admission to the polls. It’s a plan that would likely lead to longer voting […]