That is an interesting fact to leave out of the editorial. While I don't really see a need for a hotel on a golf course, but if the owners think that it is possible to swing it, then why not? I do think it would think it would be a pretty neat idea for Lost Valley to have a small hotel. Maybe with that expand their services and actually make it a well known destination. I know someone is going to complain about looking at the vacancy rate of local hotels and motels. With that said there has to be some type of demand considering the development of a new 90 room hotel within a yelling distance of the Hilton in Auburn.
Where is this located, that's right Lewiston, not Auburn. You don't see Lewiston every time Auburn tries to do anything say "Hey, we want to have input in this." This has nothing to do with the city of Auburn or the Androscoggin Land Trust, so why LaBonte wants input is rather interesting. Jealousy, maybe?
And yes I did read the document that was presented. No where in that document does it mention these generators that Lewiston would be taking over, NextEra company or if Lewiston could potentially take over the canal. So this document really holds no water.
How dare they post this, Lewiston and Androscoggin must be identified as the one of the worst areas in the state. At least that's what everyone thinks and says, to bad they don't actually have the statistics back up that claim.
I will be waiting to see the up roar that everyone shows when crime happens in Lewiston. I mean fighting, robbery and drugs can't be safe. Should just burn Auburn down and start over.
Well since this happens in almost every city in the United States, let's just burn down the entire country and start new. Deal? Feel free to walk outside your little bubble of Maine and you'll see that none of the cities in Maine are as bad as people make them out to be.
So because the FACTS don't go in your favor now you are going to blame the police department saying they just aren't doing their jobs. Pretty funny that you shoot down the integrity of an entire department on one incident, but yet if someone steals something from your or you are in fact being held at knife point these same men and women are going to be the ones to come to your aid. Funny part is I have NEVER received a parking ticket while in Lewiston and you ride a bike, how would you know? Ignorance like yours baffles me, don't like the area move or find a job somewhere else. Just don't go near Waterville, Portland, Biddeford and OOB all of which recently have had stabbings or shootings as well. Situations such as these don't just happen at random like you so elegantly put. Feel free to get out from under the rock that you are living under. Just Sayin'
I don't think that it needs a PR team at all, people are going to think what ever they want. The only time that anybody outside of L/A reports about Lewiston, it is always negative, so people get a negative impression of the city. People that actually are from Lewiston or people that have lived in more populated areas and moved to Lewiston, know that it is not nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I am originally from Lewiston and take great pride in it. I have also lived in more populated places, lived about an hour outside of Tampa and Orlando, lived in Phoenix and currently live in the Greater Portland area, I see far more crime down here then in Lewiston. The real problem Lewiston has is that we (past and present) haven't taken nearly as much pride in our city as we should, just the image alone gives people the impression that it is crime ridden. I may be young, but am old enough to remember when downtown wasn't laced with trash and people weren't always causing trouble. That's when people if they saw trash would pick it up or if someone was causing trouble someone would immediately report it. The city didn't get this identity by itself, we let it get this way and it is up to the residents (including the Mayor and council members) of Lewiston to finally say enough is enough. It took all of us to let it get this way, it's going to take all of us to get it out of this perception.
Excuse my long rant, just something I had to get out :)
Funny you mention that when 2 of the 4 people aren't even from Lewiston. Next time you put that I hope to see "Welcome to Dirty Lew; home of one of the lowest crimes rates out of any city in Maine." Lewiston's crime rate for 2010 (the closest one on record) was lower then any of the cities in Maine, Waterville, Augusta, Auburn, So. Portland, Portland, Bangor, Westbrook, Biddeford etc.. Don't believe me look at the actual statistics for yourself. http://www.maine.gov/dps/cim/crime_in_maine/2010pdf/Crime%202010.pdf
Not saying that he did or didn't do this, but don't be too quick to judge. Something doesn't seem right. She gets a protection order and then dismisses it. Situations like these could easily be that of her "settling" an arguement as actual domestic violence. Like I said I am not saying he did or didn't do it, but something tells me there is more information that has yet been released or uncovered.
I don't speak for everyone in my generation, but what a lot of people my age want is things to do. By that they want places to go to concerts (State Theatre or Port City Music Hall) and they want places to go dance and socialize (much like the Old Port in Portland). The stuff that Lewiston/Auburn is currently doing is great with the recreational stuff, but the younger generation wants some type of nightlife. That is why many of my peers moved out of Lewiston/Auburn and the ones that have stayed continually go to Portland on the weekends. You could say that the L/A area has Club Texas and Mixers, but that is not anywhere near the comparison the Old Port is. While jobs play a big role in keeping young people in the area, there also has to be some things to quench their needs in terms of entertainment. Yes, I understand that Lewiston/Auburn does have some concerts as well, but not that regularly. As for me, I know that eventually I will return home to Lewiston because I love it. Despite all the negatives that the city is perceived to have, it really isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
Other cities in Maine have had similar development that Auburn is currently having, Augusta, South Portland, Scarborough and Bangor to name a few, are you saying that they have allowed their cities to be trashed? These "junk" stores, pay taxes and help bring jobs to the area. I am kind of perplexed as to what development in that are you consider a "junk" store. And there is a big difference between retail development (which is what currently is in that area) and recreational development (what this is).
Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't that make you a transplant yourself? As for destroying the city, that is up to what the city council feels is best for the city of Auburn. If Auburn doesn't want those jobs, I am sure Lewiston will gladly find a spot for them.
I mean why would you want someone to actually fix it up and put it on display using his own money? I guess letting it collect dust and letting is slowly decay in storage is better option; while debating how you might potentially fix it up using government funding not like you need a new high school or anything.
People like you make me laugh. This has nothing to do with Lewiston, yet you try to clump it in anyways. By the way if you think this only happens in Lewiston/Auburn area, then you are naive.
Well my question is WILL they go forward with this new plan? Plans have come up in the past regarding this section of Lewiston, but little has come of those plans. Don't get me wrong I am not knocking this plan at all, I love it. I just want the councilors to say this plan we are sticking with and moving forward with this blue print. I would love to see the river front and Little Canada come back alive.
Not to pick on a middle school statement, but the last sentence says it all; "but people have control over their money." So whether the casino is in Lewiston, Oxford, Bangor or more then likely to one of the Connecticut, it is their money. Competition keeps businesses on their toes and "honest." I have been a none proponent of a casino in Lewiston, especially of the previous attempt by Steve Mendros and the other backers because not only jobs, but the tax revenue that could/would have helped the Lewiston-Auburn and the Androscoggin County. The entire county is usually an after thought when it comes to helping financially (other then the known welfare recipients and in education), while places like Portland continues to get backing from the State government. Also the operation of trying to make it about the community around the casino rather then just the casinos. Casinos try to make it so your every need is right there inside the walls of the casino, which keeps the revenue for casino. Where the Lewiston backed casino was the casino, a restaurant and a hotel. That proposal leaves money to made my local businesses in and around the immediate area of where the Lewiston backed casino.
Weird concept, don't commit crimes if you don't want to go to jail. It's that simple, regardless of the person's race. 9 out of 10 people deserve to be behind prison if they committed a crime, I say that only 9 out of 10 because there are a few that the system gets wrong.
Oh my pretty pictures!!! Seriously, how exactly am I suppose to think this plan will work when reading threw this plan I came across one of the pictures that put downtown where Sunnyside neighborhood is?
For this country still being in a recession this area seems to be doing a good. Between the developing of Panera and other businesses around the Auburn Mall, this project while small is still development, now you have the hotel going by Kittyhawk and the hotel that is going to be built by the car wash on Lincoln St. While some will say that these are just low paying jobs, etc... they are still jobs and tax money coming into the Lewiston-Auburn area.
While it would be cool for the museum to move into the Bates Mill #5, I doubt that it will as it has already begun to "adjust" the Camden Mill to it's liking. I have voiced my opinion plenty about wanting to keep the #5 as well, but don't want to see government foot the bill. I think the casino idea was the best shot at keeping the Bates Mill #5 while using private investments. This point it should be torn down and have something put up in its place. I like the idea of building 5-7 story building have the first floor retail, the next 2 floors convention space and have the rest office spaces. While leaving enough space for a small plaza/park. You get the park, you get the retail and you get convention space which is all needed.
Thank you so kindly for proving my point. LEWISTON and Maine gave the incentive package to get the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Lewiston. It could have easily gone somehwere else like Auburn or like either Postal or FedEx did in Scarborough, but it didn't. Everyone has to face the fact that to lure businesses to a state and/or city you are going to have to give up some type of tax breaks because if you don't, someone else will.
"Auburns gets things done . Lewiston doesn't ." That one sentence made me laugh a little. The things that were mentioned in this letter to the editor mentioned a few things that are in Lewiston. Example Lewiston Auburn Magazine and Museum L/A are both located in Lewiston. As for bring business just over the past decade some businesses that have re/located in Lewiston, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, the Northeast Bank is now headquartered in Lewiston and a lot of the art galleries are located on Lisbon St. So to say Lewiston doesn't get things done is kind of absurd, both cities have done a great job in their own right. I would say next time you are in the area take a close look at both cities.
Very unfortunate, everyone has already stated reasons why this seems to be very wrong. Something in this country has to change, people like him and his family should not be the ones we are deporting. I wish him and his family luck and hopefully one day they can rejoin the Lewiston community.
Waste of tax payers dollars. How about putting a highway where it would benefit Maine citizens. Like from Brunswick east threw Lisbon, Lewiston, Auburn, Mechanic Falls and Oxford (near the casino location). If you could talk Vermont, N.H. and N.Y. into it you could have it link up with I 90 in Albany. Plus could attempt to get help with the federal government if legislators from all four states were to back it.
From what I have read this week Lewiston no longer has an elite program and with that shouldn't win this award. After all how can you have an elite player and not elite team.
The amphitheater is a good idea, people have been suggesting better use of the canal and the one thing that keeps popping up is, ice skating. My question is why is it not possible to do such a thing? Something like this would help show the artistic side of Lewiston while also giving back to a community who has always loved to ice skate. Plus it would be unique to Maine because I have never heard or seen any other place in Maine that has something even similar to this. We, Americans have always gone against the grain. If told we could not do something, we did it. Where is that spirit now?
I saw my share of in school suspension and out of school suspension. As I got older I began to question out of school suspensions because often times kids would just be playing videos or causing mischief around the city. I know that was the case with me, you can say well what about your parents, well I lived with my mother and she had a job there for wasn't able to keep an I on me 24/7. Also when you are out of school you aren't going to do the work that you miss. Unlike in school suspension where you have someone that is monitoring you, making sure that you behave and you are still doing work that you would have done in class so you don't fall behind. The falling behind part is the reason a lot of kids end up dropping out, once you fall behind it is hard to keep up and eventually you are more then likely drop out. I witnessed it first hand with many of my friends. Some will say well it is there fault, well think of it this way if they drop out chances are they will end up on welfare and high quality jobs will shy away as the city would have a high percentage of people who don't even have a diploma let alone a college degree.
The part that I fail understand is why exactly the middle school needs another assistant principal? Last I recall they already had a principal and an assistant principal, why the need for a new one and what exactly would they be doing? I never understood the concept of having multiple assistant principles and why it was needed. The entire time I was in high school I really only saw one assistant and the actual principal do any "work." So if someone could enlighten me it would be greatly appreciated.
Not trying to bash on the school, but with a little over 100 people going K-12, having 100% graduate doesn't amaze. While that is a nice statistic when you only have maybe 10 graduating it doesn't seem like it should be that difficult.
Am I the only one that finds it funny when someone calls someone else an idiot, then goes on to misspell words? I am not trying to be picky, but when you insult someone at least do it correctly. :)
If I could click that agree button another million times over, I would. I now am going to school and living in South Portland. I always find it funny when they say "I don't think we should have to pay to use I-95, but Lewiston drivers can use it for free to get to Auburn and vice versa" I try to explain to them that using the turnpike to go between Auburn and Lewiston is generally not plausible as most of us are traveling between the downtowns in which case we use the Longley Bridge, Bernard Loan Bridge and Veterans Memorial Bridge because both exits are on the outskirts of the cities. You are defiantly right about I-295 majority of the Greater Portland area use that for FREE and connect easily to most if not all community centers. I have been saying for quite some time that I think it is time for an East-West highway. Starting in Bath/Brunswick, going threw Lisbon, Lewiston/Auburn and going into the Western parts of Maine as well (maybe but and on/off ramp by the casino). Maybe dicuss it with N.H. and Vermont about potentially linking it up to the interstate system that links Albany to Buffalo, N.Y. Just some thoughts.
Hold on, so you are saying it can be a civil MARRIAGE and not just a flat out MARRIAGE? Why bother with the civil part then? No where in my remarks was I judging you, I was showing you that marriage was an institute that was adopted by the church and not the other way around. If we were running out mouths then so were you, you made your remarks/opinions known and we countered them with our own remarks/opinions. That isn't called running your mouth it is individuals having a discussion and/or debating. Just curious that since marriage wasn't created by the church, who says that they get to define marriage in which they see fit based on their religion? Words definition change all the time with the ages anyways. Depends you are assuming that I believe that there is a God, believe it or not, not everyone in the United States is religious.
If I am not mistaken, marriage was actually something that was set up by a government type (I think it was the Greeks, don't quote me on that) which the Christian religion adopted. Believe it or not there was civilization before the creation of Christianity, crazy I know. Regardless of that fact marriage is done by the government. You have to get a marriage certificate in order to get married, which again if I am not mistaken you don't receive at a church, rather you get them at your town hall or city hall. Also you don't need to have a priest, pastor or any other religious figure head no longer needs to perform the ceremony; a notary can oversee a marriage or any judge/justice. That alone right there shows that religion has little to no barring on marriages, unless you want it to. Separation of Church and State anyone? It protects churches from the State and leaves churches out of State affairs. The humorous thing is that religion was used against interracial marriages/relationships and used against women's right as well.
Has nothing to do with the story, but does anyone else find it funny when they are like "Maine's largest city" in almost an article about Portland? I don't see any papers in Mass. saying the airport in Mass. largest city is getting full body scanners. If you don't know that Portland is the largest "city" in Maine then you need to go back to school, the fact they have to put it in every article just makes me laugh.
People in Auburn don't need Lewiston? Interesting without the population of Lewiston next to Auburn I don't think Auburn would have nearly the amount of shopping places as it does currently. Another little tid bit is the fact that a little over half of the jobs in Androscoggin County are located in the city that Auburn just so happens to not need. Whether you want to admit it or not, Lewiston needs Auburn and Auburn needs Lewiston. If a factory sets up shop in Lewiston it benefits Auburn and if a shopping center opens up in Auburn it benefits Lewiston. Sooner or later other people from both communities are going to have to get over this whole us against them and realize that if either city is going to succeed they are going to have to do it together because the state isn't going to help fund projects in L/A like they do in Brunswick, Portland, Biddeford, etc... Lastly the whole people think differently, I think both sides main objectives are the same thing good education, lower taxes and safe environment. Believe it or not some people that live in Lewiston are from Auburn just like some that live in Auburn are from Lewiston. All weird concepts I know.
I am sure that the federal government really doesn't care what happens to the building. Whether it is for senior citizens or to help an already space cramped school it is being put to good use. It isn't like it is going to be turned into a strip club or bar, something that doesn't benefit the community.
I couldn't agree more with this letter. Instead of bringing in people from outside Lewiston to tell the us what we already know, Lewiston riverfront needs more pathways, needs better signage for boat launches and what should be done about the Bates Mill #5 or the land that is beneath it. Everything that study showed was exactly what the taxpayers could have told the cities government for FREE, instead of wasting the taxpayers money. Not to mention the development plans that are usually done almost yearly, but yet nothing has changed along the river front. Talk is cheap, is not the case when you are discussing the Bates Mill #5 building and the riverfront. Study after study has been done on this section of Lewiston and we have a new parking garage and a fountain. Nothing that is generating actual money for the city itself yet we are spending tens of thousands of dollars with these studies.
Why not put a large convention center in Lewiston, build a 5 story building, make the first floor retail stores, second floor (or more) the convention center and the remaining office spaces? It is time that Lewiston (and Auburn) step it up, instead of having people look at Augusta and Portland, then say well it is close enough to grab people from L/A. Why not switch it around and say if we put it in Lewiston/Auburn it will grab people from Augusta and Portland? Some will call it a pipe dream, the only reason it would/will be a "pipe dream" is because the people in charge don't have the initiative to do it. Those that will claim it is a "pipe dream", let's hear your ideas.
While pathways and everything are nice, is there a real plan on what to use the area as. Like what type of businesses should the city try to attract, commercial or industrial? Should the city sell the two plots for a hotel (should ask if a hotel is feasible), should they attempt to place more offices, call centers, retail, etc. If they paid this company just to say it needs more pathways and whether to tear down Bates #5, it seems like a waste of tax payers money. Tax payers can already tell you that there should be more pathways along the river and there is a split decision on what to do with Bates #5, but it is still a question that could be answered without spending however much money on bringing these guys/gals in. Personally I have been hearing about these studies on the Riverfront Island for the past decade and haven't seen a big difference. Yeah, you put a water fountain, made a few parking garages and Platz has done a pretty good job of bringing in banks and restaurants into the Bates Mill, but nothing that says hey I see what direction the city is going in with this area. Talk and studies are fine, but when will something actually develop with these or are the city councils (past and present) just enjoying wasting time and tax payers money.
Let me get this straight because the Governor didn't appoint you, the city of Auburn, Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland aren't being represented? So that means Lewiston, Livermore, Lisbon, etc... are, how does that work?
If he was smart and wanted to help change this community he would start by listening to the younger generation, especially that of the young professionals. I have nothing against the older generations, but you aren't going to change anything unless you start looking to the future instead of reminiscing of what Lewiston was in the past. All I have heard from him was Franco-Americans and talk of the mills. Well Lewiston doesn't have a super majority of Francos anymore and we defiantly don't have the mills that they worked in. These people he likes to refer to are his citizens and are part of the future of this city. While it is nice being on the AARP list for retirees, that isn't going to help bring or keep young professionals in the area. How about he skips a couple of those coffee shops and take a little tour through USM L/A, Bates College, Andover and Central Maine Community College and talk to those individuals. That's just my humble opinion.
That is an interesting way to have your first moments as mayor be remembered, threatening. Regardless of whether or not his claim about starting rumors is true or not, an elected official should be more cordial. If you want to bring a community together, you don’t go out and threaten some of those very members. I am not to worry about any of his agendas because as I have said the mayor of Lewiston has little to no power (other than ribbon cuttings and things like that). The power resides in the city council and the city manager. So, unless they plan on pushing his agenda there is little he can do.
Stats are stats. Lewiston has one of the lowest crime rates of all the "cities" in Maine. I don't know if you are referring to a stabbing in Lewiston everyday or in Maine period because you would probably be correct in if you said stabbing in Maine everyday.
I am not to concerned about what Bangor is saying about Lewiston. Frankly they have just as many if not more problems going on in their city, i.e. hows the bath salts working out. Out of all the cities in Maine, Lewiston has they lowest crime rate. So for them to be talking about our crime rate is humorous, heck they have a higher crime rate then Portland too.
That would not be a wise decision economically. The central location of the Bates Mill #5 makes it prime real estate and would be a waste if you put something there that isn't going to pay taxes. The biggest issue is no one is willing to pay to renovate the mill. Unfortunately means that it will eventually be torn down.
If it was me, I'd push for an entertainment complex, convention center and make the rest offices. Lewiston needs a convention center, period, convention centers tend to help bring business to the area in which they located. While jobs help bring young professionals to an area, so does entertainment. One way to go, is to try and get something similar size to what the State Theater currently has. Gives locals a chance to play in a decent size venue and national bands can go there too. Granted you aren't going to see Taylor Swift, Lady Gage or whomever else, but something is better then the current which is nothing. Bates Mill has become the financial region of Lewiston, you can expand that and is perfect because lawyers offices, banks and other financial institutions generally don't work at night or on weekends when concert would be going on. All three of these things mentioned would help bring people to Lewiston for entertainment and conventions, but also could bring in jobs with the offices. I know some people are going to say no one would come to Lewiston for concerts or a convention because of Portland, but you never know unless you try. Plus there was a study like 5 years ago that said Lewiston could use another convention center besides the Ramada Inn.
Why would you place EL on Lewiston property? It would make sense if you combined both schools, but to have strictly an Auburn school in there would make no sense.
I thought the comment was rather unnecessary, so just because they would be Somalis she would be more accepting of it? Something the SunJournal could have left out since it had really nothing to do with the story anyways.
I beg to differ, people don't go to the most convenient gambling spot, they go to the one that offers the best entertainment. Who is to say that Lewiston's casino couldn't have survived, they weren't given a shot to. There was/is a big difference between all four casinos that you mentioned. Biddeford was going to build a sports complex with their racino, Bangor is capitalizing on the musical acts, Oxford is trying to be a "resort" and Lewiston had a convention center to go along with their casino. I also have to disagree with you that Biddeford would get the folks from Southern Maine, N.H. and Mass. Lewiston (would have) and Oxford is going to be a full casino with tables, while Biddeford was only going to allow slots. You think people go all the way to Conn. to play slots when Bangor is much closer? Either way if the Lewiston casino would or would not have succeeded, it would have succeeded in the fact that the Bates Mill #5 would have been renovated, which is a lot easier to sell/develop then an empty run down mill or just a patch of land. Which would probably end up being more parking garages anyways. Either way I expect that the Lewiston backers will be back in two years, as they said they aren't going to give up on this area.
You do realize that statistically Lewiston's crime rate is lower then Portland's, Bangor's, Biddeford's, Rockland's and (oh no) Auburn's. Not to mention that there are more towns and cities around Maine that have a higher crime rates. The whole Lewiston is a crime ridden city is humorous, when the fact is that out of all the cities of relative same size, Lewiston has a lower crime rate. The only reason people actually believe that non sense is because the only thing that media shows of Lewiston is the negative. Just saying.
You should really point your anger towards the lose to the citizens of Maine, more then half the city of Lewiston (over 1,000 more) voted in favor the casino. Anybody that is from Lewiston, knows that Lewiston really isn't the "armpit" of Maine like most say, that is just peoples perception of a place that they have never been or they have been, but only passing threw. Also not a lot if any city/town can say anything about another place being an armpit.
Why not put more on the shoulders of the Lewiston Police force, I mean what better things do they have to do? I think we should ban cigarettes, candles and Christmas tree lights because they cause fires too. If anything it should have been vote from the citizens, not a vote of government telling us what we can and can not do anymore. Nice example the council members presented though, if the rules don't work for you find a way around them. Wonder how many Lewiston citizens will remember their example come New Years Eve or the 4th of July.
