Voting on Nov. 2 gives us the opportunity to bring to the Portland City Council mature, moderate forward-thinking leadership. Stu Tisdale’s background in teaching government, practice of the law and his ability to interact effectively with all people offers us the kind of open-minded leadership our city has enjoyed – and that has guided our […]

Sarah Michniewicz is a breath of fresh air. For years, Sarah has worked tirelessly in the trenches for the people of the Bayside neighborhood and beyond, as the president of the Bayside Neighborhood Association, yes, but also as a citizen who cares deeply about her community. She has created enduring coalitions of diverse neighborhood residents; […]

Usually when I vote, it’s a kind of corrupt bargain to quiet an argument between my idealist, cynical and practical selves. I am grateful Stuart Tisdale stands for election to the at-large Portland City Council seat, so I can gladly cast a rare vote without reservation. It sometimes seems to me as a teacher, trying […]

Brandon Mazer would serve Portland well as an at-large city councilor. His motivations are genuine in keeping Portland a vibrant, diverse and sustainable community. He understands the City Council has to ensure limited resources are deployed to gain maximum effect to our community – not used to settle scores or gain headlines. As Planning Board […]

Portland is fortunate in having two good candidates running for City Council in District 1. A crucial difference is the governmental experience Anna Trevorrow has in the education of our children, our city’s most precious asset. Ms. Trevorrow has served on the Portland school board as member and chair and is chair of its Finance […]

Question 3, the food sovereignty amendment, does nothing tangible to “support healthy local food initiatives,” create food security, or provide for the hungry. Question 3 does nothing to create planning for a “healthy food system that is resistant to disruptions created by volatile weather, supply chain troubles or uncertainty,” nor does it magically create local […]

I’d like to clarify some points made in City Councilor Belinda Ray’s Oct. 18 Maine Voices column  about Homeless Voices for Justice and our position on the November referendum relating to shelter size in the City of Portland. Homeless Voices for Justice has taken an official “no stance” position on the measure. This decision reflects […]

As a former Maine state legislator, I have witnessed how the wrong language in a bill can kill it before it even gets started. Although often unintended, amendments can’t undo the wrong. The bill is deemed unworthy of consideration, when if properly written might have met a different fate. That is the conundrum we now […]