Special interest groups have raised five significant statewide questions that voters will be asked to consider on Nov. 3. Now that September is here, it’s time to look over our homework. For those interested in an uncomplicated approach, it’s worth noting that the Legislature has already considered each issue. Those who are not inclined to […]

Thumbs up to the proposal to create a new police station for Old Orchard Beach that will address the need for more space for the department. The town is grappling with whether to consider a 9,000- or 12,000-square-foot building, due to cost concerns. Councilors must carefully assess the merits of spending the money now and […]

Wells voters will face another decision on water extraction ”“ whether to enact a town-sponsored ordinance regulating removal of large amounts of water. The proposed ordinance is essential because of the interest shown by Poland Spring in tapping local aquifers for hundreds of thousands of gallons per day. Such an enterprise would be closely regulated […]

In a mind-boggling merger, the Walt Disney Company has acquired Marvel Entertainment, the creator of such complicated superheroes as Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk. What the ”¦ !!? This is a match that only Wall Street could love. It attempts to merge brands that occupy opposite corners of the entertainment universe. Marvel is said to […]

A new Maine law seeking to protect minors from predatory marketing could turn out to be more restrictive than anyone intended. The original goal of the law was to block the collection of minors’ health-related information for marketing purposes ”“ a narrow but well-intentioned goal. Then it occurred to legislators to block the collection of […]

In a political twist, former Vice President Dick Cheney is accusing the U.S. Justice Department of playing politics. It’s an odd accusation, coming from an official who believed in using federal agencies to pursue the administration’s political agenda. Cheney’s accusation arises from a decision by Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate whether CIA employees illegally […]

Thumbs up to all the local veterans of war who received the Maine Silver Star last week, and to those who arranged to recognize the men for their service to the country. The star is given to any veteran who has earned a Purple Heart, was a prisoner of war, or was wounded or killed […]

Now that the successful Cash for Clunkers program has run its course, the auto industry is wondering how bad the hangover will be. It was clear from the start that the program successfully encouraged customers to make deals in auto showrooms and the Department of Transportation now calculates that the $3 billion program generated about […]

For the first time in a generation, there will be no cost-of-living increase next year for Social Security recipients, according to the trustees who administer the system. And although benefit levels will not go down, millions will receive slightly smaller monthly checks next year. The reason is that premiums for Medicare’s prescription drug program, which […]

The campaign for health care reform is approaching a key moment and those who oppose it are waving banners and shouting, hoping to throw the effort off stride. But this is no time for a counterattack against opponents of reform. The challenge this fall will be to build enough consensus to pass a moderate bill. […]