The reason in which there are an awful lot of posts is because there has been an awful lot of pieces being written about the issue, whether for or against. Of course not all jobs that are coming into a casino are going to be from Maine, as you have stated not many, if any are qualified to do so. As I have said in past posts, to me a job is job, whether it be waiting a table, dealing cards, security, etc... The fact of the matter is people complain about the welfare and people on the state, this is one way to give those a chance to have a job and get off the system and contribute. People outside of Maine for some odd reason look at Maine and they envision hard working folks and to me the majority of Mainers are just that, they don't care if they are shoveling cow crap, lumber jacking, truck driving, fishing... They just want a chance to work for their money, people look down upon these "lower tier" jobs, but like me many people just see it as a job is a job. Who are we to judge what is a "lower tier" job? You are from Lewiston, look around, what made Lewiston what it is you see? Mills. You think those are "higher tier" jobs? No, but it was a job that paid your bills and fed your family.
As for the Lewiston group, they have been more up front with the best, worst and middle case scenarios when it comes to how much they would be split up and potentially how many jobs they would create. How many other groups have given that?
That is kind of the point with the Lewiston casino, it is unique when it comes to that. I would much rather have a casino that is trying to help out local businesses then have them horde all the money into their business. Clearly you don't understand that this group of individuals is trying to help the economy in their city, not just line their pockets with money, as most have been saying.
Also, I am still waiting on the Sun Journal's editorial about how voters shouldn't vote for the Lewiston casino. They had one up last year when people in Lewiston were voting to have the Great Falls Rec. buy Bates Mill #5. Come on Sun Journal, our hometown newspaper show us who you really support.
The state of Maine has never been about helping out Lewiston (and Auburn). Unlike places like Bangor and Portland, everything Lewiston-Auburn has is what they have done themselves. That's why those who live and are from Lewiston-Auburn should hold our heads high. While Portland receives state money to help with ports (and many more projects) and Bangor who was pretty much handed Bangor Slots by the state (more importantly ex. governor Baldacci). People in Maine always are talking down upon Lewiston, but whenever Lewiston has a chance to do something for themselves they are shot down. It wasn't too long ago that Bates Mill #5 was in talks about becoming a convention center, but was shot down by the state, if voted down this would be just another case. Those that live in Lewiston-Auburn and the entire Androscoggin county should be behind this. This ballot question may have Lewiston's name on it, but it effects all the surrounding city/towns. Not with just the jobs that would be there, but with the The ENTIRE state itself will benefit with all the programs that they will put money into East/West highway, cleaning up rivers in Maine, downtown revitalization, helping the elderly, money for veterans, putting money for scholarships, etc... While Biddeford, Bangor and the Washington county. I have honestly looked at 5-6 pages of the Oxford casino and only find that they are going to be taxed 46% of the winnings. None of these other proposals benefit Maine like the Lewiston proposal.
It was nice to see all sides of both Q2 and Q3, both in which I support. The part that wasn't so nice was all the preaching towards those that were behind trying to get these cainsos/racinos in their cities. I didn't see Mike make one justifiable point that would make someone vote against a casino. You might as well had Dennis Bailey there throwing his nonsense around, at least it actually had something to do with the topic.
This too funny, you are basing your opinion on parking spaces and 50/50. No other schools in the state want to kick the crap out of eachother on the atheletic field and off the the Devils and the Eddies. The two teams could have not won a game, but neither team is going to not put it all out there and sacrifice everything for that one game. Rivalries have little to do with fans, it's more about the team. Living in the Greater Portland area I don't see or hear about it like back home. Regardless if you could go or not you still knew the Devils and Eddies were playing eachother. Specially with train or cars (and sometimes a firetruck or two) showing off their pride with their vehicles all done up with their teams colors. You can count on one of those empty parking spots being filled with my car. Good luck to both teams. Go Devils.
Just waiting on the Lewiston Sun Journal group to follow suit. We already know that they are against a casino in Lewiston, as they made that well known last year. Also, judging by the letters to the editor that keep getting put in the newspaper trying to sway those to vote no against either Biddeford or Lewiston casino/racino. You can't tell me not one letter to the editor has been submitted that is in favor of either casino/racino.
So am I getting this right, you want the state to say no on other casinos because you think medical individuals will gravitate to Oxford. If they do as you say gravitate to Oxford as you assume it will be either to gamble at the casino or live there. If you look at where the major hospitals are (i.e. Augusta, Lewiston, Portland and Bangor) only one has a casino in it. Doctors gravitate to where the jobs are and the more prestigious ones will be going to major hotels because they pay more. This as to be the oddest defense of why to say no to the other casinos that I have seen.
I think all businesses should be like that then, one at a time. Sorry, can't set up a bank here we have to see if the others will succeed first. I don't think there is enough support to get another restaurant, let's wait and see if the others succeed first. Maybe the businessmen who made the mills should have taken that approach. This whole let's wait to see how another business does first is ludicrous. People wonder why the United States is in such disarray when it comes to the economy, people that are protecting businesses from competition. The people backing Hollywood Slots and Oxfords Casino must love you guys backing their monopolies. I have heard enough when it comes to look at Las Vegas, look at Nevada. 78 casinos in Las Vegas to a would be 5 in Maine, I can defiantly see the similarities. You all should have warned the Biddeford Lowe's before they opened up. Let the market do what it has always done, sort it out. Everybody is all worried about what their or should I say how much their area will lose out if another one is opened, what about those other Mainers that can't get a job because they got shafted by their peers? Lewistons casino nor Biddeford (& Washington County) isn't pinning itself as a "Resort" Casino like Oxford. All these casinos/racinos are bringing something different, Lewiston Casino and Convention Center, Biddeford Racino and Complex (which from what I have read is a new ice arena), Oxford Casino & Resort and Hollywood Slots has apparently been in on the entertainment business bringing numerous acts there. So you guys/gals are entitled to your opinion, but in the end you will be hurting fellow Mainers and the State as well.
Yeah, I mean why not start an aircraft service at Bates Mill #5, why didn't they think of that? Are you nuts. I know my facts, considering Southern Maine Community College is making another campus on at the old BNAS and not including UMaine Augusta who is also taking up some of the space as well. When is the last time you heard a college paying property taxes? A golf course another great idea for Bates Mill #5, I guess they could incorporate that little waterfall into it. Take a look at the funding partners of the Brunswick Landing Maine State housing, which is also the group that makes affordable (aka low incoming) housing. You say look at what they are doing and you expect Lewiston to follow suit, when nothing like that could be done or would be beneficial to the city. Thank you though for encouraging me to look up the "facts" when it just proved my point. Just saying.
Low incoming housing and along with a couple college satellite colleges to me isn't a "bang up job" to me. Low incoming housing is a good intention, but aren't that great for economies, i.e. look at the two places with the most low income housing (Lewiston and Portland). Both are struggling with budget issues as generally people who are on welfare live in low incoming housing. College satellite love the idea, but colleges don't pay property taxes, so while it is a good thing as people are getting educated it really isn't that great towns economically.
Pimps and prostitutes, yeah I can see why that would be a problem, I mean after all I hear about them all the time up and Bangor. Not. Whore houses, yeah because those are just around every casino in the U.S. If you are THIS worried about casinos and racinos then you'd have said no to the Bangor and Oxford ones as well. Maine, the way life should be, is a motto that no one really cares about. If it was the way life should be a lot more people would be moving here, instead of taking their workforce and education to other states (not sure if you realize this, but we have a higher average then Florida). Two is plenty because you say it is plenty, I am not sure if you realize this or not, but you aren't the only person who lives in Maine.
Simple, let the market sort it out. If any business is willing to risk their own PRIVATE money into a business, why not let em? Everyone keeps trying to throw stuff out there to help Bangor and Oxford keep their monopolies. Let the racinos in and the casino in Lewiston, let the people decided which place/s stay a float. If more people want to go to Bangor rather then Lewiston, cool, or if more people want to go to Biddeford and not Oxford, that's fine. No wonder the U.S. (specifically Maine) are losing jobs is because of letting the public vote whether a business can set up shop, I didn't see that when Wal-Mart or any other business strolled into town.
I have seen the Worcester arena several times, nothing special about that arena either. If you don't like the fees for parking DON'T (I can use caps too) go. Lewistons arena isn't the only arena that charges for parking, take a look at Cumberland County Civic Center.
Where is the investors behind the Lewiston casino? Voting is a month and half away. If you are going to actually may a push to get one here, now is the time to start promoting it. Lewiston has probably the hardest task when it comes to legalizing a casino here because people in Oxford/Oxford county won't want one so close to them and our cities/towns (or at least their reps) to the South have already showed that they will only support the Biddeford one.
Peter, you have no idea what you are even talking about. I am just going to take a wild assumption and assume that you are from Auburn. Instead of looking and judging Lewiston, take more time out and fix you and your own cities issues. There is enough there to keep you busy for a while.
While I do feel sorry for the individuals who are and have been put through this exprience. That being said, the United States needs to worry about OUR people first. We can no longer afford to police the world and continue to feed the entire world. People most likely are going to be calling me insensitive and everything else, but who is helping our hungry? There are millions of Americans around the U.S. that don't have a roof over their heads and don't have anything to eat. There are not enough shelters for these people and there is not enough food for these people to eat. These people are often not seen because they do not have Time Magezine taking pictures of them or have infomercials on TV. It's time we worry about our own BEFORE we worry about others. If we don't help our own then no one will, unlike how we help everyone else. Just some food for thought.
The more week look at our founding fathers, the more we realize how forward thinking they were. It's sad to see that it has slowly been going down hill since them. I am quite sure they would be troubled looking at how their FREE country is not so free anymore.
It is going to be a tighter race every time it is voted on because the older generation pass away. The younger generation does not find anything wrong with two consenting adults having the freedom to marry. Churches wonder why they are losing people, look into the crowd next time and see how many 30 or younger are in the crowd. If we go into the next life, where ever or what ever that is, at least we will have a clean conscious.
Key word in your statement is MAJORITY, who are they to decide what 2 other adults do? I am pretty sure back in the 60's the MAJORITY would have said no to interracial marriage as well, does that make it right? No. Just Saying.
Good luck in your new endeavors. I remember when I went to high school at LHS that we were going to bring at least on state championship home thanks to the tennis teams. Good luck with the potential casino as well.
Oxford casino backers are worried that either the Lewiston or Biddeford casinos would hurt the oxford casino before it got off the ground? Well get on it then.
Is that 17 miles road way? I don't want to here anyone in the state complain about how run down the mills and Lewiston are when Lewiston tries to better itself the state rejects it. I am rather agitated on the fact that Lewiston has voted 2-1 in favor of this projected, but the state can say no, when the only thing that affects the state is the taxes they'd recieve. As for the senator from Fryeburg we live in a free market society where the consumer can and should decide whether both casinos could suceed. As for the senators from Androscoggin county I hope that you will now proceed to reject the proposal of the Biddeford racino to show that whats fair for one is fair for all. That no longer will Greater Portland area will not further dictate politics in this state.
How did they discriminate when EVERYONE was given 2 mnutes to speak. Seems pretty fair to me. I am surprised that they even let him speak when he isn't even from Lewiston. Let alone the fact he wasn't even talking about anything that pertained to Lewiston. By letting him continue to speak is taking an oppurtunity for a citizen from Lewiston to ask or comment about something that has to do with the city they reside in.
First off re-read what I wrote. I never compared L/A to Portland, I said that the reason in which people liked having the MaineIACS because it was OUR team. You never answered my question as to if you ever went to a MaineIACS game or if in fact you were a fan. One reason the Portland Pirates can manage in a small city like Portland is because it is linked to a major league team, same goes for the Red Claws and the Sea Dogs. When is the last time you been to the Old Port? People try to stay away from the Old Port area because of the lack of parking. Which if you lived in the Greater Portland area, which I currently do, you would see more tourists going to places like the Maine Mall and not so much the Old Port. Back to the topic on hand, you say that no sport will ever survive in this area, question for you is why are minor league teams looking to fill the void that is left when the MaineIACS were bought out? There is no doubt that Lewiston can and will have a hockey team again. Judging by your comments I can see that you haven't paid much attention to the team and the downfall of the team. The ONE time that the team was actually marketed correctly the totaled a little over 2,700 fans. Even then the team was only marketed in the L/A area, when the team could have easily drew fans from Waterville/Augusta area. Another that hurt the team was their failed attempt to move, when you look at that attendance went down along with sponsership went down. Not to mention they didn't even have a staff to market the team and try to draw in more season ticket holders or sponsers. You can blame demographics all you want, but you can't go without putting most of the blame on the management of the team. Another question for Mr. Blake since you seem like a smart man, why is it that the MaineIACS fold and blamed attendance, but 5 teams had lower attendance then Lewiston and continually had lower attendance? Funny thing is I am not even much of a hockey fan, I perfer baseball, basketball and football more. The fact is I don't want people placing blame on Lewiston/Auburn and their fans when it folded based on poor management. If it was based on on the demographics other teams would not try to fill the void by the MaineIACS, when they first tried to move another league tried to replace it, but they stayed and now that they have left another league is "keeping a close eye on Lewiston." That's not even including the talks that owners of the Colisee are suposedly having with the United State Hockey League, which are trying to expand.
It wasn't just about the spin off revenue that people liked having a hockey team in Lewiston. People liked the team being here because it was something to do, something that didn't have an age limit on who could go. People liked it because it was OURS, it wasn't people from L/A driving down to Portland and cheering a Portland team on. People liked it because it represented us, how many cities/towns have a team (minor or major) in Maine? Until recently Lewiston and Portland. It is hard for a team in the United States to be playing in a Canadian hockey league, the travel cost that is involved, healthcare (Canada has universal healthcare), not to mention from what I understand Just had to help with the expenses that other teams had to pay for their travel. I am just curious if you had ever been to a MaineIACS game and been a fan of the team?
No place is what it was 20 or 30 years ago. Heck no place is what it was 10 years ago. Times change it is a fact of life. When's the last time you have been back to Lewiston? Just curious because I don't think you realize how many call centers are in L/A. I don't think it is realistic to think that some out of staters are going to get the job when I don't think anyone is going to commute from N.H. or MA to work at a call center. So they would more then likely have to relocate, which who to say it's a bad thing? Either way this is a great thing for Lewiston, like I said taxes that this company will pay and having one of the fastest growing companies in the area. It's a win-win for the city. I never knew a top up and coming business moving to Maine would be considered a negative thing.
Just curious why would it not work in Lewiston, Maine? It is a call center, dunno when the last time you have been to L/A area, but there are several call centers. Also do you have any facts that the jobs will be going to people outside of Lewiston or from outside of Maine? Like I said there are at least 3 call centers in the L/A area that I can think of and know quite a few people who work in them. They aren't from outside of L/A and defiantly not from outside of Maine. Granted I don't know all of the individuals, but highly doubt many are from out of state. Does it really matter even if people from outside Lewiston got some of those jobs? Not really. Lewiston would still benefit from the taxes that they will recieve and in the grand scheme of things it is good for MAINE.
Who cares? I love King's work as much as the next person, but if he doesn't want a festival to honor his work, then oh well. If it is because of LePage, again who cares, King doesn't have any political clout.
Just wish that someone from MAINE would buy the majority ownership and actually market it effectively. I don't think that the MaineIACS have tapped in Waterville, Augusta or Brunswick all of which are 30-40 minute drive to Lewiston and are population centers in Maine.
Just curious as how much of the tolls would be used to fund projects for I-295? They are saying that the 5% will be used towards projects that are within 25 miles of a I-95 interchange, that to me is a VERY large gap and in some cases reach I-295. If anything this money should be used to help fund the INITIAL building of an east-west highway, help fund railways and yes help roads 25 miles from an interchange, but I-295 should be exempt from it. Towns and cities that are no border by I-95 or I-295 have been begging for some type of highway and Lewiston/Auburn have been begging for one that they can use for nothing, much like how it cost the majority who use I-295 nothing. The reason to help fund railways in Maine is because the less cars on the highways means less wear and tear on them, which means they last longer. Roadways (other then I-295) should be considered because those that don't use either use back roads and I don't know if any of you have driven on route 100 lately, but it is horrible. Just wish L/A, Western Maine and other communities actually had the representation in Augusta that would encourage things such as these and help their communities.
Lepage isn't trying to censor anything, he simply does not believe that the Department of Labor is the right place to have the mural. He has offered it to the city of Portland and there has also been talks to have it sent to various museums so people can actually see it. I have never seen the mural in the Dept. of Labor and doubt many Mainers have, having it sent to the various museums gives citizens a better chance to view it, help people learn the history and help the museums that they are brought to (specially since the media is all over it, now people will want to see it even more).
All cultures normally stick to eachother like someone previously stated. You have your Little Haitis, Little Canadas, Chinatowns, South Boston (Irish neighborhood) etc... So in theory that make everyone a racist. I didn't go to the NAACP nor did I honor Cesar Chavez, so I guess that makes me a racist and more then 2/3rds of the state racists. Fact of the matter is people only celebrate and honor people who they can identify with. I wouldn't expect someone who isn't of French or French-Canadian decent to celebrate/honor the Franco Festival or French Heritage Day or St. Patricks day (commonly associated with Irish). To me that doesn't make them a bad person or a racist. Just they don't have any connection to those days.
Of course there is going to be resistance, the MTA is making a killing off the people from L/A that work in Augusta or south of Gray. If they were to travel on the ZOOM bus they wouldn't be getting the profit that those citizens pay in tolls. For as much as the MTA make from tolls I don't see what they use the money for because it certaintly isn't the turnpike or at least past Greater Portland area (including I-295). It would be nice to have a free interstate system run threw Lewiston/Auburn like it does for almost ALL of I-295. It's been years and years of talk about an east to west highway. Well where is it? Time for Lewiston-Auburn legislators to actually step up and help get more infastructure for this area.
The MTA doesn't do a good job maintaining 95 anyways, specially past Portland area. Isn't the MDOT funding both intetchanges in L/A? Shouldn't that be an MTA thing? It'd be nice for an east to west highway, but unlikely because they have been talking about it for years and nothing gas materilized.
Bill, where was I "whining" in my comment? If you want the government to control your life, feel free to move to China. Also, a couple of those people were family, one of the accidents I was actually in the car. Therefor I don't know someone who knew someone. Wasn't this country built on the rights of the people? If you want to where your seat belt feel free, but don't push your beliefs one others.
Ernest, not a lot of people in Lewiston/Auburn use the turnpike to go from one city to another. Why would they when everything is in the downtown areas, which aren't even close when you come off the turnpike. It's really the same with Westbrook, So. Portland and Falmouth. There really is no reason to go from South Portland to Westbrook via the turnpike, specially when they are next to each other. A lot of the tolls in Southern Maine are pretty much a tourist trap. From Scarborough up it's the free ride on I-295.
The thing I love the most, is when people complain about those on their cell phone (either talking or texting) and yet I see plenty of people driving around with their pet in their laps. A pet in your lap is as distracting if not more distracting then someone on their phone. As for the seat belt law, I find it it ridiculous that we are made to wear them. I feel that anyone under the age of 16 should be made to wear seat belts, but as adults we should have the right to choose. The whole saving lives is questionable because I have heard plenty of times from people who were told if they had been wearing a seat belt they wouldn't be alive. Also, if I am not wearing my seat belt and get into a car accident how is it going to save your life? It isn't. Goes right back to the fact that adults should have the right to choose and make decision for themselves, not have government telling them what they can and can't do.
Personally if I was the city, I would say no to this. Everyone complains that the downtown area doesn't have enough green spaces and I would have to agree for such a large amount of people there is Kennedy park and Marcott Park, but this are is the only place downtown that has trails that you can hike. To add this just to get parking is ridiculous.
Not to be biased or anything, but in the 2nd there should have been a forth goal by Lewiston. The glove for the Thornton goalie was clearly passed the line when he "saved" the goal. The angle that I had was perfect and anyone with the same angle could see it, including the Thornton student section who got upset when they saw it (upset because they knew it was a goal, relieved when it was called otherwise). While disappointing, I am still proud of the team and like every year, Lewiston will be back at it next year.
I am not blaming the landlords/owners for the trash on their properties, but they are inevitably responsible for their property. If it is the people who live in the building, make them clean it up or be fined. Is that a possible option? I am not quite sure, but something needs to be done. Do some type of incentive program? Where landlords take some money off the rent for people who help maintain the property. There are plenty of options that landlords/owners could do to improve how their property looks and ultimately how the community looks.
While we are at it, can we somehow force them to clean up there buildings? At least half the buildings downtown look like they should be condemned, not because they aren't structurely sound, they just look horrible. On top of that can we have the landlords/owners maintain some type of cleanliness at the very least on their property? I am not very old and I remember a time when Bartlett was a pretty nice neighborhood, about 15-16 years ago. Good people living in the area and the place looked pretty good. Now there is trash EVERYWHERE. Someone needs to step up and make the landlords/owners accountable.
The 100 mile radius is a bit ridiculous, looking at that map it is pretty much saying that 2/3, possibly 3/4 of the state of Maine can't have a casino because there is one in Bangor. Talk about a monopoly and I wish these opponents of casinos would get over it, the majority of MAINE wants casinos. They are saying that this law is unconstitutional, but so is going against the will of the people. This country was built to be majority rules and the majority spoke. I am in favor of the casinos in Oxford, Lewiston and moving Scarborough Downs to Biddeford. What ever is going to help the state of Maine as whole, the cities/towns in which they are placed in and the citizens that are looking for jobs, I am for it. People aren't only leaving Maine because there are no high paying jobs, they are leaving because there are no jobs, PERIOD.
All this just to add some parking spaces. I would be more inclined to accept it if the owner of Sam's was going to expand or if another company was tearing it down to put some type of commercial building up, but to tear down this building to add a few parking spots is sad.
There is a difference between kids gathering to fight and a hockey fight. Kids gathering to fight has no structure, it is do what it takes to win. Some hockey fights are strategic, usually used to put a spark in the team. Also, unlike kids gathering to fight, hockey fights have structure in the sense that when one player goes down, the fight is stopped. That another thing unlike kids fighting, there is someone there to stop the hockey players, i.e. referees. To go along with the kids fighting it was considered illegal prize fighting, winner gets money. If we no longer allow boxing matchers or MMA fights, then why should we allow an organized group of kids fight? At least the boxers and MMA fighters are "professionals."
