I was interested to learn that measures are being taken to increase the number of certified nursing assistants. I have a suggestion of a measure that would immediately increase the number of CNAs. What needs to happen is for the current CASAS test cutoff score, which English Language Learners are required to meet, be lowered […]

In his letter to the editor published Jan. 11, Patrick Norton notes, concerning voting rights legislation in the Senate, “circumstances in which a single senator could stand in the way of the overwhelming majority will of the people.” But, in fact, 52 senators are standing in the way: two Democrats and the entire Republican caucus […]

My thanks go to the Portland Press Herald and, in particular, to Staff Writer Colin Woodard for his Jan. 6 front-page article, “How the Jan. 6 riot affected six who were there.” In that piece Mr. Woodard recounted the experiences of our elected members of Congress on that horrible day when we nearly lost our […]

I am a constituent of Sen. Susan Collins, of whom I am ashamed. She failed to honor the Capitol Police by not attending the Jan. 6 commemoration in the Senate. The Capitol Police and their colleagues in the Metropolitan Police potentially saved her life that day, and she lacked the graciousness and gratitude to honor […]

I always thought having my picture on the front page of the Press Herald would be an honor if I did something noteworthy and deserved to make the front page. When Friday’s paper, Jan. 7, arrived, a picture of a state representative (Beth O’Connor) was on the front page: another one of those Republicans who […]

Shafia Safai’s plight is heartbreaking (“Portland-area family’s mourning put on hold over General Assistance rules,” Jan. 10). Our country’s treatment of immigrants is deplorable. Portland’s rules and regulations show little or no compassion for someone who has suffered much. The beautiful headstone, befitting the dignity of her husband and his family, was created with funds […]

I am surprised and disappointed that the Press Herald chose not to cover the League of Women Voters of Maine’s demonstration for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act on Jan. 6. I estimated that it was attended by 200 to 250 Mainers, and was one of 300 such demonstrations across the country. That’s noteworthy! […]

Because the omicron variant is highly contagious, Portland has approved mask mandates for indoor dining. But, added to this, vaccinations and proper masking practices need to be officially required, to offset how deteriorating standards for mask usage in restaurants is causing many people not to dine indoors. People wear masks when walking to and from […]