There is no hiding the fact that Maine has a lot of work to do in regards to increasing the availability of affordable housing. Whether you’re living in rural or urban Maine, homes are becoming less affordable and harder to find. For a number of reasons, including more people moving to Maine, a declining labor […]
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Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Kennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta – Let’s stand up for domestic violence survivors
October brings leaf peeping, hayrides in apple orchards, and Halloween spirit. What you may not know is that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Nationally, one in four women and one in seven men have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Such violence affects more than 12 million people […]
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Posted inKennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta – Maine’s ‘Roadmap to End Hunger by 2030’
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, September arrives with a reminder that it’s not just the seasons that transition. It’s also a time when communities across America come together for Hunger Action Month. In the spirit of spreading awareness and inspiring action, I want to share some important developments from […]
Posted inKennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
Guest Column – Big decisions facing charter commissioners
During my 12 years in the State House, I often wrote articles to inform the Kennebunk community. Term limits brought an end to that, and, also, I am now sleeping better, but momentous decisions are still on my plate as a member of the Kennebunk Charter Commission. Kennebunk residents should be aware that there is […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Kennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta – Building a brighter future: Advocating for Maine’s education and infrastructure
Having dedicated 25 years to the field of education, including 21 years as a classroom teacher at Wells Elementary School, I am deeply rooted in the power of learning. This commitment stems from a personal understanding of the transformative role education plays in shaping young minds. As a former educator, I’ve had the privilege of […]
Posted inKennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
Guest Column – I should have said
When I was much younger, and less burdened by thoughts of truth and honesty, and more in the spirit of joyful frivolity, I used to answer the telephone in my best Massachusetts voice with, “Eyah, White House, President Kennedy speaking. State your purpose.” What I usually got in return was “Aw, come on, Orrin, you’re […]
Posted inKennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta – Empowering Maine students and elevating education
As the chair of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and a former educator, I am eager to share the transformative action we’ve taken in Augusta to support our students and teachers this year. These accomplishments resonate deeply with me, not just as a legislator, but as someone who has dedicated their life to shaping […]
Posted inKennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
Guest Column – On stopping for stop signs
It’s not the end of the season. We’re halfway through August, and that’s too early to start running the stop signs in Kennebunkport. Some of the summer folk have gone back where they belong to get the kids in school and stop by the office to see who’s been signing the checks. But most of […]
Posted inKennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
Guest Column – Owning the Wedding Cake House comes with challenges
I have lived at 104 Summer St. seasonally since 2014 when I came here to help take care of my uncle Jimmy Barker. It was not my dream to have a house in Maine, let alone the most photographed, but it was in caring for my uncle that I came to care so much about […]
Posted inKennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
Guest Column – Do-this do-that days
I’m retired, so I shouldn’t be so damn busy. But most days I am. Busy as hell. (Sorry, I can’t use the word “busy” without swearing.) I call these frenetic diurnal episodes “do-this do-that days,” because I’m always doing this damn thing or that damn thing: all those chores, tasks, duties, errands, jobs, appointments piling […]