Dave, they aren't speaking about any other casino, other then the proposed one in Lewiston. Apparently, others are fine, just not one in Lewiston. Kind of a head scratcher there, but the more religion protests anything, all they are doing is pushing people away because more so then not, people don't believe religion should be involved with politics.
Cal the answer is simple, that dollar you pay is to help finance I-295, just like the one you have to get on I-295 in Scarborough. You can't look at Auburn to Sabattus and say well they don't have to pay toll because they do and they pay more. To get above Augusta or to get south of Gray the L/A metro (Sabattus included) have to pay a $1.75 toll. They design the tolls startegically to get the most money, people want to get to Portland, Lewiston/Auburn, Augusta and Bangor so they try and place them in places where you have to go threw the toll first.
I am a little confused, what are people disagreeing with? That he isn't a successful, local business man? If I am not mistaken he owns four stores in L/A, which I would assume means he is successful. If that isn't success, I would like to know how many stores y'all own. Or are they disagreeing that he is helping bring more money and jobs to the community? This is an obvious, the casino would bring more jobs and money to the are. Also, more because I am sure those four stores he owns hires local people and he pays taxes, which brings money into the community. So, for those who disagree, I would like to hear what y'all are disagreeing about.
So are you agreeing that because they have a good rapport with this detective that he should be automatically be investigated? If so I don't think it is terrorist the U.S. should be worried about. Reminds me of good ol' Joseph McCarthy or the witch trials.
I find it humorous that those 3 disagree, question for you people who disagree, when did police officers take on the task of keeping people behind bars? If that was the case the guys that broke the officers leg a couple months back wouldn't have gotten off with JUST community service.
The police department can't not sentence them, they can arrest them as many times as you want, but it is up to the Judicial system in Maine to get them off the streets. You can sit here and blame Lewiston Police Dept. all you want, but they don't have much if any say after they are arrested. Also, I am assuming that the reason Mr. Campbell is brought up is because this is part of the area in which he is asked to patrol.
He isn't trying to make it look presentable to the common person, he is making it look presentable to business people. If you would cough up enough money to buy the land, I am sure he would make it presentable for you.
Either Mark Just needs to squash this now or this isn't going to be good for the MaineIACS. Even though I am a big MaineIACS fan, I am personally sick of this, "Oh we want to be here" and then "Just kidding, we are trying to move."
Business don't usually buy old churches because they are hard to convert into anything, but what they were meant for. I do agree with you that it is tragic, but it is the world we live in now a days. Would be nice to see one of these churches turned into an Irish Heritage Center. I don't think people appreciate the flocks of Irish that helped build the canal and build the mills. This city was build by both the French and Irish, would be nice to finally get to see some support for the Irish as well.
Mr. Schott is not getting the property for absolutely nothing, he is going to actually leveling it to help make it suitable to build something there and picking up the rubble that is just sitting there to make it look presentable (all this at an expense of a million dollars). Also, think about it people, he is going to be paying property taxes and the back taxes that are owed from the Cowen Mill. While technically you could call it free, I would much rather have someone try to get it ready for development because a lot of people aren't going to want to do that AND build a structure on top of it; also like I said he is paying property taxes on it, which no one currently is. Plus he is a business man and the city knows he needs to turn a profit himself.
While I do like the idea of people in jail, working to help the better the community, it is difficult to do so because you have to pay police to moniter them while they clean up or shovel. Also, how would you portion it out? 1 police member for every 5-10 inmates?
While I do like the idea of people in jail, working to help the better the community, it is difficult to do so because you have to pay police to moniter them while they clean up or shovel. Also, how would you portion it out? 1 police member for every 5-10 inmates?
For one your statement was very difficult to understand, you might want to add some punctuation in there. On to my actual comment, so by Lewiston getting it's first clinic it is a loser town, so what does that say about places like Bangor and Portland, who have 3 a piece?
Just a heads up, if you wear something Patriots and buy a ticket for Jan 13th game it is only 14 bucks for 2 tickets. It must be in person and you have to be wearing the Patriots stuff when you purchase them. If we can't pack it on this night then there is a problem people. Get out there and support these guys.
Hrmmm.... someone needs to go to the back woods. I think it is funny that you mention Main St., Sabattus St. and Main St. I didn't realize those were the only streets in Lewiston. My apologize, if I was you I would get my head out of my rear and actually take a look at Lewiston as a whole. You grew up on outer College St. exactly, you are one of those stuck up people, that explains it all.
"Auburn City Administrator Ed Barrett", last time I checked he was Lewiston City Administrator, nice job Sun Journal.
Also, Scott it really isn't Lewistons fault that it is what you call a "social program mecca", between the Catholic Charities and the state of Maine dumping millions of dollars to build low-income housing in Lewiston, we really have no say in it. Also, calling the entire city of Lewiston a dump is hilarious, you ever been out of the downtown area? Chances are you haven't if that is your whole outlook of Lewiston.
I almost forgot about rush hour, the fact of the matter is that people generally use Longley Bridge and ignore Bernard Lown Peace Bride (bridge connecting Little Canada and New Auburn, also known as the Green Bridge) that is just a mile, if that, down the Lincoln St. If you got that much of a problem with getting home, let me know, I will tell you a way to get from your job home without having to go threw downtown L/A.
Personally I love the idea of the casino in Bates Mill#5 and think it is a good location for it as well, judging by the 10,000 signatures in Lewiston alone, I would say I am not the only one. While there is free drinks at casinos, that does not mean that everyone who goes to one will be drinking. Also, if you are going to bring up that, then what about Gritty's which is literally right across the river and what about the "clubs" that pop up every now and again across the street from Gritty's. These places sell drinks and people do get intoxicated at these locations as well. As for the surrounding streets, in the revenue sharing it states that .5% of the profits would be going to the infrastructure of Lewiston, which could be used and the $2-3 million in property revenue could be used as well. While I could not find any data for paving in Maine, I did run across some for Pittsburgh. In 2008, it cost $338,000 per mile for a street that was 24 feet wide (which is a 4 lane street). Assuming Lewiston keeps Lincoln St. 2 lanes (12 feet) and assuming that it would be half the price per mile because it being half the lanes it would be roughly $676,000 just to repave the 4 miles of Lincoln St./River Road to the turnpike. 1.2 miles of that road is already being widened to 20 feet with two 5 foot shoulder for bikes. So, you could just make it one bike lane and you have enough room for 4 lanes in that section of Lincoln St. Either way that section will be repaved. As far as the not enough police, Lewiston has the 2nd largest police force and with some of the tax money that they receive I am sure that they can afford a couple more police officers, not to mention that Auburn PD and the Androscoggin Sheriff Dept. is right across the bridge. As I previously stated I love the idea of it going in Mill#5 because it brings people into the heart of L/A and will bring foot traffic into the downtown areas which is what a lot of businesses look for and need. Look no further then Lisbon Street, when there is no foot traffic businesses leave the area.
While I do enjoy the train and have taken it several times to Boston, I still think it is absurd that Brunswick will be getting the Downeaster before Lewiston-Auburn. The population of L/A is roughly 60,000 while Bath-Brunswick-Topsham is roughly 40,000. With the Twin Cities having more then 20,000 (Which is almost the population of Brunswick) one would think with more people, comes more rideship which means less subsidies. People can say what they want about how L/A doesn't get as much tourist, but the Great Falls Balloon Festival sees over 100,000 people in 3 days and the Dempsey Challenge sees 10s of thousands itself (that is only 2 events). That is just my opinion though.
So, by evicting this group that is going to solve the problems of jobs? I would assume renovating it and fixing the problems wrong with it would bring jobs, while they maybe temp jobs, they are still jobs. Then again taking it down might create some temp jobs as well. Either way I don't see the CLT leaving L/A, probably relocating to some place in Lewiston.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Fri, 12/17/2010 - 12:50
I love the idea of Lewiston/Auburn having some type of commercial airline coming to the area. While it is still an unknown at this point in time, I think it would be very beneficial to not only the L/A area, but the entire Androscoggin county, parts of Oxford and Franklin counties. While I don't see them having JetBlue, Southwest, American Airline, etc... I think another smaller airline would be the perfect fit for this area, with like 3-4 round-trips at first (expanding in the future if needed). It will probably cost a little bit more, but people in the area will get to sleep longer, if it is an early flight and you don't have to pay for gas or tolls (assuming you take I-95) to get to Portland. I know some will say that this is just a "pipe dream", but it is very much in the realm of possibility.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Fri, 12/10/2010 - 11:48
Actually, Lewiston population is estimated at over 37 thousand and with all of the Somalis moving here every month, I wouldn't be surprised if it was actually higher then that. The number that you are looking at 35 thousand is the population in 2000, which was before the migration of the Somalis to Lewiston.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Sat, 11/27/2010 - 17:42
The train isn't just a way to attract people from Auburn to Canada or Bethel or vise versa. The Amtrak goes all the way to Boston, I am pretty sure there is a few people between Auburn to Boston that would like to go to Montreal. Also, during the summer look at the masses of Canadians that come down to New England. Amtrak would give them another way to get down here. I do like the Amtrak in L/A, but not in the spot that they plan on putting it.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Sat, 11/27/2010 - 08:41
I know Somalis that don't go to this Mosque and still do their praying and what not. Also, just because they are Somalis doesn't automatically mean that they are Muslims, believe it or not there are a lot of Christians in Africa as well. Regardless there are ways to prevent this, set up multiple times to go and worship, so not everyone is going there at once. Like you said get a larger building and or buy land to build one, but there STILL could be a problem of parking even if they did those 2 options. Fact of the matter is the wrong-doers (Somalis and Americans alike) should respect others property and when asked not to park there, DO NOT PARK THERE! That simple really.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Fri, 11/26/2010 - 18:57
Queston is, why are there some many Somalis driving to the Mosque? It is right in downtown Lewiston and they could easily walk to it. St. Peter and Paul Basilica holds far more people in it and I would bet that they have a better car to person ratio.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Tue, 11/23/2010 - 15:07
Funny that plenty of places in Lewiston have offered a place for this group to keep them in the area, but the so called "shopping mecca" doesn't look to be doing anything to keep them in the area. Either way, I am just glad Lewiston/Auburn isn't losing out on a good thing.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Sat, 11/20/2010 - 11:16
Time to start reading a new paper people. I have never seen such a paper that has so many restrictions. The United States sure is starting to go down the tube. Free speech is being revoked, we are getting pat downs at the airport.
Here are some quotes for thought-
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both"
-Ben Franklin
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
-Abraham Lincoln
"There is no punishment too great for anyone who profits from his country's ruin."
-George Washington
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Wed, 11/17/2010 - 17:42
To further what I was saying about the Bates Mill, those that oppose it don't see the benefit. The Bates Mill is literally across the bridge (From Bonney Park to Simard-Payne Park). Think about it this way the businesses in this building would still be in L/A, who cares which city it is in. One thing that Lewiston/Auburn can not afford is losing our art programs. Like I said in that statement Bates mill has space that is unoccupied, why not use and keep these art programs in L/A?
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Mon, 11/15/2010 - 10:35
While most of what you say is true, students dropping out and teenage pregnancies are up, the one part that is false on the Lewiston front is that Lewiston's crime rate is decreasing. Out of all the "cities" in Maine it has one of the lowest if not the lowest crime rate.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Sun, 11/14/2010 - 18:27
Funny thing is that people in Maine are the only people who think that, when I lived in Florida the people that had been to Maine and specifically Lewiston had nothing, but good things to say. People from L/A are lazy, okay how so? If you want to bring up people on welfare, look no further then Portland. Violent and crime ridden, that's why out of the whole state of Maine, Lewiston has a lower crime rate then Waterville, Portland, Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford etc... Uneducated look at other states, all you need to get a "good" job in Maine is an associates degree, in other states an associates degree is no better then a high school diploma/GED. Poverty abound, look at the entire state of Maine. White trash? Racist? Have you ever looked at Lewiston, over 4,000 Somalis. Really? All the racist comments you see on this website tend to be from people in the woods of Maine. So, please before you want to talk trash, look at Maine as a whole because what is wrong with Lewiston, is wrong for the WHOLE state.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Wed, 11/03/2010 - 17:21
My question is, why keep bringing in Franklin County? You don't see Lewiston saying well Androscoggin and Cumberland county should boycott Oxford, So. Paris and Norway. Not that there is much reason to go there anyways. As for very large contributions, where do you get that from? You mean the 2 million dollars that goes to the ENTIRE Androscoggin County? Like I said previously why would Lewiston, Auburn or any Androscoggin county vote for the casino in Oxford when the county as a whole would get A LOT more from one in Lewiston? Also, yeah, Lewiston and Auburn have only their interested in themselves, you don't see anyone helping us out. Not only that how many other towns/cities in Maine are trying to find a way to help eachother? You seriously need to get over your lets hold hands and sing kumbaya, that may have happened in the the 50's, but times have changed. Like I said in a different post you can feel free to boycott Lewiston/Auburn. When you are laying on the floor having a heart attack I am pretty sure you aren't going to be like "Take me to Maine Med, I am boycotting L/A." Give me a break, you are extremely childish and apparently are irrational. Have a good day.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Fri, 10/29/2010 - 16:18
Start boycotting, but I am sure that if people are in REAL danger, health wise, they are still headed to St. Mary's or CMMC because it is closer. Like I said feel free to start boycotting, the survival of L/A and Androscoggin county doesn't come from entirely or significantly from Oxford county. Also, why bring Franklin county, when both Casinos would benefit the region either way.
Honestly the old station in Lewiston ( Maine Central Railroad Station ) to me would make more sense to place. While I am not sure where the Auburn Intermodal is located at, the Maine Central Railroad Station (MCRS) is located pretty much directly between Lewiston and Auburn's downtown area. There is a near by parking garage for those that need to park there cars. The owner of the the MCRS even stated that if need part of the old warehousebuildings on either side that could be made into more parking garges. L/A has been talking for years about their "downtown revitalization" plans, what better way to revitalization the downtowns then to drop people right in the middle of them and create foot traffic there? Not to mention Bob Roy just finished renovating the building to its previous look in 1916-1960 when it was a rail station.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Wed, 10/27/2010 - 15:12
It makes me kind of chuckle when people keep throwing out 2 million for Androscoggin County, that really isn't much compared to how much would be sent to the county as a whole if there was a casino in Lewiston. Either way it's a simple fact that Bangor will vote No because of Hollywood Slots, Lewiston (and probably Auburn) will vote No because of the potential it would take away from a casino IF they get one and Biddeford is the same way. Also, apparently Washington County is working on trying to get a racino there as well. Chances are with all these place fighting eachother it will result in none of them getting their "dream" of having a casino/racino.
It's about time someone else actually disagrees with Oxford being better then Lewiston. Route 26 isn't a highway, despite some drivers actions and it isn't the least bit enjoyable to drive on. I thought the pot holes in Lewiston/Auburn and Portland were bad, but nothing compares to quite a bit of 26. Lewiston actually has access off the Maine Turnpike/I-95 within 3 miles to the destination of where its casino would go. Having to drive to visit family Oxford is atleast 20 miles off of it. Lewiston is JUST as good as any other place you could possibly place a casino.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Thu, 10/21/2010 - 14:49
Yes, crime rate in Bangor has increasing, but from 04-05 Bangors crime rate dropped from 55.9 to 51.7. Now Hollywood Slots opened in 2005, the next year the crime rate jumped to 63 and has increased since. 2004-55.9, 2005-51.7, 2006- 63, 2007-63.1, 2008-65.1, 2009-71.6. I am not saying that a casino is a bad thing or a casino is going to increase crime. It'd be cool for Oxford to get one and I'd love it if my home city of Lewiston would, but I like to look at both sides of the story. Also, an interesting note is that in that time frame (2004-2009) Lewiston's crime rate never reached above 40. Even taking a look at Portland which is the largest city in Maine never went above 59.5 threw the same years. So, if you compare the population of Lewiston and Bangor it's pretty similar with Lewiston, by a little over 3 thousand people, but Bangor has a crime rate higher then a city (Portland) that is almost double it's size population wise (Portland 63,000). Not included that statistically Lewiston has around the highest poverty level in the State (people in poverty tend to commit more crimes). Like I said I am for the casinos, but I like to look at the stats as well. Fact of the matter is that a city like Bangor shouldn't have the highest crime rate in the state, but it does. Like I said previously it's interesting that out of the 3 largest cities in Maine, the one that has the highest crime rate, isn't the one with the high poverty level, isn't the one with the highest population, but the one that has a casino. Just saying.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Thu, 10/21/2010 - 11:26
I find it kind of odd that Bangor has the highest crime rate in the state. Most people would think it would be one the 2 largest cities in Maine (Portland and Lewiston), but it isn't. I find it rather interesting though that out of these 3 cities, the one that has the casinos is the one with the highest crime rate. I am not saying that it is strictly from the casino, but kind of makes one think. Just Saying.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Wed, 10/06/2010 - 15:59
So, Lewiston delcined by 4,078 from 1990-2000, but the question is how much has it increased since the migration to Lewiston/Auburn from the Somalis and other groups of people? I remember hearing figures thrown around that at one point Lewiston that 35 people per month were moving to Lewiston in 2007. Correct me if I am wrong, but that would be 420 a year and that is when migration started to slow down. Instead of using old facts, why not just use current ones?
As for the turnpike I for one use neither the Auburn or Lewiston exit because in either direction within about 20 miles you are going to have to pay $1.75. If I need to use the turnpike I wait to go to Gray. Call me cheap, but during these times everyone is trying to save money. Question is why not make an East-West highway going threw Lewiston/Auburn? Like I have said in previous statements Brunswick, threw L/A, with stops in Oxford, and other towns along the way, going into N.H. Would be even better if we could talk to N.H., VT, and N.Y about going threw Laconia and Concord N.H. into VT and eventually connecting to I-90 (which leads to Buffalo) in Albany, N.Y? Just a thought.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Thu, 09/30/2010 - 14:32
If they are that set against putting an interchange in either location why not just add a 2 off ramps at the River Road? Off ramp coming from the south and one coming down from the north? If the demand ends up being more then just add on ramps later on if needed. Let's not all forget though if this was Brunswick, Portland, Saco, etc... Maine DOT would jump at the chance whether it made sense or not. Got to love the coastal bias
I don't think it has anything to do with Muslims, I think it more has to do with people are just sick and tired of hearing about Somalis. The past week and half that's all people have seen. People see Somalis in the paper all the time lately, yet you don't see any articles about the Irish, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc... in the area. The Chinese have contributed just as much in terms of business as Somalis have, but you don't see them on the front page. Just saying.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Thu, 08/12/2010 - 16:55
First off seekingthetruth what cities do you speak of? I have been to more then enough cities as far west as Colorado and can tell you that every city not matter the size has a "bad" part in it. I have lived in Phoenix and Mesa, AZ, as well lived an hour outside of Ocala, Orlando and Tampa, Florida and visited them frequently. I have been to a majority of major cities east of the Mississippi River. I can tell you with great confidence that there are bad parts of any city small or major.
As for Lewiston being a town and not a city.
Definition of City from Dictionary.com
-(in the U.S.) an incorporated municipality, usually governed by a mayor and a board of aldermen or councilmen.
Now last I checked the CITY of Lewiston has both a mayor and 7 city councilors.
How often do you visit Lewiston? Saying that 50% of Lewiston is a slum is laughable. The only part of Lewiston that is "slummy" would be downtown Lewiston. At best that'd MAYBE be a 1/3 of Lewiston. (not saying that, that's any better, but your statement is/was false)
Back to the statement at hand I feel that it's time that the City officials start making landlords accountable for their buildings and the land that they own. If their buildings look terrible fine them, if their yards have trash on them and they look terrible fine them. Lewiston would look a whole lot better if Lewiston would just weed out the slum lords. If people took a little more pride in their community Lewiston wouldn't have the bad reputation it has.
You talk about fights and stabbings in Lewiston, wasn't it not long ago that man in Monument Square in Portland was sucker punched and killed?
I find it sickening that the Lewiston Sun Journal would allow such words be spewed by Mark against the city that it represents. It's bad enough that most people in Maine have a poor image of Lewiston, we don't need the paper and the people of the city bashing it as well. I take great pride when I say that I grew up in Lewiston, some of those very streets that people are speaking of.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Wed, 08/11/2010 - 13:57
Well you would think that they would pay some type of attention to the L/A area when the Balloon Festival brings an estimated 100,000 people in 3 days to the area, a majority of them being from out of state. You also have events like the Dempsey Challenge and other events that brings tons of tourism to the Lewiston/Auburn area. It is just frustrating that the state thinks and expects to L/A to be able to do things on their own, sometimes you need a little help. It is also about time that we start having people move more inland.
While that is an interesting idea it wouldn't be able to happen because of the cost. Maine DOT much like the rest of Augusta seem to want to help the coast, rather then working on the interior. Which is rather odd considering Lewiston is the 2nd largest city and Auburn the 5th. I personally like the idea someone had about having an interstate go from Brunswick, thru Lewiston/Auburn, Concord, N.H, Burlington, VT to Buffalo, N.Y. Obviously with stops in between to other towns/cities on the way. Would be an interesting idea specially if either Lewiston or Oxford got their casinos.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Wed, 08/11/2010 - 10:26
What I find interesting is everyone is quick to jump on the bad parts of Lewiston, but overlook the bad parts of other cities i.e. Portland, Auburn, So. Portland, Biddeford, Bangor, Augusta etc... I can show you just as many bad parts of those cities as there are in Lewiston. If people wouldn't fixate on the downtown area and looked beyond that, they would find a beautiful city. Every city whether in Maine or other states has its problem areas and unlike most people in Maine I have been beyond the Maine borders. Citizens of Auburn defiantly don't have a foot to stand on either. Just saying.
p.s. Feel free to scream about my grammer, just shows that you don't have anything to counter my statement.
I think it'd be a nice spot for a restruant, some retail and offices as well. It is by far the most vaulable property if you ask me. You are right by Main St. in Lewiston, a bridge away from Auburn, you have the beautiful Verterans Memorial Park and the view of the falls is second to none. Now Lewiston just has to not screw it up somehow, even though they don't own there is still ways.
Dint? Yes, I did mention the bible because that is where a LARGE majority of people get the "1 man and 1 woman" saying from. If you can find a creditable source (Bible not being one of course) where it says marriage is only between "1 man and 1 woman" I'd like to see it.
Why is this ajg person even allowed to comment with all of his "baddass" remarks? Ajg I don't know what college you are attending, but you my friend need to get your money back.
