I’ve been working with Ed Suslovic on issues facing our region for over a decade. He is ready and equipped to return to the Portland City Council representing District 3. As an experienced leader, he does his homework, listens to everyone and brings a common-sense approach to issues facing his community and the region. With […]

I strongly support legislation to increase screening for osteoporosis, sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins and co-sponsored by Sen. Angus King and Rep. Chellie Pingree. In a commentary last week (Sept. 24), Ann L. Elderkin and Dr. Clifford J. Rosen argue that we are at a critical junction in the future of our bone health, and […]

I usually find myself nodding in agreement with Greg Kesich’s columns. Not this time. His Sept. 22 column is critical about the shifting of Mayor Ethan Strimling’s policy priorities and alliances. Over the course of a nearly 50-year career, involved with politicians around children’s issues, I frequently heard people say “I want politicians who won’t […]

As long as politicians, of any party, believe that the Constitution applies to anyone but themselves, dictatorships will reign supreme in this country. Our forefathers must be squirming in their graves. God help us! We’re in trouble! But there is hope for our country, in the young folks who can see beyond their noses and […]

Sen. Susan Collins recently announced that Maine communities will receive $15 million in grants to help with lead abatement. As someone who championed this issue during my time in the Maine Senate, I would like to sincerely thank her for these efforts. Although we have known about the dangers of lead poisoning for decades now, […]

Can Portland afford this mayor? Consider his first actions: expanding his office space (at what cost?); hiring an assistant and advertising the job at almost his own salary; essentially proclaiming himself boss of Portland; costing taxpayers legal fees to confirm the charter’s clarity – the mayor has limited authority. And consider wasted time and energy […]

The announcement of a new Sun Life office in Portland, while welcome news, also brings into focus one of the main challenges that will become more acute as businesses continue to flock to our city. Places like San Francisco and even Boston have become unaffordable for the middle and working class. We are in danger […]

There are nine elected officials on the Portland City Council, including the mayor. Each has one vote. In order to pass any initiative, five votes are needed. This requires councilors, including the mayor, to work together to come to agreement. Any leader, whether a councilor or the mayor, must persuade at least four other elected […]