It isn't because of religion, then why did the Catholic church of Maine donate $100,000 to the Yes! on 1? Also, your logic is what they do behind closed doors is "gross", what if I find what you do behind closed doors "gross", does that mean I have should have the power to say you can't marry? Lastly, you ask most people why shouldn't same-sex marriages be allowed they will say because "marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman", where does it state that, in the bible. Just saying.
Marriage licenses are given out by the State, going by the "Law of the Land" it is un-Constitutional to not allow gay marriage based off of religion. Seperation of Church and State. Just saying. Eventually people of Maine will vote and approve of gay marriage as soon as the "older" generation decreases.
As a Democrat I plan on voting for the Republican Lepage regardless.
Love the idea that something is finally going to be put into the Grand Trunk station. For an area that is the focus of Lewiston's economy for the upcoming years, it is rather a smart location to pick by this woman.
That's my biggest concern, but look at how many people are going to be on Section 8 or welfare regardless of these apartments. Seems to me that the time of the working class Mainer is starting to dwindle away. Question is, is who is going to pay for all the welfare and Section 8 when there is only people living on it instead of working?
Last census Lewiston (37,000+) had 5,000+ people over Bangor (32,000+) and thanks to all the Somalis moving here, I highly doubt Lewiston has dropped to third largest city in Maine.
Yeah restore it by getting it so they can find the serial numbers to find out which ship it was on. Not restore it so it can be used. As for your comment you are truly something, aren't you from Auburn? Why don't you worry about what happens on that side of the river (which should keep you busy enough) and not Lewiston.
Tron I find it interesting that if someone doesn't believe in your ideas they are a "right-winged" wacko. I am sure you will label me one, but interesting enough I am not. I just find it rather funny how you can sit and whine on the computer all day. Also, what volunteer work can we find you at because I'll volunteer just to see if you actually do come.
It's rather pathetic to bicker about spending $2,800 to help support an event that benefits cancer or anything else for that matter. Way to stay classy councilors.
By LewistonNative..., unverified — Wed, 07/07/2010 - 08:24
Portland isn't much of a "pearl" either, more of an armpit then most think. If you want a beautiful place to live I suggest most of So. Portland and/or Cape Elizabeth, but homes are A LOT more expensive.
While I like the idea of making part of the mill into apartments I do not agree with low-income apartments. Lewiston is a haven for those low-income renters which isn't exactly a bad thing, but it isn't exactly a good thing either. A lot of up scales businesses will not do business in Lewiston because the fact that a large majority of the people are low-income and can't afford time to leisure or don't have money to spend to buy high quality items. I am not bashing on those with low-income because some of my family members are these exact people and I see how it is. If anything they should have though about turning into condo type apartments. Lastly the city, Platz and the investor should have asked the other members of the Bates Mill community on their outlook of this idea. Also section 8 or those on welfare shouldn't be allowed to live there, a "community" room, free internet, etc... that would really make me want to get off welfare.
If this was Lewiston and not Portland people would be having a field day of how bad Lewiston is, but because it's Portland no one wants to comment as usual.
Used to live next to that place in about 05'-06' when I was like 16 years old, looked kinda run down... in fact used to stand in the parking and hit baseballs over it. The places looks amazing now, well done Bob.
Interesting that you are in fact blaming Lewiston for Auburn's crime? That's like having South Portland blame Portland for their crime, it really makes no sense. Auburn whether Auburn citizens want to hear it or not has had crime in their city for quite sometime. An interesting fact is the more your population increases the more chance you are to having more crime.
Lewiston according to a study done in 2008 has a lower crime rate then Auburn, Portland, So. Portland, Westbrook, Bangor, Augusta, Sanford and Biddeford. That is just the crime rate for cities of similar size to Lewiston. The cities of Portland, Augusta and Bangor all had more crimes in their cities then Lewiston. South Portland and Biddeford all had similar amount of crimes in their cities as Lewiston had. So really think poorly on Lewiston all you want, but statistics show that Lewiston isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
Ah... the childish name calling. The ironic thing is that you were a city councilor for Lewiston, which just so happens to have one of the highest percentages of people on welfare. Nice to know that now you aren't in office you turn your back on them and spit on em. And yet you want to "crap" on Democrats, Republicans at their finest. Also if you think you can do better Mr. Reed why haven't you run for State Representative, State Senate or better yet Governor? Just a thought.
Hold on so she pleaded not guilty, yet she was driving WITHOUT a license and she was driving down a WALKWAY? Hahaha. That is amazing, I hope to god that the justice system comes threw for once.
I don't really see how that is relevant to the burning of books. Act 19:19 talks about burning scrolls of whom belonged to people who were THOUGHT to be doing magic. Now lets all jump to the 21st century, we all know that there is no such thing as magic. So why the need to burn books now adays? If people are so into burning books that they deem as magic, then some people could consider the bible as such. Would anyone object to a mass group of people burning bibles? I think so... Just a thought.
Either way it takes a moron to go out and buy a bunch of books just to set them fire, especially if when you don't like the book. Don't like it, don't buy it.
Woman topless = Supporting gay rights? For anyone to believe this is completely absurd. One group is fighting for women's rights, while another is fighting for gay rights. Heath can try and get UMF to stop it, but fact is they can't. It is not held on the campus and it is not the University itself that is putting this on. Even if somehow the University tries to stop this, it would be impossible as there are no laws in Farmington banning women from going topless. Simple thing to solve, you don't want to see it, don't show up. Radical Christians like this make me ashamed to put myself in the same grouping as them.
When did the Bronx become not a "ghetto." Unfortunately it is rather sad, but it happens all the time in NYC. Like most New Yorkers will tell you, if it ain't your business it's in your benefit to not get involved.
The thing about people like you is, you complain about how Lewiston looks and when someone does something to clean it up you spew out more negativity. Get over yourself and if you haven't got anything good to say do us a favor and don't say it. Also it makes you look rather ignorant, so it'd benefit you as well. Have a good day. :)
Decisions are not well thought out in Auburn either. Let's take for instance the new fiasco with the cutting of funding and then restoring it. Every year seems that taxes are raised in Auburn because they can't fund a majority of the programs they have. Overall Lewiston AND Auburn are poorly run.
I am by no means a Republican, but really why do you always seem to attack them, Tron? I read all the time that Republicans don't like those who don't have the same views as them, but at the same time you seem to do the same as well. Just Saying.
Funny that everyone likes to pinpoint the Somali community, but apparently failed to realize those who have been here for decades milking the welfare system. Then again I wouldn't expect anything less from people who are from Maine. Which is why it makes me ashamed to say I am a Mainer.
If the city of So. Portland can support its OWN bus services, then Lewiston/Auburn should be able to as well. Yes, So. Portland, Scarbourgh, Falmouth, and Portland also use the Metro. The fact is L/A despite what you guys say is a waste of money, they need it to make it more "friendly" to people. Some type of transit system is needed. No bus system can fully fund its self and if you believe they can then you are nuts, but people keep it around to make the area more friendly for people to move to that area.
If more people are willing to go to Adult Ed for cooking classes, then how is that the schools fault? You can only offer things that people are going to go to. If adults don't want to go to Adult Ed for Math or any other "core" classes and the numbers aren't there, why pour more money into it?
You can't really compare Maine's education system to that 30 years ago. 30 years ago, you didn't really need a diploma and/or GED to get a job. Now you will be lucky to get a Burger King job with a diploma or GED. When I find people compare to Maines education to other state I find it rather funny, aftering living in south, I found that they couldn't even point out Maine on a map. Like most people they didn't even know that Maine was part of the U.S. Fact of the matter it has NOTHING to do with the state, city or for the most part the school they go to. Like the saying goes "You only get, what you put in." If the kid doesn't study, doesn't work hard and doesn't attend school then yeah, that person is not going to succeed.
As, for stats here are some for you...
Maine ranking 9th statistically through a state-state survey done in Dec. of 09'
That is one of the rudest things I have seen in quite sometime. Apparently you didn't read her whole story, she is trying by going to school online. How about you get off your high horse and be more compassionate about those who aren't as lucky as some. Being a poor excuse for a human should be a crime.
Why does it seem that a majority of your posts seem to degrade those who are on welfare? Last I knew over 10% of Americans are unemployed and are probably on some type of government assistance.
So you weren't paid nor were you a professional, is that what you are saying? If this is true then I'd have to agree with you. Also, let's point to one thing, the roads, the "professional" staff can't do the job if it is not funded. Which is where the council would come in. Therefore it wouldn't be their fault after all, so why criticize them? In one way or another the city council is technically running the city. Then again what do I know? Maybe I should just let the so called "professionals" take care of it.
I am pretty sure if there was an easier way to get to Portland there would be more commuters. Not just from L/A, but Sabbatus, Lisbon, Oxford, etc... This to me just again shows the favouritism that Maine holds onto with the coast. It's about time that the state allows those not on the coast to try and prosper. No offense to Brunswick, but being on the coast has benefited them a lot and nothing has come from it. It'd be nice of the Reps. of Lewiston/Auburn to finally start doing something to help the community it represents.
It is rather odd that they pick an Irish holiday as now the Frano-American Holiday. Maine does have a large population of Frano-Americans, but it has a pretty decent amount of Irish too. I think it'd be more appropriate to find another day to celebrate "Franco Day."
Hate to say it, but got to agree with Tron. The roads in Lewiston, specially downtown streets, are terrible. I don't care who's at fault, but if you plan on attracting businesses or people to the area, then leaving the roads the way they are is just not going to cut it. Considering that half of Lewiston population are living in the downtown area, you'd think that those would get some type of attention. It's fitting that after you go down Bartlett hill the entrance to downtown is a couple big pot holes. I don't know if they left them that way as a natural speed bump.
Well his whole complaint is that we are paying for something we no longer need (the company in charge of demolition). Which is why I go back to the whole Bennett thing (paying him when the city no longer "needs" his services). As for keeping Mill# 5 long run costs, suposedly government money is going to be used to help offset some of the costs to maintain the building. While it is still going to cost the city and taxpayers some money, you have to believe that they have some type of idea for the building and something rather quick (within 3-5 years). If not then they are as useless as the last city council.
Hrmmm... So this council deciding not to demo Mill# 5 and is going to pay $50,000-70,000 (remember no set amount yet), is any different then YOUR council firing Mr. Bennett and the city paying him $100,000 for breaking his contract. How are these two things any different?
Were you there? How can you say that he said they could go? The police (aka the men/women in charged with arresting people) found no need to arrest him because it was an accident from what they found to be faulty light system. Also, I am not talking "crap" with anything that happened in this incident. I did in fact comment on how poorly your english is. You say you are related to the father, well we can see that anger issues run in the family. If you are so interested in him being arrested, then feel free to go to college and police academy to become a police woman. Have a nice day.
It was very well said, but it is America and we still have "free" speech. As, for the SJ, I wouldn't have put it up, but let's be honest SJ is a business and they are just trying to make a buck.
Mr. Reed, if you look at Albert Kahn's resume of work he designed 69 buildings. If you also look at his work quite a few were for the auto industry and a large majority of them are in Detroit. Just because Bates Mill# 5 isn't mention as much, which why would it be when you look at some of the other buildings he designed, doesn't mean that it isn't of historical importance. Specially to a city like Lewiston, where if it wasn't for the Bates Mill (i.e. Benjamin Bates) there wouldn't be a Lewiston, at least not of it's current and previous population and importance.
Amanda, how old are you? I hope to god that you are in some type of schooling system because that is some horrible spelling. You say that the driver should be in jail, why? He wasn't charged with anything. It was simply an accident, light went green and her's said she could walk across. I am pretty sure that hitting a child wasn't on his to do list that day. Let the police do there job and you stay in school.
Ladies and gentlemen, while looking at your beautifully written comments one can now see why George Washington wished that we not create political parties. Just remember that while some maybe Republicans and some maybe Democrats, we are all Americans.
You can't compare Mill #5 to the Colisee and it's rather odd that you would to begin with. Outside of the fact they have been owned by the city there is no other similarities between the two. Like you stated the city put forth money to renovate Colisee, where as with Mill #5 the money being spent is money to maintain the building and as of right now to not tear it down. Then again it was your council that broke the Mr. Bennett's contract and the city is obligated to pay $100,000. So really what is the difference between this council deciding to pay the $50,000-$70,000 to break contract with the demo team was in charge of tearing down Mill#5. As, for the money issue I think ultimately it should be up to the taxpayers of Lewiston to decide what they want to do (as it is THEIR money and THEIR government), tear it down or keep it up. Then again though what do I know.
p.s. I didn't agree and never said I agreed with selling the Colisee for less then what the city paid for it.
My guess is neither of these casinos will pass. While saying that as I have said in previous posts, it is more likely that Lewiston would get it before Oxford. 1. the plan in Oxford has already been turned down once before 2. A lot of residents in the L/A area were highly in favor of a casino in Oxford because it benefitted their community. Now that L/A has a chance to get a casino themselves they are going to be less likely to vote for one in a different area that restricts a possible one in their home area. I currently attend college in the Portland/So. Portland area I have asked fellow students if they like the idea of a casino in Oxford. Majority said no. When asked why didn't they. They told me the location in which the casino would be. Myself being from Lewiston, went onto ask how about Lewiston? (This was before the Nov. election) The majority replied that they'd perfer Lewiston over Oxford. Also, you all say that you need 6 lanes to get people to and from the casino. Why? We aren't talking a casino on the scale of Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. Also, if I am not mistaken a percentage of the money that Lewiston would get, would be to help the infarstructure around the potential casino. All in all Lewiston seems to be more plausible.
Well, if they actually did ACTUAL reporting they would be able to find all of this information out. I am honestly surprised that the Portland Press hasn't swept threw up here and taken SJ out already. Honestly, neither one of these are going to happen and IF one does there is more of a chance that the Lewiston one will because of the fact that L/A residents were the biggest supporters of the Oxford casino. Now that they feel they have a chance to get one they are less inclined to vote in favor of the casino in Oxford.
I like the idea of keeping the building based on historical value, but no one is willing to take a stab and make it into something. The casino idea, which I happen to like more then likely won't get accepted. MichaelRainbow they aren't building the parking garage for Mill #5. They are building it for Mill #2, suposedly Platz has someone who wants to rent out the part of it when it is fully renovated. Apparently it's 300 more people or so the they say. Mr. Reed (which I am guessing thinkingman is) I for one don't like the idea for having to pay these guys money for nothing, but if or when the building is to be torn down I'd much rather perfer they get a Maine company to do so. Whether it be more expensive or not, you know like the phrase goes "Mainers helping Mainers." Lastly, don't be bitter on the fact that they overturned something you and your ex-council members voted for. I'm sure a lot other fellow citizens would adjust or get rid of a lot of things you guys/gals have previously done.
Hrmmm... A paper from Lewiston, endorsing a casino for Oxford and not the city it resides in? That's odd. Honestly though SJ complain about not knowing enough, yet come out and say that the Lewiston casino doesn't have a business plan. So, if you don't know enough, then how do you know they don't have a business plan? Just saying.
My only statement to this is, people in L/A, Greater Portland and other southern towns/cities should have absolutely no say as to whether or not these places should or shouldn't have wind farms. These wind farms are in THEIR backyards not ours. So, I respectfully have to suggest that the Rep. from Portland should not bother commenting on something that doesn't pertain to him or his constituents.
I am all with keeping the Androscoggin clean, as it make L/A look like a dirty place if it goes back to the way it was in the past. But let's be honest people, myself included, would rather worry about creating jobs some way rather then focus on the river or the future of the river at this point in time.
This is great news, now veterens who have already burdened themselves enough by risking themselves for us, no no longer have to do so by traveling far distances to get to a clinic. Thank you for all the troops, past and present.
SJ, WCHS6 website had a layout of the area where the building is going to be put, why don't you?
City of Lewiston has agreed to tear it down, with or without the Casino going there. They have been trying to tear it down for like 2-3 years now, long before a Casino was even thought of. In fact the people who are trying to get the casino here wanted to use the current structure (Mill #5). They are now willing to get the capitol that it will take to build a new structure on that property. As, for getting the land cheap, if I am not mistaken the council as already said if they buy the land it will be at 110% the current property value. Doesn't seem like a cheap deal to me.
I would comment on the "Seams like anouther Colisee", but I am not entirely sure that's english.
LMAO. I am not Mr. Stavros or however you spell his name. I am just a man that has grown up in Lewiston and just wants what's best for it. If I was in fact him, I'd hope he could come up with something a hell of a lot better than what I wrote.
Hrmmm... waste of prime real estate. The council screwed this one up and Lewiston will eventually pay the price. Instead of another half to two-thirds empty garge, there could have been a building used for commercial use.
Yeah, you're right the peewee football league that he runs to keep kids off the streets is just a secret gang recruitment ploy. Good call. Seriously, though get real. Anybody that comes from L.A. or NYC at one point or another were in a gang. Unlike so many though they were able to rise above it and get out. You listen to a lot of rappers they aren't trying to praise what they did or what goes on in their neighborhood, they are trying to shine a light in hopes that something can be done to change it. You think that some of them liked seeing some of their buddies die in the streets over a petty piece of land. No. But when you are in an area filled with gangs eventually you have to take sides to protect your ownself. I could go all day, but if you haven't lived it, you wouldn't understand it.
Sammie, you say build anything, but a casino. Well, nothing wants to go there. That building, that location has been empty for years this is the best oppurtunity that we have. Casinos are about making money, yes, but so is every other business in the U.S. Question is do you also complain the many state wide scratch tickets as well? Because that is also gambling. Just saying.
Casino is the best use for that land. Who else has stepped up in the decades that building has been closed? Building a Casino would greatly help L/A as a whole. Take a look at the two other metro areas in Maine (Bangor/Brewer and Portland/So. Portland) they have things that attract people to that area. What does Lewiston/Auburn have? Not a whole lot that is year round. This gives people a reason to come to Lewiston/Auburn year round and not just for watching the MaineIACs or going to the Balloon Fest. etc... You can say what you want about crime, but Lewiston has the second largest police force, also Auburn and Lewiston forces currently work together, which means better chances of handling IF anything occurs. I know people who live by Foxwoods and have nothing but good things to say about the area. Nice beautiful area and they have plenty of jobs. Instead of living in the past which is what Lewiston currently does, they need to take this oppurtunity and move into the future. The mills aren't coming back and with the high taxes the state has, businesses aren't likely to come here and retail is kinda hard to get when you like 30-40 mins from the largest city and from the state capitol. I highly encourage Lewiston citizens to pass this and highly encourage the L/A area and the state to get behind this.
If Island Point is going to be the focal point of Lewiston, then they need to place this garage somewhere else and use that land for strictly commercial business. One thing to be cautious of is, what if we do get a casino or some other place that generates a lot of traffic, do these 1,000+ spaces we are creating take in that into account? I don't know about others in Lewiston and Auburn, but I wouldn't really want to see a mess load of parking garges everywhere. Specially when some of those other parking garges are only 1/3 or 1/2 full. Lewiston and Platz should discuss getting those full before taking up more space around the city.
Lastly, while those 400 jobs are nice, Lewiston should think of a way to attract more business that attract people past 5pm. Don't know about everyone else, but L/A is busy from 7am-6pm then it's pretty much a ghost town except the major streets (Lisbon st, Center st, Main st, etc...
I like the idea of having it, but as was said I don't agree that those not in the Portland area should be dragged into helping pay for it. How is tourists to Casco Bay area affect those in Lewiston/Auburn, Bangor, Augusta, Houlton, Fort Kent, etc... It won't therefore it shouldn't have any state money helping it.
Tron, the only ones that are anti-Franco are those that aren't Franco-American. While I am not a full blood Franco (Let's be real though, who really is now adays lol). I am willing to donate some money to the cause, but as a full-time college student my donation wouldn't be nearly enough to support keeping the lights on.
You can't compare a private school with that of a public school. Which school are you refering to when saying declining enrollment. Last I heard Lewiston is still around 1,400+ students. Edward Little obviously doesn't have as many but thats because there is over 10 thousand more residents in Lewiston. Lewiston High and Edward Little will never combine and even if they became one city (as people have been discussing for years) it would be no use to create one singular school for the area. Only good that would do is L/A combined would mean they would have the best sports teams in the state.
If they plan on making Lincoln St. a major commercial area then it would be wise for them to move this parking garage area to a different location allowing the land to be used for strictly commercial businesses. While this 6,600 sq ft. of area allows for commercial growth, it puts limits on what can be put there. On Congress St. in Portland right by Maine Med. they have a similar parking garage and it has been empty since it was built. Just fyi.
All those that are against this because of it being a church, apparently haven't been around the last decade. The Catholic church sold that building a long time ago. It is now referred to as the Franco-Heritage Center. While I agree that the citizens of Lewiston shouldn't have to foot the bill, I find it rather ridiculous that CMP would complain, when the City of Lewiston helps them (i.e. those large poles they want to put threw Lewiston). Let's be honest, not many buildings are worth having lit up in Lewiston, but the Franco Center is on of those buildings that should be.
Hrmmmm... MAYBE of Central Maine, but Portland IS the hub of Maine. Portland already has the airport, railway, car traffic, has two commercial bus lines and lets not forget the sea ports. Saying that is like when someone called Auburn a "shopping mecca." Which besides South Portland, I'd give that title to Bangor before Auburn. Just saying.
I really never understood why St. Doms was in the Western Conference. Although there can't be a Lewiston-St. Doms State Championship game, you now get to see more games with the two facing off. Plus, with both powerhouses playing eachother more, it will only make them better.
Okay, so we know how many states you lived in, but now lets hear how many cities you lived in while in those states. I have been to many states/cities and lived in enough to know while Lewiston isn't perfect, it ain't as bad as a lot of people in Maine think it is. In all honesty, you made me smile, thanks.
I liked Bennet, but if you look at EVERYTHING Bennet got (New Car, free internet, free cell phone, etc...) compared to Barrett who is getting $6,000 more and moving expenses. It's seems like a similar deal, if not a little cheaper of a deal. As far as Barrett getting a free car I haven't heard of that.
First off, I have to agree that a casino would be good for the area, but I do disagree of holding the property waiting for the legal process on whether we can get on or not. I'd much rather get something in there asap if it is possible. If not then that location is the perfect area for a Casino. It is in the center of L/A and that area could handle the traffic. One of the main objections I have always had about a casino in Oxford is that there is the location. Lewiston has access to the turnpike (could also help maybe get the exit 79 that Lewiston has been wanitng), and to top it off L/A is fighting to get a commuter rail and/or a passanger air service. Lewiston also has Greyhound and as most people who have been to Foxwoods and such know thats one of the best ways to get to that casino. As, for the crime that everyone speaks of, I have full faith that both Lewiston and Auburn PD's can handle it. After all Lewiston's police force is the 2nd largest in the State and Lewiston statistically is a safer place then Portland, Bangor, Biddeford, Waterville and is as safe as Bath(http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/me/crime/). For those of you who think that having a casino will make your crime rate rise go to http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ct/crime/, Montville, CT on that map is where Uncasville is located. Overall it is a good investment for L/A, you get jobs whether they are 800 or 50 they are jobs and you get property tax and all the other taxes along with it. Also, in having a casino it would benefit the new hotels that are coming to L/A, it would benefit the restaurants, bring in more restaurants and possibly bring more retail businesses to L/A. Overall it would bolster not just the economy in L/A, but the whole county. As, for people that are worried about gambling, I don't see the complaining about scratch tickets or the Maine Lotto which is just as addicting.
People like you make me laugh. Every city no matter what state is going to have bad areas. I have lived in Lewiston, Auburn, and currently So. Portland/Portland. Everyone of the cities everything was the same except the buildings. Just saying though.
My guess is that after 22 years they thought it was time to move on. I am not entirely positive, but he must have been doing something right to stick around for so long. Either way I like the choice, which is one of the very few things I actually agree with the soon to be former council.
I, for one am not going to complain about a possible 800 new jobs in the L/A community, property taxes and other associated taxes. Also, apparently I am the only one who has faith in the officers of Lewiston and Auburn to not let crime rate increase. To those who complain about those "addicted" to gambling, I see no difference in going to a casino then paying 5-10 dollars for a lottery ticket at the local store. Yet, we still have the Maine Lotto and such.
Growing up I was always told prayer and religion weren't allowed in PUBLIC schools. As, I went threw history and government in high school, even in college you can read about it. So, are they going to come up with certain places where Christians, Jews, etc can pray during school? Probably not. As someone already said they can be home schooled or much like the Catholics (St. Doms) can start their own PRIVATE school.
I don't recall anyone ever saying it was the highest taxed, the speculation has always been it is known as ONE of the highest taxed states. You all can try to sugar coat it all you want, but Maine is still 15th out of 50 states. Which makes it still the one of the highest taxed states. Also, if you look from the late 90's and for much of the 00' Maine has ranked between 5-9th.
That's a load if I have ever heard one. I have been to a lot of states and lived in a few, no where have I seen the amount of taxes that Maine places on its citizens. You do ANYTHING in the state and you better keep that wallet open for Dirigo state to get their cut.
Just like most New England cities, Lewiston grew too quick. Lisbon St. is an example of that, it'll never be a two street and shouldn't considering Canal is a one way going the opposite way. The future of Lewiston (and Auburn) rides on what they plan to do with Mill #5 location. It is a huge assest. It is close to the river and is in one of the busiest places in town. Regardless my thought to the new city council is you know it has to developed because the future of Lewiston depends on it, but don't forget about the land in and around the turnpike exit.
Why have one group have marriages and another group have "civil unions?" It remind me of the whole serperate, but equal. Blacks wanted an education, white people said "hey, we'll give you school just not the one we have our children in." Whether you choose to believe it or not this IS about civil rights. For generations after this finally becomes legel, they will look back it as such. I know I refuse to put my head in the sand and deny others the same rights that I, as a straight individual are granted.
Actually, statistics show that only 10% of voters from 20-30 went out to vote. As for young people voting Yes on 1, that is rather false when places such as Portland, South Portland, Gorham, etc... were won with strong pushes from "younger" citizens.
Cause it's not Maine that we are ashamed of, it's the people who are full of hate and fear that we are ashamed of. A beautiful state, but a majority of the people on Nov. 4th showed how ugly they were/are on the inside.
"The purpose of government is to protect our rights and not to take any of them from us."
I am pretty sure not allowing two loving consenting adults to marry would be taking rights from them. Just saying.
"Government has no authority to redifine marriage."
Why not, when words are redifined daily? Last, I checked if I wanted to get married I'd have to go to a COURT to get a Certificate of Marriage and if I really wanted I could just simply get a Justice of the Peace to do the ceremony. Marriage is no longer a religious union of two people, it is a union threw the State. So, why are you saying that they can't redifine the word? Also, if governments done have authority how did 5 other states already redifine the word to include same sex couples?
Whether or not you agree with it, it will be allowed sooner rather then later. My guess is that it will eventually be brought to Maine Supreme court where they over turn it for being unconstitutional. If not then the younger generation (including myself) will wait till the older generation dies off because our generation is more accepting and seem to interpret the Constitution differently.
p.s. I think the U.S. has been ignorant to minorities long enough, but thanks for the quote.
AHAHA. Someone is a little confused themself. I didn't know that I had to be gay to believe that they should be granted the same rights as every other American citizen. If you are still confused Sammie, I am not gay. I am VERY much straight, but unlike most Mainers I very much so am also an American and believe in the Constitution. By denying gays/lesbians their RIGHT to be married, you are pretty much spitting on every person who died for this country to protect the Constitution and the RIGHTS of ALL Americans. I guess giving women the right to vote, letting "black" people marry "white" people and allowing everyone to go to the same school are special rights. You can deny it, but truly that is what you are saying. There is nothing special about allowing to loving adults the right to get marry under the law. They don't care to get married by priest or even want to get married in churches. What they do want is the same rights as myself and every other straight individuals. They want to know that if/when their spouse is sick that they are covered under their healthcare, if/when they die their husband/wife is the power of attorney, etc... To allow the MAJORITY to vote on something regarding the MINORITY is ludacris and shouldn't have been allowed. Seperate, but equal is not equal.
Hrmmmm. You say it's immoral to allow someone their Freedoms which are granted to them by being in America. I'd say it's immoral to take away those Freedoms. Also, the only thing that the Yes on 1 had for an arguement was religion. Last I checked religion is supposed to be separate from state. I guess most Mainers forgot that.
I actually I currently live in South Portland at the college I'm attending. FYI I voted for No on 1, along with the majority of those who reside here. In honesty I'm ashamed to say I'm from Lewiston, but what can you expect from Lewiston when all the well educated citizens and free-thinkers leave the city.
What I find humorous is what will you do when this is brought to Maine Supreme Court and overturns the "peoples" veto because it's unconstitutional? Fact is much like Mass. and a few other states it WILL go to the courts and WILL be found as unconstitutional, in turn making this whole process null and void.
As, much as I would like to see a casino, I would still vote no. Reason being that I don't like the location. I think the most logical place would be Lewiston, reasons being, Maine's citizens are weary of the crime that it COULD bring. Lewistons' police force is large enough to negate that issue. Also, Lewiston is right near I-95 so it would be easier to get to, that is not even including IF we do get the passanger air and/or the passanger rail. The jobs it could create would/could be easier filled in a more populated area such as L/A. All in all Lewiston overall seems to be more of a suitable location for a casino then Oxford does. I wish you luck in trying to get a casino in Oxford Mr. Martin, but I don't think you'll get the votes you are looking for. I see people at Southern Maine C.C. (where I currently attend) trying to get signatures for a petition and most of the individuals (students/educators) I have seen won't sign it because of the location.
I'd have to agree that we should go outside Lewiston. The best man regardless seems to be Harris. While Nadeau is a native of Lewiston, it would be best to get fresh new ideas.
I realize that you are so high and mighty, but when did this article talk about Lewiston? Last I checked it was Auburn people who deem themselves better then everyone. Also, instead of trying to bash Lewiston, how about you stand out there and do a survey to see what the odds are of a Lewiston person pulling over to do such thing.
I always hear about how gays being perverted. Which leads me to believe that people are caught up on what they do behind closed doors and nothing to do with marriage. People need to get their head out of the gutter. Do you hear gays calling straight people perverts for what we do? NO. So feel free to jump back into the marriage conversation.
P.S. "Straight, but not narrow ." Means while I maybe straight I'm not narrow minded. FYI. Also, I'm Christian so what the Catholics do reflect negativity towards all Christians.
Hrmmm Sammie what about the stat in which 1 out of every 2 marriages end in a divorce? Wasn't marriage supose to be life long? I think the Catholics should worry more on bringing in people to their churches, worry about recent closing of 2 churches that had been around 100+ years and lastly worry about Priest sexually touching young BOYS. Seems to me those would be more pressing matters. Alas marriage is no longer a religious unity, but a government one. Last I checked if I want to be married I'd have to get a license from the COURT and I wouldn't need a Priest or Pastor to do the ceremony. Then again I'm just misled, as you so politely put it. Like the buttons say "Straight, but not narrow."
FYI, no lifestyle is taught in school, whether it is straight or gay. People like yourself are just trying to use peoples children to strategically manipulate them to vote Yes on 1. What exactly are people like yourself and the church truly scared of? Whether or not this bill passes this year or not makes no difference. As other young voters come of age, it's apparent that it WILL pass eventually. I hope others will join myself this Tuesday and vote NO on 1.
The guy was simply stating an idea. Whether it was a good one or not, you should respect him and not call him stupid. That my friend makes you sound like a d-bag. Have a nice night .
AND that's why Lewiston is and will continue to be a joke to other cities around Maine. No offense, but these past years what good has happened under this city council? What new jobs have they brought into the area? I have seen more productivity and cooperation come from a pre-school class then this current council.
I remember when he switched and started coaching EL, I thought about going to go play for him. Coach Hartley is a great coach, a great teacher, a great man (family and otherwise) and is a great male role model for any young man that needs one. If, it wasn't for him I wouldn't have switched my life away and I wouldn't currently be in college. So, big thanks to Coach Hartley for EVERYTHING you do. Who knows, maybe this a means you get to come home to Lewiston and be an assistant there again.
So, three things out of how many in the Constitution? Just because they have some similarities doesn't mean that it was based off Christian views. Just saying.
Arse, is the perfect name for you. No one is asking for special rights they are asking for equal rights, you know that little thing called the Constitution protects and gives equal rights to EVERYONE not just straight people. You know how much gays and lesbians being able to marry will invade your life, NONE. They will STILL be together, but this time in a legal sense. As, for being taught in school, evertime I see that commercial I can't help, but laugh at it. If you really think anything will be taught in school then you are just trying to find a reason to make yourself and others to vote against it. I can guarentee that nothing more will be brought up in school then that which is already there. Believe it or not parents, chances are your children go to school with gays and quite possibly could be friends with them.
The constitution was no based by the bible, the founding fathers where the ones who wanted seperation from Church and State. They knew well in advance that others views should no be imposed on others who don't have the same views, such as this issue we are seeing today. Marriage is a bond between to people thru the government. You have to go to the courts to get a marriage license and you no longer NEED a priest, pastor, etc. to perform the ceremonies. So, please give me an actually reason as to why two people who love each other should be denied their right as American citizens to marry, other then your religious rhetoric.
P.S. The whole "What next a man marrying his dog." makes you sould like a tool.
Last I checked L-A is considered central Maine, i.e. CMMC and CMCC. Lastly, why not bring a passanger rail system. Instead of being ignorant towards Lewiston feel free to read next. L-A is the second largest city and has the second largest metro area in the state. Even putting that aside it would be used by those in the surrounding area, i.e Oxford county. So, the question is why bring it to Bath-Brunswick when Lewiston alone has a greater population that could and would use it? Also, unlike Rockland you don't have to fix any rails because the rails in L-A are actually already consistantly being used. So, instead making smart comments look at the facts instead of trying to bash Lewiston.
So, he wants to do it? If it is not during school hours it's not considered a school activity. Unless a school Admins give their okay. By the sounds of everything it sounds like your child may have misunderstood the teacher.
I am for gay marriage but a teacher can't make your child do anything. If I was you I would either excuse them from school that day and/or talk to the principle of that school. Also is this in high school or a lower grade level?
How does local mass transportation help get people to L-A? That's the whole point in local leaders trying to get a passanger airline and/or the rails moving.
No offense, but you can't compare L-A to Sanford. Also why does everything that is planned in L-A a "pipe dream?" Again no offense, but I'd rather take a professional word against y'alls. If he feels it can happen who are we to say it couldn't? Lastly the service isn't just to DC, Dulles would perform as a connector much like JFK in New York is to Portland Jetport.
As was stated in the article if L/A doesn't want expansion and want to forever be known as 2 dying mill towns then the thought of an airport should just be thrown out. L/A needs to start thinking about itself and start being independent instead of relying on Portland for transportation needs. Having an airport will further help our (L/As) economy.May not be right away, but it will in due time. Tell me why would a business owner or a corporate business man want to start or expand its business to the area after having to drive 30-40 minutes from Portland after having flown to the state? Having an airport and/or having a railway system would show that L/A is no longer going to live in the past or settle for status quo. They both would give people the other options to come to the Twin Cities and that both cities are willing to finally take steps FORWARD. It is all about progress, NOT just for Lewiston or Auburn, but the community as a whole.
I whole heartedly agree with, John28. My brothers, sisters and myself were raised by parents who were lesbians for much of our childhood lives. They didn't bother forcing religious on us. They left us free-thinking individuals to pick and choose as we see fit. That is why out of the 5 children 1 is Muslim, 1 a Buddist, 1 is an Athiest, 1 doesn't clam a religion and I myself am a Christian. As a Christian I have been associated with Baptists, Methodist, and Protestant churches, but have and never will claim or be associated with the Catholic church. Gays and Lesbians are good people and deserve a chance to be married to eachother just like any other couple who decides to do so. Vote No on 1.
Yolande what you wrote was quite touching and rather insipring, thank you.
Foam just a heads up, Bates Mill currently holds Td Banknorth (or whatever it is now called) and Androscoggin Bank in it. The mill seems to be pretty useful if you ask me.
Doubt it'll happen, all the people in Augusta care bout is what happens in the coastal region. They want the coastal region of Maine to flourish and want the rest of Maine to stay neutral.
First off, it's nice to see a Mainer who has made it and still comes back to his roots. So, thank you to Patrick Dempsey and his family. ALSO, to all those other Mainers out there who participated. Growing up I always heard of how giving and caring we Mainers are and Sunday was a fine example of that.
First off, where exactly does "New" Auburn even end? Second, either way "New" Auburn is still part of Auburn so why not go there and ask the public opinion.
Yea, I am a little disappointed in the crowd. Home opener 2,600+, but yesterday seemed a lil over 2,000. I currently live in South Portland (going to school there) and made the trip back to back nights to see the game. Come on people get out and back these guys.Great looking team this year, I think the 11-13 seed that Justin thinks they will get is a little low for how these kids have played thus far. Not only that, but we have one of our OWN playing on the ice.
College expensive here? I am currently in college and it's costing me a whole 3 maybe 4 grand at most. Just like Florida residents if they went to a Florida college. So, your theory on smaller population equals higher cost is false.
Not to bash Florida or anything, I lived there for a while and everyone thought Maine was part of Canada.? If they are so "advanced" and what not then someone needs to teach the more geography. Also, my ex-girlfriend was in an advanced class high school class, but the odd thing is I had already taken the same class 2 years earlier in Maine.
Dosh, "for your local poor." You are a real tool bag aren't you. Everything you seem to say is rather negative to the L/A community. Do you have relatives that live here or something because if not why bother downing something you have no ties to. Have fun in Hawaii bud.
Dosh, we aren't anon. if you click on our names our actual names will appear. Also, Snowe is from L/A so she already knows the area pretty well. As for Baldacci he is an idiot he acts like the second largest city in the state (Lewiston) doesn't exsist. While he continues to help the coast of Maine he seems to forget all the cities/towns in land. I think it's about time that the governors stop trying to JUST develop coastal areas. But Dosh as was previously stated he declined to visit the "Little Canada" neighborhood of Lewiston.
McCarron, as much as I do agree with your statement you left out one school that needs it over McMahon and Martel, which is Longley School. It's cramped beyond belief for students and is littered with portable rooms all over the place.
Well, I don't really wish bad on people, but for all those talking bad about him. What comes around goes around. Also, be respectful by the sounds of it you guys are teens a man died today whether you liked him or not is no need to come on to bash him. Get a job or life or something.
I really don't see the problem they have it so it has to be at least an acre if it doesn't, then why should they change the zoning for it if all other religions have and do a bid by it?
I have always thought Lewiston and Auburn should become one city, but IF they become one city then they should keep the name Lewiston-Auburn. Don't give it some goofy name like Great Falls or something. No council and no mayor is going to agree on becoming one city because in doing so they will more then likely lose their jobs on the council as the lines for each Ward would be newly drawn and we would no longer need two mayors. I find it remarkable that 150+ years have gone by and all this talk about becoming one city is still at a stand still. It's time that both sides of the river swallow their pride and do what's right for each other and communities.
How was the stimulus money stole? It was used for the most part exactly how Obama wanted it to be (on infastructure), except paying off the medical bills. Which isn't Obamas or L/As fault because the guys up in Augusta are the ones who did that.
It deeply saddens me even as young person to see pictures of how L/A was and how beautiful it looked. Seems like every year another part of L/As past is either burned down or torn down as soon will be the fate of Mill#5. The saddest part is to see the people in these photos, knowing that they came here to work and provide for their families. Hard to believe once upon a time Lewiston was probably one of the hardest working cities in the nation and now to see people come/are here on a free ride (I am talking about EVERYONE not just a certain group). Also, knowing that those people back then took pride in their city/community where as that is no longer the case, what a shame.
Don't think it is going to be quite the landslide that you may think. Equality Maine already has 60,000 and they haven't even really started to campaign to voters to vote No on 1. Even if it gets voted down someone will go threw the court process calling it unconstitutional and then it will again be overturned by the Courts which means no person/s can try to overturn it. I.E see what Mass. and Conn. did because they went threw the court system.
Hakim, by just as many I mean lets say 1/2 of Lewiston was on welfare, what I'd also be saying is that 1/2 of Portland was on welfare. So, i have no idea what you are talking about with apples and oranges. Also, where did I say that Lewiston was a jewel? Please, if you want an arguement I am not the right person to try to get in one with. Also, if I am not mistaken Turner was not brought up in this conversation? Just saying.
That really sucks about the restaruant it was a very cool and unique idea and probably would have drawn people in just to see what it was like/about, but can't make every idea a reality.
That's a pretty big vision there Robert. Not that there is anything that is wrong with any of that, but I feel people would rather have Lewiston try to create more jobs then to create a picturesque walk/hike along the river. I am not trying to downgrade your idea I think it is an awesome idea (yes I am agreeing with you for once), but as I said more people are looking for jobs right now then a walk.
Secondly, the videos are a GREAT idea. Sun Journal is not trying to be a news station like someone previously stated. All Tony is doing is giving us a glimpse of what is in store for the next days newspaper. Everyone should enjoy them because it let's you know if it's worth buying the paper or coming on here to read it.
To go along with "outside" ideas. I love that people (more importantly Tony and John) who once lived in Lewiston still are passionate enough to give ideas of how to make it better. If I am not mistaken it was "outside" ideas from a group of entrepreneurs (i.e. Benjamin Bates) that created Lewiston into what it is today. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
Lastly, I very much have always been in love with the Bates mill, but with the recent fire at Cowen mill, it scared the hell out of me when I heard the roof caught on fire (mill #5 that is). For once I too am on the side that it is best that it should be taken down, but I hope that whomever decides to build something on that site pays homage to Mill #5 somehow in their design. I kinda liked your idea Robert about the sawed off roof and have them as solar panels neat idea. I love the fact that the hotel and potential retailis going on at Island Point. My question though is was the Cowen mill in the intial planning of the hotel and retail or is it just now an empty lot that we could put commercial businesses there? Also, Robert I know there are planning on putting a parking garage somewhere near Mill #5. Where exactly is it going to be and I read somewhere that there were thoughts of putting a restaruant on the top over looking the river/falls is that still in consideration? I think a restaruant on top would be a very cool idea and very unique idea atleast for Maine. Also, would be cool if there were a small souvenir shop selling shirts and what not of Lewiston/Auburn with a pic of the falls.
Scott, clearly you haven't been to Portland. They have just as many people on welfare as Lewiston does. One reason that probably came into there thought process is Lewiston has always been a Democrat stronghold and just so happens we have an arena that can hold the amount of people who will more then likely show up.
HAHA. This whole conversation/debate is rather humorous. First off Lewiston needs to do something to keep/get educated people to stay in the city, so they can run for offices with such important as these. I have already gone on record with not agreeing with the city council because I feel in firing Bennett is just going to throw Lewiston in reverse. Everyone is asking what has Jim Bennett done for Lewiston. Why is no one asking what the city council has done for Lewiston? Other then argue with eachother, Bennett and at times with the Mayor. If nothing else Jim Bennett as helped clean up the image in which Lewiston has had to deal with for a long time.
Also, as for example as to how Jim Bennett helped Lewiston. 1. Buying the colisee. The place was a DUMP before the city aquired it, cleaning up the Colisee gave people a glimpse of something beautiful in the city (yes, there are others such as basilica) and was necessary in keeping the MaineIACS in Lewiston. 2. The Lewiston MaineIACS. As, previously stated they went on record as saying they would have left if the building wasn't upgraded, so in buying and upgrading the Colisee they kept the team here. Which the team helps bring in people from outside the L/A area to Lewiston. In doing so brings people who may eat at a local eatery, stay at a local hotel or maybe to even shop a little before a game. Let's face it the MaineIACS is one of the best things going for Lewiston at the moment. 3. Bates Mill #5. Regardless of what others may say and probably Robert will disagree with me. I believe it was a good thing to have kept it in control of the city of Lewiston. I'd rather have seen it stay up until we found a definite answer to whether something could be done with it. As, seen the past 2 weeks historic buildings that are the foundation of Lewiston are disappearing whether being burnt down or torn down.
Sorry, but I am pretty sure the Twin City Times which is a FREE news paper and only is circulated around L/A is not a competiter to the Sun Journal which serves ALL of Androscoggin and parts of other counties as well. Also, concerns are the reasons the council fired him? LOL. A lot of people have "concerns" about the city council does that mean you guys will be next? Hrmmm. One can only wish.
Michael, that is pretty interesting statements that you made. How exactly are the citizens of Lewiston intolerant and uneducated? I was born and raised in Lewiston and believe it to be extremely tolerant. I have been to MANY other states and even lived in 2 of them (Phoenix and Mesa, AZ and Tampa, FL area). Maine is not stuck in its past on accident if you look at New England as a whole it is a region where we embrace our past. If you are saying that we are intolerant or uneducated because of SOME people in the state/city then you need to re-think what you might "know" about the state/city. If you don't like the area fine, but to speak negative about the area that you no longer live in and don't know what is going on. That to me just sounds a little ridiculous. Anyways, have a good day.
After a month or so after getting laid off. I buckled and tried to get help took them the 2 months to get ahold of me, but unlike most people trying to recieve some help I was still looking for a job. So, when they got ahold of me I no longer needed them as I had a new job.
Mom, how exactly would your child know what a "roach" is? Just wondering. Also, no where have they ever said that their band name had anything to do with weed. If you can find an article to prove your point feel free. Last I checked a roach is also an insect. Just saying. As previously stated this is huge for the Oxford area. Do you know how many other cities/towns would love to have a concert specially one that will more then likely attract 6,000 people to the area? I can guarentee that on average those 6,000 people will spend ATLEAST 10 dollars apiece to local businesses in that area. Lastly, last I checked the 250 had 17 people whom got arrested for various reasons I honestly doubt that this concert will have more then that. Actually, one more thing doesn't some country songs talk about drugs and I can recall one specific country song that talks about someone drinking themselves to death. That's defiantly much better?!?
Sucks that the building wasn't insured, but atleast the hotel and other potential commercial interest are still there. One more reason why I don't like the idea of Bates Mill #5 being torn down. We are continuely losing buildings in which Lewiston was made from. Those mills are the heart and soul of this city and its what has brought most of the people here today.
Seperation of Church and State was made to keep religious views out of Government because the fact that not everyone has the same views. That being sad it is quite funny how we hear that all these churches are closing, as well as catholic schools, yet they got $100,000 for something that doesn't even concern them. Keep forking those crazy Catholics your money, so y'all can buy your way into heaven.
Fedup, you dislike him because of your own personal vendetta. Where as he did A LOT more good for Lewiston then he caused bad. Those who disagree have personal reasons as to why they don't like him. Like I said yesterday I wish Mr. Bennett the best and hope he enjoys sometime of vacation because he needs it.
P.S. Jim Bennett, if you actually read these. I pity you for having to deal with the fools that you have had to. I can now see why it cost the 100 grand to hire/keep you because no one in their right mind would have worked with these guys for anything less. Enjoy your years severence pay. Hopefully you can take a long and OVER due vacation.
Robert, you know how to have cocky little comments, but yet can't answer all these other questions. I don't know what Ward you live in, but I should defiantly move there just so I can get a seat on the Council. Back to the point though YES they should be proud of the Colisee. Atleast when we sunk 10 million into it, it was going to something to actually promote something that draws people from OUTSIDE the city. Which as you SHOULD know draws money to local businesses. Also, having a semi pro team in the City helps promote a better image. If you ask me the 10 million was well worth it as we have the most attractive arena, we are one of 2 cities to have a a semi pro team it and the fact that it has helped the long tarnished image of Lewiston (which one reason why it looks/ed bad is because of the corrupt people we had/have in office). What exactly have you and the council done to be productive, other then argue eachother to death. As for the MaineIACS I'm not so worried about the season ticket holders. The TRUE fans will be there and if they do what they say they are going to do, then they will draw the "casual" fans as well. No offense, but come re-election my money says you don't get your seat back on the city council. You talk about whats "best" for Lewiston. Yet, here you are saying the remodeling of the Colisee and the MaineIACS was a bad investment? Please don't say I am taking it out of context because I for one can read between the lines. As can any other person with an ounce of intelligence. Feel free to respond, I won't be here to even try to argue with you because you Lewiston Councilors have that art down to a T. Have a nice night :)
Rino, if the City would not have bought the Colisee when it did then the MaineIACS would surely not have stuck around for as long as it has. The Colisee and the MaineIACS are some of the FEW things that Lewiston should be proud of. Name any other city/town outside of Portland that has a pro/semi pro team? While you are at it name any city/town that has an arena that looks as good as the Colisee. As for Bates Mill #5 I am glad that nothing was/has been done to it thus far because it gave us time to figure out exactly all possible avenues for it. I'd rather have it sit empty and figure out possible ways to fill the historic building, then to have demolished it to early and find out later on that there was a possible way to keep it.
Pub you might want to read others post more carefully and yes I am asking questions because unlike a lot of people I am pretty knowledgable when it comes to the government.
Also, most people on here are asking questions in which you have the answers for. As previously stated we don't know everything that goes on within the city council, but it's up to you and the other City Council members to inform your constituents. So, we don't make "wild" assumptions. All we as constituents ask is to do what is in the best interest of the people, the city, to inform and to be honest. If you all do that then no one would be on here talking about back room agendas and such. No offense to you or the council, but I feel the council doesn't do a good enough job to help inform the people. Which is quite critical in keeping everyone happy and keep everyone in the "know."
If we didn't care, then why are all these people asking questions and not really getting any answers? I know that as an elected official we put our faith in you and others to do whats best for the city of Lewiston, but quite frankly any one with any knowledge of government would know that Mr. Bennett did a lot better of a job then anyone in his position would have. Being born and raised here in Lewiston I have seen what this city was before he showed up and how it is now which is A LOT better. At times question the City Councils motives of some of the things that its done including this current situation. Who are you men/women plan on hiring? When will this person be hired? Are they going to be as qualified as Bennett? Will they continue the progress that Bennett started and could have continued? These are ALL question I present to you and the council. IF this person ends up not helping Lewiston progress even further then Bennett has then firing him would be all in vein. Lewiston is a great city and I for one would hate to see it retrogress because a move in which you all thought was "best" for it.
Well since you apparently didn't see my response Robert, I'll repost it where you can.
Okay so you answered ONE part of my question. Did you or ANY of the councilors actually ask those whom elected you and those who you represent about keeping or firing Jim Bennett? Also, when the Lewiston Government actually comes out and states ALL the facts will be the day when we stop making "wild" assumptions. As an elected official people look to you and the rest of the council to inform us and give us the facts. Instead it seems to me that you all don't want to answer tough questions and give actual reasoning as to why you fired him. He may had a clause that said he could be fired at any moment for no reason, but you all owe it to the people to give them an answer and please don't give me the whole "going in a different direction" because if that was true you'd know what direction you are now going in. Also, you'd know why you didn't like the direction in which Bennett was leading us. In politics there are no "gray" areas. You are either FOR or AGAINST.
Okay so you answered ONE part of my question. Did you or ANY of the councilors actually ask those whom elected you and those who you represent about keeping or firing Jim Bennett? Also, when the Lewiston Government actually comes out and states ALL the facts will be the day when we stop making "wild" assumptions. As an elected official people look to you and the rest of the council to inform us and give us the facts. Instead it seems to me that you all don't want to answer tough questions and give actual reasoning as to why you fired him. He may had a clause that said he could be fired at any moment for no reason, but you all owe it to the people to give them an answer and please don't give me the whole "going in a different direction" because if that was true you'd know what direction you are now going in. Also, you'd know why you didn't like the direction in which Bennett was leading us. In politics there are no "gray" areas. You are either FOR or AGAINST.
I think SJ should do these more often about Lewiston. Specially after the firing of Jum Bennett so people know more of what is going on in THEIR government because judging by what is/has gone on the Lewiston Government seems to wanna leave its citizens in the dark. Also, since they just figured to go in a new direction, is it possible for a mjority of Lewistons citizens to just walk into a meeting and say "Hey we want a new direction you, you, you and you are fired."
Robert aren't you on the city council? If so what was the point in firing him rather then to have him work out his remaining year? Also, did ANY of Councilors take into consideration to what the citizens (the people who elected you guys) wanted? Seems to me that a majority may not have agreed with him all the time, but still think he did a good job.
The City Council are a bunch of "tool" bags. I didn't agree with 100% of what Bennett did as most seem to have not agreed with him 100%, but those same people would also say and have said he did a good job with what he had. Not to mention the people he had to work with. The City Council seems to have a personal agenda that the citizens of Lewiston should look into. Atleast when Bennett said he was going to do something (whether we liked it or not) he went out and did it, the City Council can't even do that without arguing with eachother like kids. When this years election comes up I wouldn't vote any of them back in and ditch the Mayor too. Hopefully there is some people out there that want to help Lewiston and it's citizens without all the childish arguing and with out their own personal agendas.
JLaBonte, I usually don't argue with too many things people say, but you are right. L/A has a total poputlation of 60,000+ , Bangor/Brewer have 40,000+ and Brunswick/Bath only has 30,000+ (Bangor and Lewiston are both larger WITHOUT the other 2 other cities next to them). It seems to make no sense to bring it to Brunswick area when it would get more use going up into L/A, Augusta and up to Bangor. I find it humorous that everyone tries to make life on the coast "easier" yet 2 outta 3 largest cities are more inland. As for the 295 and Route 1, now living in South Portland I drive both routes daily and the only time and place it's usually congested is in the Portland/South Portland areas. Not anywhere near Brunswick and that's including when Bath Iron work ends their day. I think it's about time that L/A and other communities (Bangor and Brewer) finally stand up and demand oppurtunities that are going to other communities that wouldn't use them as much as they would.
As a current college student (Southern Maine C.C.) I would have loved to stay in the L/A area, but I wanted to live in dorm to get the whole "college exprience." As far as I know USM L/A Campus doesn't have dorms of any sort. So, you could potentially try to get atleast a few dorms, doesn't have to be 300 rooms or anything, but maybe a 100 or so to test it out. I do like how she wants to get the L/A campus out there more publicly because when people think of USM they think Gorham or Portland. I mean the only named college coming off the pike is Bates College. Which they should add USM L/A Campus as well. Also, continue to add/offer more programs. I hope that this woman actually reads these post because there is 3 things they could do to continue to develope and increase people going to that school.
Recent Comments
That is an interesting fact
That is an interesting fact to leave out of the editorial. While I don't really see a need for a hotel on a golf course, but if the owners think that it is possible to swing it, then why not? I do think it would think it would be a pretty neat idea for Lost Valley to have a small hotel. Maybe with that expand their services and actually make it a well known destination. I know someone is going to complain about looking at the vacancy rate of local hotels and motels. With that said there has to be some type of demand considering the development of a new 90 room hotel within a yelling distance of the Hilton in Auburn.
So can we now call it,
So can we now call it, Lewiston Arts?
Where is this located, that's
Where is this located, that's right Lewiston, not Auburn. You don't see Lewiston every time Auburn tries to do anything say "Hey, we want to have input in this." This has nothing to do with the city of Auburn or the Androscoggin Land Trust, so why LaBonte wants input is rather interesting. Jealousy, maybe?
And yes I did read the document that was presented. No where in that document does it mention these generators that Lewiston would be taking over, NextEra company or if Lewiston could potentially take over the canal. So this document really holds no water.
How dare they post this,
How dare they post this, Lewiston and Androscoggin must be identified as the one of the worst areas in the state. At least that's what everyone thinks and says, to bad they don't actually have the statistics back up that claim.
I will be waiting to see the
I will be waiting to see the up roar that everyone shows when crime happens in Lewiston. I mean fighting, robbery and drugs can't be safe. Should just burn Auburn down and start over.
Well since this happens in
Well since this happens in almost every city in the United States, let's just burn down the entire country and start new. Deal? Feel free to walk outside your little bubble of Maine and you'll see that none of the cities in Maine are as bad as people make them out to be.
So because the FACTS don't go
So because the FACTS don't go in your favor now you are going to blame the police department saying they just aren't doing their jobs. Pretty funny that you shoot down the integrity of an entire department on one incident, but yet if someone steals something from your or you are in fact being held at knife point these same men and women are going to be the ones to come to your aid. Funny part is I have NEVER received a parking ticket while in Lewiston and you ride a bike, how would you know? Ignorance like yours baffles me, don't like the area move or find a job somewhere else. Just don't go near Waterville, Portland, Biddeford and OOB all of which recently have had stabbings or shootings as well. Situations such as these don't just happen at random like you so elegantly put. Feel free to get out from under the rock that you are living under. Just Sayin'
I don't think that it needs a
I don't think that it needs a PR team at all, people are going to think what ever they want. The only time that anybody outside of L/A reports about Lewiston, it is always negative, so people get a negative impression of the city. People that actually are from Lewiston or people that have lived in more populated areas and moved to Lewiston, know that it is not nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I am originally from Lewiston and take great pride in it. I have also lived in more populated places, lived about an hour outside of Tampa and Orlando, lived in Phoenix and currently live in the Greater Portland area, I see far more crime down here then in Lewiston. The real problem Lewiston has is that we (past and present) haven't taken nearly as much pride in our city as we should, just the image alone gives people the impression that it is crime ridden. I may be young, but am old enough to remember when downtown wasn't laced with trash and people weren't always causing trouble. That's when people if they saw trash would pick it up or if someone was causing trouble someone would immediately report it. The city didn't get this identity by itself, we let it get this way and it is up to the residents (including the Mayor and council members) of Lewiston to finally say enough is enough. It took all of us to let it get this way, it's going to take all of us to get it out of this perception.
Excuse my long rant, just something I had to get out :)
Funny you mention that when 2
Funny you mention that when 2 of the 4 people aren't even from Lewiston. Next time you put that I hope to see "Welcome to Dirty Lew; home of one of the lowest crimes rates out of any city in Maine." Lewiston's crime rate for 2010 (the closest one on record) was lower then any of the cities in Maine, Waterville, Augusta, Auburn, So. Portland, Portland, Bangor, Westbrook, Biddeford etc.. Don't believe me look at the actual statistics for yourself. http://www.maine.gov/dps/cim/crime_in_maine/2010pdf/Crime%202010.pdf
Not saying that he did or
Not saying that he did or didn't do this, but don't be too quick to judge. Something doesn't seem right. She gets a protection order and then dismisses it. Situations like these could easily be that of her "settling" an arguement as actual domestic violence. Like I said I am not saying he did or didn't do it, but something tells me there is more information that has yet been released or uncovered.
I don't speak for everyone in
I don't speak for everyone in my generation, but what a lot of people my age want is things to do. By that they want places to go to concerts (State Theatre or Port City Music Hall) and they want places to go dance and socialize (much like the Old Port in Portland). The stuff that Lewiston/Auburn is currently doing is great with the recreational stuff, but the younger generation wants some type of nightlife. That is why many of my peers moved out of Lewiston/Auburn and the ones that have stayed continually go to Portland on the weekends. You could say that the L/A area has Club Texas and Mixers, but that is not anywhere near the comparison the Old Port is. While jobs play a big role in keeping young people in the area, there also has to be some things to quench their needs in terms of entertainment. Yes, I understand that Lewiston/Auburn does have some concerts as well, but not that regularly. As for me, I know that eventually I will return home to Lewiston because I love it. Despite all the negatives that the city is perceived to have, it really isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
Other cities in Maine have
Other cities in Maine have had similar development that Auburn is currently having, Augusta, South Portland, Scarborough and Bangor to name a few, are you saying that they have allowed their cities to be trashed? These "junk" stores, pay taxes and help bring jobs to the area. I am kind of perplexed as to what development in that are you consider a "junk" store. And there is a big difference between retail development (which is what currently is in that area) and recreational development (what this is).
Correct me if I am wrong, but
Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't that make you a transplant yourself? As for destroying the city, that is up to what the city council feels is best for the city of Auburn. If Auburn doesn't want those jobs, I am sure Lewiston will gladly find a spot for them.
I mean why would you want
I mean why would you want someone to actually fix it up and put it on display using his own money? I guess letting it collect dust and letting is slowly decay in storage is better option; while debating how you might potentially fix it up using government funding not like you need a new high school or anything.
Just 22 minutes after posting
Just 22 minutes after posting this there's an actual shooting in Portland. http://www.pressherald.com/news/Shooting-near-Portland-High-School.html Welcome to Lewiston/Auburn, where we find guns before they find people.
People like you make me
People like you make me laugh. This has nothing to do with Lewiston, yet you try to clump it in anyways. By the way if you think this only happens in Lewiston/Auburn area, then you are naive.
Well my question is WILL they
Well my question is WILL they go forward with this new plan? Plans have come up in the past regarding this section of Lewiston, but little has come of those plans. Don't get me wrong I am not knocking this plan at all, I love it. I just want the councilors to say this plan we are sticking with and moving forward with this blue print. I would love to see the river front and Little Canada come back alive.
Not to pick on a middle
Not to pick on a middle school statement, but the last sentence says it all; "but people have control over their money." So whether the casino is in Lewiston, Oxford, Bangor or more then likely to one of the Connecticut, it is their money. Competition keeps businesses on their toes and "honest." I have been a none proponent of a casino in Lewiston, especially of the previous attempt by Steve Mendros and the other backers because not only jobs, but the tax revenue that could/would have helped the Lewiston-Auburn and the Androscoggin County. The entire county is usually an after thought when it comes to helping financially (other then the known welfare recipients and in education), while places like Portland continues to get backing from the State government. Also the operation of trying to make it about the community around the casino rather then just the casinos. Casinos try to make it so your every need is right there inside the walls of the casino, which keeps the revenue for casino. Where the Lewiston backed casino was the casino, a restaurant and a hotel. That proposal leaves money to made my local businesses in and around the immediate area of where the Lewiston backed casino.
Weird concept, don't commit
Weird concept, don't commit crimes if you don't want to go to jail. It's that simple, regardless of the person's race. 9 out of 10 people deserve to be behind prison if they committed a crime, I say that only 9 out of 10 because there are a few that the system gets wrong.
Lewiston-Auburn gets the
Lewiston-Auburn gets the shaft again.
My apologizes, it says that
My apologizes, it says that downtown Lewiston is located on upper Main St.
Oh my pretty pictures!!!
Oh my pretty pictures!!! Seriously, how exactly am I suppose to think this plan will work when reading threw this plan I came across one of the pictures that put downtown where Sunnyside neighborhood is?
For this country still being
For this country still being in a recession this area seems to be doing a good. Between the developing of Panera and other businesses around the Auburn Mall, this project while small is still development, now you have the hotel going by Kittyhawk and the hotel that is going to be built by the car wash on Lincoln St. While some will say that these are just low paying jobs, etc... they are still jobs and tax money coming into the Lewiston-Auburn area.
If I am not mistaken most of
If I am not mistaken most of the cities in Maine have outright banned fireworks, just saying.
While it would be cool for
While it would be cool for the museum to move into the Bates Mill #5, I doubt that it will as it has already begun to "adjust" the Camden Mill to it's liking. I have voiced my opinion plenty about wanting to keep the #5 as well, but don't want to see government foot the bill. I think the casino idea was the best shot at keeping the Bates Mill #5 while using private investments. This point it should be torn down and have something put up in its place. I like the idea of building 5-7 story building have the first floor retail, the next 2 floors convention space and have the rest office spaces. While leaving enough space for a small plaza/park. You get the park, you get the retail and you get convention space which is all needed.
Thank you so kindly for
Thank you so kindly for proving my point. LEWISTON and Maine gave the incentive package to get the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Lewiston. It could have easily gone somehwere else like Auburn or like either Postal or FedEx did in Scarborough, but it didn't. Everyone has to face the fact that to lure businesses to a state and/or city you are going to have to give up some type of tax breaks because if you don't, someone else will.
"Auburns gets things done .
"Auburns gets things done . Lewiston doesn't ." That one sentence made me laugh a little. The things that were mentioned in this letter to the editor mentioned a few things that are in Lewiston. Example Lewiston Auburn Magazine and Museum L/A are both located in Lewiston. As for bring business just over the past decade some businesses that have re/located in Lewiston, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, the Northeast Bank is now headquartered in Lewiston and a lot of the art galleries are located on Lisbon St. So to say Lewiston doesn't get things done is kind of absurd, both cities have done a great job in their own right. I would say next time you are in the area take a close look at both cities.
Very unfortunate, everyone
Very unfortunate, everyone has already stated reasons why this seems to be very wrong. Something in this country has to change, people like him and his family should not be the ones we are deporting. I wish him and his family luck and hopefully one day they can rejoin the Lewiston community.
Waste of tax payers dollars.
Waste of tax payers dollars. How about putting a highway where it would benefit Maine citizens. Like from Brunswick east threw Lisbon, Lewiston, Auburn, Mechanic Falls and Oxford (near the casino location). If you could talk Vermont, N.H. and N.Y. into it you could have it link up with I 90 in Albany. Plus could attempt to get help with the federal government if legislators from all four states were to back it.
From what I have read this
From what I have read this week Lewiston no longer has an elite program and with that shouldn't win this award. After all how can you have an elite player and not elite team.
Sarcasm, obviously.
The amphitheater is a good
The amphitheater is a good idea, people have been suggesting better use of the canal and the one thing that keeps popping up is, ice skating. My question is why is it not possible to do such a thing? Something like this would help show the artistic side of Lewiston while also giving back to a community who has always loved to ice skate. Plus it would be unique to Maine because I have never heard or seen any other place in Maine that has something even similar to this. We, Americans have always gone against the grain. If told we could not do something, we did it. Where is that spirit now?
Please excuse my spelling
Please excuse my spelling errors, they always say have someone else proof read. :)
I saw my share of in school
I saw my share of in school suspension and out of school suspension. As I got older I began to question out of school suspensions because often times kids would just be playing videos or causing mischief around the city. I know that was the case with me, you can say well what about your parents, well I lived with my mother and she had a job there for wasn't able to keep an I on me 24/7. Also when you are out of school you aren't going to do the work that you miss. Unlike in school suspension where you have someone that is monitoring you, making sure that you behave and you are still doing work that you would have done in class so you don't fall behind. The falling behind part is the reason a lot of kids end up dropping out, once you fall behind it is hard to keep up and eventually you are more then likely drop out. I witnessed it first hand with many of my friends. Some will say well it is there fault, well think of it this way if they drop out chances are they will end up on welfare and high quality jobs will shy away as the city would have a high percentage of people who don't even have a diploma let alone a college degree.
The part that I fail understand is why exactly the middle school needs another assistant principal? Last I recall they already had a principal and an assistant principal, why the need for a new one and what exactly would they be doing? I never understood the concept of having multiple assistant principles and why it was needed. The entire time I was in high school I really only saw one assistant and the actual principal do any "work." So if someone could enlighten me it would be greatly appreciated.
Not trying to bash on the
Not trying to bash on the school, but with a little over 100 people going K-12, having 100% graduate doesn't amaze. While that is a nice statistic when you only have maybe 10 graduating it doesn't seem like it should be that difficult.
St. Doms isn't a Christian
St. Doms isn't a Christian institution? That's news to me. When did they stop believing in Christ?
Am I the only one that finds
Am I the only one that finds it funny when someone calls someone else an idiot, then goes on to misspell words? I am not trying to be picky, but when you insult someone at least do it correctly. :)
Judging from the sudject line
Judging from the sudject line he meant Dennis Bailey.
Why not follow what Hollywood
Why not follow what Hollywood Slots is doing in Bangor and train the people at CMCC?
If I could click that agree
If I could click that agree button another million times over, I would. I now am going to school and living in South Portland. I always find it funny when they say "I don't think we should have to pay to use I-95, but Lewiston drivers can use it for free to get to Auburn and vice versa" I try to explain to them that using the turnpike to go between Auburn and Lewiston is generally not plausible as most of us are traveling between the downtowns in which case we use the Longley Bridge, Bernard Loan Bridge and Veterans Memorial Bridge because both exits are on the outskirts of the cities. You are defiantly right about I-295 majority of the Greater Portland area use that for FREE and connect easily to most if not all community centers. I have been saying for quite some time that I think it is time for an East-West highway. Starting in Bath/Brunswick, going threw Lisbon, Lewiston/Auburn and going into the Western parts of Maine as well (maybe but and on/off ramp by the casino). Maybe dicuss it with N.H. and Vermont about potentially linking it up to the interstate system that links Albany to Buffalo, N.Y. Just some thoughts.
Well deserved to the veterans
Well deserved to the veterans of L/A and the veterans around the state of Maine. Thank you for your past and present service to our country.
Hold on, so you are saying it
Hold on, so you are saying it can be a civil MARRIAGE and not just a flat out MARRIAGE? Why bother with the civil part then? No where in my remarks was I judging you, I was showing you that marriage was an institute that was adopted by the church and not the other way around. If we were running out mouths then so were you, you made your remarks/opinions known and we countered them with our own remarks/opinions. That isn't called running your mouth it is individuals having a discussion and/or debating. Just curious that since marriage wasn't created by the church, who says that they get to define marriage in which they see fit based on their religion? Words definition change all the time with the ages anyways. Depends you are assuming that I believe that there is a God, believe it or not, not everyone in the United States is religious.
If I am not mistaken,
If I am not mistaken, marriage was actually something that was set up by a government type (I think it was the Greeks, don't quote me on that) which the Christian religion adopted. Believe it or not there was civilization before the creation of Christianity, crazy I know. Regardless of that fact marriage is done by the government. You have to get a marriage certificate in order to get married, which again if I am not mistaken you don't receive at a church, rather you get them at your town hall or city hall. Also you don't need to have a priest, pastor or any other religious figure head no longer needs to perform the ceremony; a notary can oversee a marriage or any judge/justice. That alone right there shows that religion has little to no barring on marriages, unless you want it to. Separation of Church and State anyone? It protects churches from the State and leaves churches out of State affairs. The humorous thing is that religion was used against interracial marriages/relationships and used against women's right as well.
Has nothing to do with the
Has nothing to do with the story, but does anyone else find it funny when they are like "Maine's largest city" in almost an article about Portland? I don't see any papers in Mass. saying the airport in Mass. largest city is getting full body scanners. If you don't know that Portland is the largest "city" in Maine then you need to go back to school, the fact they have to put it in every article just makes me laugh.
People in Auburn don't need
People in Auburn don't need Lewiston? Interesting without the population of Lewiston next to Auburn I don't think Auburn would have nearly the amount of shopping places as it does currently. Another little tid bit is the fact that a little over half of the jobs in Androscoggin County are located in the city that Auburn just so happens to not need. Whether you want to admit it or not, Lewiston needs Auburn and Auburn needs Lewiston. If a factory sets up shop in Lewiston it benefits Auburn and if a shopping center opens up in Auburn it benefits Lewiston. Sooner or later other people from both communities are going to have to get over this whole us against them and realize that if either city is going to succeed they are going to have to do it together because the state isn't going to help fund projects in L/A like they do in Brunswick, Portland, Biddeford, etc... Lastly the whole people think differently, I think both sides main objectives are the same thing good education, lower taxes and safe environment. Believe it or not some people that live in Lewiston are from Auburn just like some that live in Auburn are from Lewiston. All weird concepts I know.
I am sure that the federal
I am sure that the federal government really doesn't care what happens to the building. Whether it is for senior citizens or to help an already space cramped school it is being put to good use. It isn't like it is going to be turned into a strip club or bar, something that doesn't benefit the community.
I couldn't agree more with
I couldn't agree more with this letter. Instead of bringing in people from outside Lewiston to tell the us what we already know, Lewiston riverfront needs more pathways, needs better signage for boat launches and what should be done about the Bates Mill #5 or the land that is beneath it. Everything that study showed was exactly what the taxpayers could have told the cities government for FREE, instead of wasting the taxpayers money. Not to mention the development plans that are usually done almost yearly, but yet nothing has changed along the river front. Talk is cheap, is not the case when you are discussing the Bates Mill #5 building and the riverfront. Study after study has been done on this section of Lewiston and we have a new parking garage and a fountain. Nothing that is generating actual money for the city itself yet we are spending tens of thousands of dollars with these studies.
Why not put a large convention center in Lewiston, build a 5 story building, make the first floor retail stores, second floor (or more) the convention center and the remaining office spaces? It is time that Lewiston (and Auburn) step it up, instead of having people look at Augusta and Portland, then say well it is close enough to grab people from L/A. Why not switch it around and say if we put it in Lewiston/Auburn it will grab people from Augusta and Portland? Some will call it a pipe dream, the only reason it would/will be a "pipe dream" is because the people in charge don't have the initiative to do it. Those that will claim it is a "pipe dream", let's hear your ideas.
While pathways and everything
While pathways and everything are nice, is there a real plan on what to use the area as. Like what type of businesses should the city try to attract, commercial or industrial? Should the city sell the two plots for a hotel (should ask if a hotel is feasible), should they attempt to place more offices, call centers, retail, etc. If they paid this company just to say it needs more pathways and whether to tear down Bates #5, it seems like a waste of tax payers money. Tax payers can already tell you that there should be more pathways along the river and there is a split decision on what to do with Bates #5, but it is still a question that could be answered without spending however much money on bringing these guys/gals in. Personally I have been hearing about these studies on the Riverfront Island for the past decade and haven't seen a big difference. Yeah, you put a water fountain, made a few parking garages and Platz has done a pretty good job of bringing in banks and restaurants into the Bates Mill, but nothing that says hey I see what direction the city is going in with this area. Talk and studies are fine, but when will something actually develop with these or are the city councils (past and present) just enjoying wasting time and tax payers money.
Let me get this straight
Let me get this straight because the Governor didn't appoint you, the city of Auburn, Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland aren't being represented? So that means Lewiston, Livermore, Lisbon, etc... are, how does that work?
Why does everything have to
Why does everything have to be Liberal vs. Conservatives or Democrats vs. Republicans. What ever happened to just referring to eachother as Americans?
If he was smart and wanted to
If he was smart and wanted to help change this community he would start by listening to the younger generation, especially that of the young professionals. I have nothing against the older generations, but you aren't going to change anything unless you start looking to the future instead of reminiscing of what Lewiston was in the past. All I have heard from him was Franco-Americans and talk of the mills. Well Lewiston doesn't have a super majority of Francos anymore and we defiantly don't have the mills that they worked in. These people he likes to refer to are his citizens and are part of the future of this city. While it is nice being on the AARP list for retirees, that isn't going to help bring or keep young professionals in the area. How about he skips a couple of those coffee shops and take a little tour through USM L/A, Bates College, Andover and Central Maine Community College and talk to those individuals. That's just my humble opinion.
That is an interesting way to
That is an interesting way to have your first moments as mayor be remembered, threatening. Regardless of whether or not his claim about starting rumors is true or not, an elected official should be more cordial. If you want to bring a community together, you don’t go out and threaten some of those very members. I am not to worry about any of his agendas because as I have said the mayor of Lewiston has little to no power (other than ribbon cuttings and things like that). The power resides in the city council and the city manager. So, unless they plan on pushing his agenda there is little he can do.
Stats are stats. Lewiston has
Stats are stats. Lewiston has one of the lowest crime rates of all the "cities" in Maine. I don't know if you are referring to a stabbing in Lewiston everyday or in Maine period because you would probably be correct in if you said stabbing in Maine everyday.
Another "tough" guy.
Another "tough" guy.
I am not to concerned about
I am not to concerned about what Bangor is saying about Lewiston. Frankly they have just as many if not more problems going on in their city, i.e. hows the bath salts working out. Out of all the cities in Maine, Lewiston has they lowest crime rate. So for them to be talking about our crime rate is humorous, heck they have a higher crime rate then Portland too.
That would not be a wise
That would not be a wise decision economically. The central location of the Bates Mill #5 makes it prime real estate and would be a waste if you put something there that isn't going to pay taxes. The biggest issue is no one is willing to pay to renovate the mill. Unfortunately means that it will eventually be torn down.
If it was me, I'd push for an entertainment complex, convention center and make the rest offices. Lewiston needs a convention center, period, convention centers tend to help bring business to the area in which they located. While jobs help bring young professionals to an area, so does entertainment. One way to go, is to try and get something similar size to what the State Theater currently has. Gives locals a chance to play in a decent size venue and national bands can go there too. Granted you aren't going to see Taylor Swift, Lady Gage or whomever else, but something is better then the current which is nothing. Bates Mill has become the financial region of Lewiston, you can expand that and is perfect because lawyers offices, banks and other financial institutions generally don't work at night or on weekends when concert would be going on. All three of these things mentioned would help bring people to Lewiston for entertainment and conventions, but also could bring in jobs with the offices. I know some people are going to say no one would come to Lewiston for concerts or a convention because of Portland, but you never know unless you try. Plus there was a study like 5 years ago that said Lewiston could use another convention center besides the Ramada Inn.
Why would you place EL on
Why would you place EL on Lewiston property? It would make sense if you combined both schools, but to have strictly an Auburn school in there would make no sense.
I thought the comment was
I thought the comment was rather unnecessary, so just because they would be Somalis she would be more accepting of it? Something the SunJournal could have left out since it had really nothing to do with the story anyways.
I beg to differ, people don't
I beg to differ, people don't go to the most convenient gambling spot, they go to the one that offers the best entertainment. Who is to say that Lewiston's casino couldn't have survived, they weren't given a shot to. There was/is a big difference between all four casinos that you mentioned. Biddeford was going to build a sports complex with their racino, Bangor is capitalizing on the musical acts, Oxford is trying to be a "resort" and Lewiston had a convention center to go along with their casino. I also have to disagree with you that Biddeford would get the folks from Southern Maine, N.H. and Mass. Lewiston (would have) and Oxford is going to be a full casino with tables, while Biddeford was only going to allow slots. You think people go all the way to Conn. to play slots when Bangor is much closer? Either way if the Lewiston casino would or would not have succeeded, it would have succeeded in the fact that the Bates Mill #5 would have been renovated, which is a lot easier to sell/develop then an empty run down mill or just a patch of land. Which would probably end up being more parking garages anyways. Either way I expect that the Lewiston backers will be back in two years, as they said they aren't going to give up on this area.
You do realize that
You do realize that statistically Lewiston's crime rate is lower then Portland's, Bangor's, Biddeford's, Rockland's and (oh no) Auburn's. Not to mention that there are more towns and cities around Maine that have a higher crime rates. The whole Lewiston is a crime ridden city is humorous, when the fact is that out of all the cities of relative same size, Lewiston has a lower crime rate. The only reason people actually believe that non sense is because the only thing that media shows of Lewiston is the negative. Just saying.
Don't believe me, look for yourselves...
http://www.maine.gov/dps/cim/crime_in_maine/2010pdf/090%20counties.pdf
You should really point your
You should really point your anger towards the lose to the citizens of Maine, more then half the city of Lewiston (over 1,000 more) voted in favor the casino. Anybody that is from Lewiston, knows that Lewiston really isn't the "armpit" of Maine like most say, that is just peoples perception of a place that they have never been or they have been, but only passing threw. Also not a lot if any city/town can say anything about another place being an armpit.
Why not put more on the
Why not put more on the shoulders of the Lewiston Police force, I mean what better things do they have to do? I think we should ban cigarettes, candles and Christmas tree lights because they cause fires too. If anything it should have been vote from the citizens, not a vote of government telling us what we can and can not do anymore. Nice example the council members presented though, if the rules don't work for you find a way around them. Wonder how many Lewiston citizens will remember their example come New Years Eve or the 4th of July.
The reason in which there are
The reason in which there are an awful lot of posts is because there has been an awful lot of pieces being written about the issue, whether for or against. Of course not all jobs that are coming into a casino are going to be from Maine, as you have stated not many, if any are qualified to do so. As I have said in past posts, to me a job is job, whether it be waiting a table, dealing cards, security, etc... The fact of the matter is people complain about the welfare and people on the state, this is one way to give those a chance to have a job and get off the system and contribute. People outside of Maine for some odd reason look at Maine and they envision hard working folks and to me the majority of Mainers are just that, they don't care if they are shoveling cow crap, lumber jacking, truck driving, fishing... They just want a chance to work for their money, people look down upon these "lower tier" jobs, but like me many people just see it as a job is a job. Who are we to judge what is a "lower tier" job? You are from Lewiston, look around, what made Lewiston what it is you see? Mills. You think those are "higher tier" jobs? No, but it was a job that paid your bills and fed your family.
As for the Lewiston group, they have been more up front with the best, worst and middle case scenarios when it comes to how much they would be split up and potentially how many jobs they would create. How many other groups have given that?
http://yesforlewiston.org/Casino_Benefits.pdf
There is a link to where they out right give the scenarios, take a look for yourself.
That is kind of the point
That is kind of the point with the Lewiston casino, it is unique when it comes to that. I would much rather have a casino that is trying to help out local businesses then have them horde all the money into their business. Clearly you don't understand that this group of individuals is trying to help the economy in their city, not just line their pockets with money, as most have been saying.
Also, I am still waiting on
Also, I am still waiting on the Sun Journal's editorial about how voters shouldn't vote for the Lewiston casino. They had one up last year when people in Lewiston were voting to have the Great Falls Rec. buy Bates Mill #5. Come on Sun Journal, our hometown newspaper show us who you really support.
The state of Maine has never
The state of Maine has never been about helping out Lewiston (and Auburn). Unlike places like Bangor and Portland, everything Lewiston-Auburn has is what they have done themselves. That's why those who live and are from Lewiston-Auburn should hold our heads high. While Portland receives state money to help with ports (and many more projects) and Bangor who was pretty much handed Bangor Slots by the state (more importantly ex. governor Baldacci). People in Maine always are talking down upon Lewiston, but whenever Lewiston has a chance to do something for themselves they are shot down. It wasn't too long ago that Bates Mill #5 was in talks about becoming a convention center, but was shot down by the state, if voted down this would be just another case. Those that live in Lewiston-Auburn and the entire Androscoggin county should be behind this. This ballot question may have Lewiston's name on it, but it effects all the surrounding city/towns. Not with just the jobs that would be there, but with the The ENTIRE state itself will benefit with all the programs that they will put money into East/West highway, cleaning up rivers in Maine, downtown revitalization, helping the elderly, money for veterans, putting money for scholarships, etc... While Biddeford, Bangor and the Washington county. I have honestly looked at 5-6 pages of the Oxford casino and only find that they are going to be taxed 46% of the winnings. None of these other proposals benefit Maine like the Lewiston proposal.
It was nice to see all sides
It was nice to see all sides of both Q2 and Q3, both in which I support. The part that wasn't so nice was all the preaching towards those that were behind trying to get these cainsos/racinos in their cities. I didn't see Mike make one justifiable point that would make someone vote against a casino. You might as well had Dennis Bailey there throwing his nonsense around, at least it actually had something to do with the topic.
This too funny, you are
This too funny, you are basing your opinion on parking spaces and 50/50. No other schools in the state want to kick the crap out of eachother on the atheletic field and off the the Devils and the Eddies. The two teams could have not won a game, but neither team is going to not put it all out there and sacrifice everything for that one game. Rivalries have little to do with fans, it's more about the team. Living in the Greater Portland area I don't see or hear about it like back home. Regardless if you could go or not you still knew the Devils and Eddies were playing eachother. Specially with train or cars (and sometimes a firetruck or two) showing off their pride with their vehicles all done up with their teams colors. You can count on one of those empty parking spots being filled with my car. Good luck to both teams. Go Devils.
Just waiting on the Lewiston
Just waiting on the Lewiston Sun Journal group to follow suit. We already know that they are against a casino in Lewiston, as they made that well known last year. Also, judging by the letters to the editor that keep getting put in the newspaper trying to sway those to vote no against either Biddeford or Lewiston casino/racino. You can't tell me not one letter to the editor has been submitted that is in favor of either casino/racino.
So am I getting this right,
So am I getting this right, you want the state to say no on other casinos because you think medical individuals will gravitate to Oxford. If they do as you say gravitate to Oxford as you assume it will be either to gamble at the casino or live there. If you look at where the major hospitals are (i.e. Augusta, Lewiston, Portland and Bangor) only one has a casino in it. Doctors gravitate to where the jobs are and the more prestigious ones will be going to major hotels because they pay more. This as to be the oddest defense of why to say no to the other casinos that I have seen.
I think all businesses should
I think all businesses should be like that then, one at a time. Sorry, can't set up a bank here we have to see if the others will succeed first. I don't think there is enough support to get another restaurant, let's wait and see if the others succeed first. Maybe the businessmen who made the mills should have taken that approach. This whole let's wait to see how another business does first is ludicrous. People wonder why the United States is in such disarray when it comes to the economy, people that are protecting businesses from competition. The people backing Hollywood Slots and Oxfords Casino must love you guys backing their monopolies. I have heard enough when it comes to look at Las Vegas, look at Nevada. 78 casinos in Las Vegas to a would be 5 in Maine, I can defiantly see the similarities. You all should have warned the Biddeford Lowe's before they opened up. Let the market do what it has always done, sort it out. Everybody is all worried about what their or should I say how much their area will lose out if another one is opened, what about those other Mainers that can't get a job because they got shafted by their peers? Lewistons casino nor Biddeford (& Washington County) isn't pinning itself as a "Resort" Casino like Oxford. All these casinos/racinos are bringing something different, Lewiston Casino and Convention Center, Biddeford Racino and Complex (which from what I have read is a new ice arena), Oxford Casino & Resort and Hollywood Slots has apparently been in on the entertainment business bringing numerous acts there. So you guys/gals are entitled to your opinion, but in the end you will be hurting fellow Mainers and the State as well.
Yeah, I mean why not start an
Yeah, I mean why not start an aircraft service at Bates Mill #5, why didn't they think of that? Are you nuts. I know my facts, considering Southern Maine Community College is making another campus on at the old BNAS and not including UMaine Augusta who is also taking up some of the space as well. When is the last time you heard a college paying property taxes? A golf course another great idea for Bates Mill #5, I guess they could incorporate that little waterfall into it. Take a look at the funding partners of the Brunswick Landing Maine State housing, which is also the group that makes affordable (aka low incoming) housing. You say look at what they are doing and you expect Lewiston to follow suit, when nothing like that could be done or would be beneficial to the city. Thank you though for encouraging me to look up the "facts" when it just proved my point. Just saying.
Low incoming housing and
Low incoming housing and along with a couple college satellite colleges to me isn't a "bang up job" to me. Low incoming housing is a good intention, but aren't that great for economies, i.e. look at the two places with the most low income housing (Lewiston and Portland). Both are struggling with budget issues as generally people who are on welfare live in low incoming housing. College satellite love the idea, but colleges don't pay property taxes, so while it is a good thing as people are getting educated it really isn't that great towns economically.
Pimps and prostitutes, yeah I
Pimps and prostitutes, yeah I can see why that would be a problem, I mean after all I hear about them all the time up and Bangor. Not. Whore houses, yeah because those are just around every casino in the U.S. If you are THIS worried about casinos and racinos then you'd have said no to the Bangor and Oxford ones as well. Maine, the way life should be, is a motto that no one really cares about. If it was the way life should be a lot more people would be moving here, instead of taking their workforce and education to other states (not sure if you realize this, but we have a higher average then Florida). Two is plenty because you say it is plenty, I am not sure if you realize this or not, but you aren't the only person who lives in Maine.
Simple, let the market sort
Simple, let the market sort it out. If any business is willing to risk their own PRIVATE money into a business, why not let em? Everyone keeps trying to throw stuff out there to help Bangor and Oxford keep their monopolies. Let the racinos in and the casino in Lewiston, let the people decided which place/s stay a float. If more people want to go to Bangor rather then Lewiston, cool, or if more people want to go to Biddeford and not Oxford, that's fine. No wonder the U.S. (specifically Maine) are losing jobs is because of letting the public vote whether a business can set up shop, I didn't see that when Wal-Mart or any other business strolled into town.
Why are you asking other
Why are you asking other people to answer your questions, if you were that interested, do a little thing called research.
I have seen the Worcester
I have seen the Worcester arena several times, nothing special about that arena either. If you don't like the fees for parking DON'T (I can use caps too) go. Lewistons arena isn't the only arena that charges for parking, take a look at Cumberland County Civic Center.
Congrats.
Congrats.
Where is the investors behind
Where is the investors behind the Lewiston casino? Voting is a month and half away. If you are going to actually may a push to get one here, now is the time to start promoting it. Lewiston has probably the hardest task when it comes to legalizing a casino here because people in Oxford/Oxford county won't want one so close to them and our cities/towns (or at least their reps) to the South have already showed that they will only support the Biddeford one.
Peter, you have no idea what
Peter, you have no idea what you are even talking about. I am just going to take a wild assumption and assume that you are from Auburn. Instead of looking and judging Lewiston, take more time out and fix you and your own cities issues. There is enough there to keep you busy for a while.
Well this isn't Worcester,
Well this isn't Worcester, just saying.
While I do feel sorry for the
While I do feel sorry for the individuals who are and have been put through this exprience. That being said, the United States needs to worry about OUR people first. We can no longer afford to police the world and continue to feed the entire world. People most likely are going to be calling me insensitive and everything else, but who is helping our hungry? There are millions of Americans around the U.S. that don't have a roof over their heads and don't have anything to eat. There are not enough shelters for these people and there is not enough food for these people to eat. These people are often not seen because they do not have Time Magezine taking pictures of them or have infomercials on TV. It's time we worry about our own BEFORE we worry about others. If we don't help our own then no one will, unlike how we help everyone else. Just some food for thought.
The more week look at our
The more week look at our founding fathers, the more we realize how forward thinking they were. It's sad to see that it has slowly been going down hill since them. I am quite sure they would be troubled looking at how their FREE country is not so free anymore.
May not be reversing the
May not be reversing the trend, but at least it's not caught on like wild fire.
It is going to be a tighter
It is going to be a tighter race every time it is voted on because the older generation pass away. The younger generation does not find anything wrong with two consenting adults having the freedom to marry. Churches wonder why they are losing people, look into the crowd next time and see how many 30 or younger are in the crowd. If we go into the next life, where ever or what ever that is, at least we will have a clean conscious.
Key word in your statement is
Key word in your statement is MAJORITY, who are they to decide what 2 other adults do? I am pretty sure back in the 60's the MAJORITY would have said no to interracial marriage as well, does that make it right? No. Just Saying.
Good luck in your new
Good luck in your new endeavors. I remember when I went to high school at LHS that we were going to bring at least on state championship home thanks to the tennis teams. Good luck with the potential casino as well.
Oxford casino backers are
Oxford casino backers are worried that either the Lewiston or Biddeford casinos would hurt the oxford casino before it got off the ground? Well get on it then.
Is that 17 miles road way? I
Is that 17 miles road way? I don't want to here anyone in the state complain about how run down the mills and Lewiston are when Lewiston tries to better itself the state rejects it. I am rather agitated on the fact that Lewiston has voted 2-1 in favor of this projected, but the state can say no, when the only thing that affects the state is the taxes they'd recieve. As for the senator from Fryeburg we live in a free market society where the consumer can and should decide whether both casinos could suceed. As for the senators from Androscoggin county I hope that you will now proceed to reject the proposal of the Biddeford racino to show that whats fair for one is fair for all. That no longer will Greater Portland area will not further dictate politics in this state.
How did they discriminate
How did they discriminate when EVERYONE was given 2 mnutes to speak. Seems pretty fair to me. I am surprised that they even let him speak when he isn't even from Lewiston. Let alone the fact he wasn't even talking about anything that pertained to Lewiston. By letting him continue to speak is taking an oppurtunity for a citizen from Lewiston to ask or comment about something that has to do with the city they reside in.
From what the USHL says they
From what the USHL says they have 158 NHL Active Alumni, it's possible that they could come to Lewiston as they are talking about trying to expand.
http://www.ushl.com/
First off re-read what I
First off re-read what I wrote. I never compared L/A to Portland, I said that the reason in which people liked having the MaineIACS because it was OUR team. You never answered my question as to if you ever went to a MaineIACS game or if in fact you were a fan. One reason the Portland Pirates can manage in a small city like Portland is because it is linked to a major league team, same goes for the Red Claws and the Sea Dogs. When is the last time you been to the Old Port? People try to stay away from the Old Port area because of the lack of parking. Which if you lived in the Greater Portland area, which I currently do, you would see more tourists going to places like the Maine Mall and not so much the Old Port. Back to the topic on hand, you say that no sport will ever survive in this area, question for you is why are minor league teams looking to fill the void that is left when the MaineIACS were bought out? There is no doubt that Lewiston can and will have a hockey team again. Judging by your comments I can see that you haven't paid much attention to the team and the downfall of the team. The ONE time that the team was actually marketed correctly the totaled a little over 2,700 fans. Even then the team was only marketed in the L/A area, when the team could have easily drew fans from Waterville/Augusta area. Another that hurt the team was their failed attempt to move, when you look at that attendance went down along with sponsership went down. Not to mention they didn't even have a staff to market the team and try to draw in more season ticket holders or sponsers. You can blame demographics all you want, but you can't go without putting most of the blame on the management of the team. Another question for Mr. Blake since you seem like a smart man, why is it that the MaineIACS fold and blamed attendance, but 5 teams had lower attendance then Lewiston and continually had lower attendance? Funny thing is I am not even much of a hockey fan, I perfer baseball, basketball and football more. The fact is I don't want people placing blame on Lewiston/Auburn and their fans when it folded based on poor management. If it was based on on the demographics other teams would not try to fill the void by the MaineIACS, when they first tried to move another league tried to replace it, but they stayed and now that they have left another league is "keeping a close eye on Lewiston." That's not even including the talks that owners of the Colisee are suposedly having with the United State Hockey League, which are trying to expand.
It wasn't just about the spin
It wasn't just about the spin off revenue that people liked having a hockey team in Lewiston. People liked the team being here because it was something to do, something that didn't have an age limit on who could go. People liked it because it was OURS, it wasn't people from L/A driving down to Portland and cheering a Portland team on. People liked it because it represented us, how many cities/towns have a team (minor or major) in Maine? Until recently Lewiston and Portland. It is hard for a team in the United States to be playing in a Canadian hockey league, the travel cost that is involved, healthcare (Canada has universal healthcare), not to mention from what I understand Just had to help with the expenses that other teams had to pay for their travel. I am just curious if you had ever been to a MaineIACS game and been a fan of the team?
No place is what it was 20 or
No place is what it was 20 or 30 years ago. Heck no place is what it was 10 years ago. Times change it is a fact of life. When's the last time you have been back to Lewiston? Just curious because I don't think you realize how many call centers are in L/A. I don't think it is realistic to think that some out of staters are going to get the job when I don't think anyone is going to commute from N.H. or MA to work at a call center. So they would more then likely have to relocate, which who to say it's a bad thing? Either way this is a great thing for Lewiston, like I said taxes that this company will pay and having one of the fastest growing companies in the area. It's a win-win for the city. I never knew a top up and coming business moving to Maine would be considered a negative thing.
Just curious why would it not
Just curious why would it not work in Lewiston, Maine? It is a call center, dunno when the last time you have been to L/A area, but there are several call centers. Also do you have any facts that the jobs will be going to people outside of Lewiston or from outside of Maine? Like I said there are at least 3 call centers in the L/A area that I can think of and know quite a few people who work in them. They aren't from outside of L/A and defiantly not from outside of Maine. Granted I don't know all of the individuals, but highly doubt many are from out of state. Does it really matter even if people from outside Lewiston got some of those jobs? Not really. Lewiston would still benefit from the taxes that they will recieve and in the grand scheme of things it is good for MAINE.
So, the state including
So, the state including Lewiston has a difficult time graduating people, but you are going to put even requirements on them?
Who cares? I love King's work
Who cares? I love King's work as much as the next person, but if he doesn't want a festival to honor his work, then oh well. If it is because of LePage, again who cares, King doesn't have any political clout.
Just wish that someone from
Just wish that someone from MAINE would buy the majority ownership and actually market it effectively. I don't think that the MaineIACS have tapped in Waterville, Augusta or Brunswick all of which are 30-40 minute drive to Lewiston and are population centers in Maine.
Looks like the cameras are
Looks like the cameras are working, maybe they should put more up downtown.
Just curious as how much of
Just curious as how much of the tolls would be used to fund projects for I-295? They are saying that the 5% will be used towards projects that are within 25 miles of a I-95 interchange, that to me is a VERY large gap and in some cases reach I-295. If anything this money should be used to help fund the INITIAL building of an east-west highway, help fund railways and yes help roads 25 miles from an interchange, but I-295 should be exempt from it. Towns and cities that are no border by I-95 or I-295 have been begging for some type of highway and Lewiston/Auburn have been begging for one that they can use for nothing, much like how it cost the majority who use I-295 nothing. The reason to help fund railways in Maine is because the less cars on the highways means less wear and tear on them, which means they last longer. Roadways (other then I-295) should be considered because those that don't use either use back roads and I don't know if any of you have driven on route 100 lately, but it is horrible. Just wish L/A, Western Maine and other communities actually had the representation in Augusta that would encourage things such as these and help their communities.
Lepage isn't trying to censor
Lepage isn't trying to censor anything, he simply does not believe that the Department of Labor is the right place to have the mural. He has offered it to the city of Portland and there has also been talks to have it sent to various museums so people can actually see it. I have never seen the mural in the Dept. of Labor and doubt many Mainers have, having it sent to the various museums gives citizens a better chance to view it, help people learn the history and help the museums that they are brought to (specially since the media is all over it, now people will want to see it even more).
All cultures normally stick
All cultures normally stick to eachother like someone previously stated. You have your Little Haitis, Little Canadas, Chinatowns, South Boston (Irish neighborhood) etc... So in theory that make everyone a racist. I didn't go to the NAACP nor did I honor Cesar Chavez, so I guess that makes me a racist and more then 2/3rds of the state racists. Fact of the matter is people only celebrate and honor people who they can identify with. I wouldn't expect someone who isn't of French or French-Canadian decent to celebrate/honor the Franco Festival or French Heritage Day or St. Patricks day (commonly associated with Irish). To me that doesn't make them a bad person or a racist. Just they don't have any connection to those days.
A judge in Maine is saying
A judge in Maine is saying that something is too lenient. There must be a god.
Of course there is going to
Of course there is going to be resistance, the MTA is making a killing off the people from L/A that work in Augusta or south of Gray. If they were to travel on the ZOOM bus they wouldn't be getting the profit that those citizens pay in tolls. For as much as the MTA make from tolls I don't see what they use the money for because it certaintly isn't the turnpike or at least past Greater Portland area (including I-295). It would be nice to have a free interstate system run threw Lewiston/Auburn like it does for almost ALL of I-295. It's been years and years of talk about an east to west highway. Well where is it? Time for Lewiston-Auburn legislators to actually step up and help get more infastructure for this area.
The MTA doesn't do a good job
The MTA doesn't do a good job maintaining 95 anyways, specially past Portland area. Isn't the MDOT funding both intetchanges in L/A? Shouldn't that be an MTA thing? It'd be nice for an east to west highway, but unlikely because they have been talking about it for years and nothing gas materilized.
Bill, where was I "whining"
Bill, where was I "whining" in my comment? If you want the government to control your life, feel free to move to China. Also, a couple of those people were family, one of the accidents I was actually in the car. Therefor I don't know someone who knew someone. Wasn't this country built on the rights of the people? If you want to where your seat belt feel free, but don't push your beliefs one others.
Ernest, not a lot of people
Ernest, not a lot of people in Lewiston/Auburn use the turnpike to go from one city to another. Why would they when everything is in the downtown areas, which aren't even close when you come off the turnpike. It's really the same with Westbrook, So. Portland and Falmouth. There really is no reason to go from South Portland to Westbrook via the turnpike, specially when they are next to each other. A lot of the tolls in Southern Maine are pretty much a tourist trap. From Scarborough up it's the free ride on I-295.
The thing I love the most, is
The thing I love the most, is when people complain about those on their cell phone (either talking or texting) and yet I see plenty of people driving around with their pet in their laps. A pet in your lap is as distracting if not more distracting then someone on their phone. As for the seat belt law, I find it it ridiculous that we are made to wear them. I feel that anyone under the age of 16 should be made to wear seat belts, but as adults we should have the right to choose. The whole saving lives is questionable because I have heard plenty of times from people who were told if they had been wearing a seat belt they wouldn't be alive. Also, if I am not wearing my seat belt and get into a car accident how is it going to save your life? It isn't. Goes right back to the fact that adults should have the right to choose and make decision for themselves, not have government telling them what they can and can't do.
Personally if I was the city,
Personally if I was the city, I would say no to this. Everyone complains that the downtown area doesn't have enough green spaces and I would have to agree for such a large amount of people there is Kennedy park and Marcott Park, but this are is the only place downtown that has trails that you can hike. To add this just to get parking is ridiculous.
Not to be biased or anything,
Not to be biased or anything, but in the 2nd there should have been a forth goal by Lewiston. The glove for the Thornton goalie was clearly passed the line when he "saved" the goal. The angle that I had was perfect and anyone with the same angle could see it, including the Thornton student section who got upset when they saw it (upset because they knew it was a goal, relieved when it was called otherwise). While disappointing, I am still proud of the team and like every year, Lewiston will be back at it next year.
I am not blaming the
I am not blaming the landlords/owners for the trash on their properties, but they are inevitably responsible for their property. If it is the people who live in the building, make them clean it up or be fined. Is that a possible option? I am not quite sure, but something needs to be done. Do some type of incentive program? Where landlords take some money off the rent for people who help maintain the property. There are plenty of options that landlords/owners could do to improve how their property looks and ultimately how the community looks.
Are tickets going to be
Are tickets going to be available at the Colisee on game day?
While we are at it, can we
While we are at it, can we somehow force them to clean up there buildings? At least half the buildings downtown look like they should be condemned, not because they aren't structurely sound, they just look horrible. On top of that can we have the landlords/owners maintain some type of cleanliness at the very least on their property? I am not very old and I remember a time when Bartlett was a pretty nice neighborhood, about 15-16 years ago. Good people living in the area and the place looked pretty good. Now there is trash EVERYWHERE. Someone needs to step up and make the landlords/owners accountable.
The 100 mile radius is a bit
The 100 mile radius is a bit ridiculous, looking at that map it is pretty much saying that 2/3, possibly 3/4 of the state of Maine can't have a casino because there is one in Bangor. Talk about a monopoly and I wish these opponents of casinos would get over it, the majority of MAINE wants casinos. They are saying that this law is unconstitutional, but so is going against the will of the people. This country was built to be majority rules and the majority spoke. I am in favor of the casinos in Oxford, Lewiston and moving Scarborough Downs to Biddeford. What ever is going to help the state of Maine as whole, the cities/towns in which they are placed in and the citizens that are looking for jobs, I am for it. People aren't only leaving Maine because there are no high paying jobs, they are leaving because there are no jobs, PERIOD.
All this just to add some
All this just to add some parking spaces. I would be more inclined to accept it if the owner of Sam's was going to expand or if another company was tearing it down to put some type of commercial building up, but to tear down this building to add a few parking spots is sad.
There is a difference between
There is a difference between kids gathering to fight and a hockey fight. Kids gathering to fight has no structure, it is do what it takes to win. Some hockey fights are strategic, usually used to put a spark in the team. Also, unlike kids gathering to fight, hockey fights have structure in the sense that when one player goes down, the fight is stopped. That another thing unlike kids fighting, there is someone there to stop the hockey players, i.e. referees. To go along with the kids fighting it was considered illegal prize fighting, winner gets money. If we no longer allow boxing matchers or MMA fights, then why should we allow an organized group of kids fight? At least the boxers and MMA fighters are "professionals."
Dave, they aren't speaking
Dave, they aren't speaking about any other casino, other then the proposed one in Lewiston. Apparently, others are fine, just not one in Lewiston. Kind of a head scratcher there, but the more religion protests anything, all they are doing is pushing people away because more so then not, people don't believe religion should be involved with politics.
Cal the answer is simple,
Cal the answer is simple, that dollar you pay is to help finance I-295, just like the one you have to get on I-295 in Scarborough. You can't look at Auburn to Sabattus and say well they don't have to pay toll because they do and they pay more. To get above Augusta or to get south of Gray the L/A metro (Sabattus included) have to pay a $1.75 toll. They design the tolls startegically to get the most money, people want to get to Portland, Lewiston/Auburn, Augusta and Bangor so they try and place them in places where you have to go threw the toll first.
I am a little confused, what
I am a little confused, what are people disagreeing with? That he isn't a successful, local business man? If I am not mistaken he owns four stores in L/A, which I would assume means he is successful. If that isn't success, I would like to know how many stores y'all own. Or are they disagreeing that he is helping bring more money and jobs to the community? This is an obvious, the casino would bring more jobs and money to the are. Also, more because I am sure those four stores he owns hires local people and he pays taxes, which brings money into the community. So, for those who disagree, I would like to hear what y'all are disagreeing about.
Nice to see a successful,
Nice to see a successful, local business man help invest more money and more jobs to this community.
So are you agreeing that
So are you agreeing that because they have a good rapport with this detective that he should be automatically be investigated? If so I don't think it is terrorist the U.S. should be worried about. Reminds me of good ol' Joseph McCarthy or the witch trials.
I find it humorous that those
I find it humorous that those 3 disagree, question for you people who disagree, when did police officers take on the task of keeping people behind bars? If that was the case the guys that broke the officers leg a couple months back wouldn't have gotten off with JUST community service.
The police department can't
The police department can't not sentence them, they can arrest them as many times as you want, but it is up to the Judicial system in Maine to get them off the streets. You can sit here and blame Lewiston Police Dept. all you want, but they don't have much if any say after they are arrested. Also, I am assuming that the reason Mr. Campbell is brought up is because this is part of the area in which he is asked to patrol.
He isn't trying to make it
He isn't trying to make it look presentable to the common person, he is making it look presentable to business people. If you would cough up enough money to buy the land, I am sure he would make it presentable for you.
Either Mark Just needs to
Either Mark Just needs to squash this now or this isn't going to be good for the MaineIACS. Even though I am a big MaineIACS fan, I am personally sick of this, "Oh we want to be here" and then "Just kidding, we are trying to move."
Business don't usually buy
Business don't usually buy old churches because they are hard to convert into anything, but what they were meant for. I do agree with you that it is tragic, but it is the world we live in now a days. Would be nice to see one of these churches turned into an Irish Heritage Center. I don't think people appreciate the flocks of Irish that helped build the canal and build the mills. This city was build by both the French and Irish, would be nice to finally get to see some support for the Irish as well.
Mr. Schott is not getting the
Mr. Schott is not getting the property for absolutely nothing, he is going to actually leveling it to help make it suitable to build something there and picking up the rubble that is just sitting there to make it look presentable (all this at an expense of a million dollars). Also, think about it people, he is going to be paying property taxes and the back taxes that are owed from the Cowen Mill. While technically you could call it free, I would much rather have someone try to get it ready for development because a lot of people aren't going to want to do that AND build a structure on top of it; also like I said he is paying property taxes on it, which no one currently is. Plus he is a business man and the city knows he needs to turn a profit himself.
Thank god that someone is
Thank god that someone is doing something with it, it is in a nice location that could easily be developed.
While I do like the idea of
While I do like the idea of people in jail, working to help the better the community, it is difficult to do so because you have to pay police to moniter them while they clean up or shovel. Also, how would you portion it out? 1 police member for every 5-10 inmates?
While I do like the idea of
While I do like the idea of people in jail, working to help the better the community, it is difficult to do so because you have to pay police to moniter them while they clean up or shovel. Also, how would you portion it out? 1 police member for every 5-10 inmates?
For one your statement was
For one your statement was very difficult to understand, you might want to add some punctuation in there. On to my actual comment, so by Lewiston getting it's first clinic it is a loser town, so what does that say about places like Bangor and Portland, who have 3 a piece?
Just a heads up, if you wear
Just a heads up, if you wear something Patriots and buy a ticket for Jan 13th game it is only 14 bucks for 2 tickets. It must be in person and you have to be wearing the Patriots stuff when you purchase them. If we can't pack it on this night then there is a problem people. Get out there and support these guys.
Sorry I meant Main St.,
Sorry I meant Main St., Sabattus St. and Lisbon St.
Hrmmm.... someone needs to go
Hrmmm.... someone needs to go to the back woods. I think it is funny that you mention Main St., Sabattus St. and Main St. I didn't realize those were the only streets in Lewiston. My apologize, if I was you I would get my head out of my rear and actually take a look at Lewiston as a whole. You grew up on outer College St. exactly, you are one of those stuck up people, that explains it all.
"Auburn City Administrator Ed
"Auburn City Administrator Ed Barrett", last time I checked he was Lewiston City Administrator, nice job Sun Journal.
Also, Scott it really isn't Lewistons fault that it is what you call a "social program mecca", between the Catholic Charities and the state of Maine dumping millions of dollars to build low-income housing in Lewiston, we really have no say in it. Also, calling the entire city of Lewiston a dump is hilarious, you ever been out of the downtown area? Chances are you haven't if that is your whole outlook of Lewiston.
I almost forgot about rush
I almost forgot about rush hour, the fact of the matter is that people generally use Longley Bridge and ignore Bernard Lown Peace Bride (bridge connecting Little Canada and New Auburn, also known as the Green Bridge) that is just a mile, if that, down the Lincoln St. If you got that much of a problem with getting home, let me know, I will tell you a way to get from your job home without having to go threw downtown L/A.
Personally I love the idea of
Personally I love the idea of the casino in Bates Mill#5 and think it is a good location for it as well, judging by the 10,000 signatures in Lewiston alone, I would say I am not the only one. While there is free drinks at casinos, that does not mean that everyone who goes to one will be drinking. Also, if you are going to bring up that, then what about Gritty's which is literally right across the river and what about the "clubs" that pop up every now and again across the street from Gritty's. These places sell drinks and people do get intoxicated at these locations as well. As for the surrounding streets, in the revenue sharing it states that .5% of the profits would be going to the infrastructure of Lewiston, which could be used and the $2-3 million in property revenue could be used as well. While I could not find any data for paving in Maine, I did run across some for Pittsburgh. In 2008, it cost $338,000 per mile for a street that was 24 feet wide (which is a 4 lane street). Assuming Lewiston keeps Lincoln St. 2 lanes (12 feet) and assuming that it would be half the price per mile because it being half the lanes it would be roughly $676,000 just to repave the 4 miles of Lincoln St./River Road to the turnpike. 1.2 miles of that road is already being widened to 20 feet with two 5 foot shoulder for bikes. So, you could just make it one bike lane and you have enough room for 4 lanes in that section of Lincoln St. Either way that section will be repaved. As far as the not enough police, Lewiston has the 2nd largest police force and with some of the tax money that they receive I am sure that they can afford a couple more police officers, not to mention that Auburn PD and the Androscoggin Sheriff Dept. is right across the bridge. As I previously stated I love the idea of it going in Mill#5 because it brings people into the heart of L/A and will bring foot traffic into the downtown areas which is what a lot of businesses look for and need. Look no further then Lisbon Street, when there is no foot traffic businesses leave the area.
While I do enjoy the train
While I do enjoy the train and have taken it several times to Boston, I still think it is absurd that Brunswick will be getting the Downeaster before Lewiston-Auburn. The population of L/A is roughly 60,000 while Bath-Brunswick-Topsham is roughly 40,000. With the Twin Cities having more then 20,000 (Which is almost the population of Brunswick) one would think with more people, comes more rideship which means less subsidies. People can say what they want about how L/A doesn't get as much tourist, but the Great Falls Balloon Festival sees over 100,000 people in 3 days and the Dempsey Challenge sees 10s of thousands itself (that is only 2 events). That is just my opinion though.
So, by evicting this group
So, by evicting this group that is going to solve the problems of jobs? I would assume renovating it and fixing the problems wrong with it would bring jobs, while they maybe temp jobs, they are still jobs. Then again taking it down might create some temp jobs as well. Either way I don't see the CLT leaving L/A, probably relocating to some place in Lewiston.
More good stats for Maine.
More good stats for Maine.
I love the idea of
I love the idea of Lewiston/Auburn having some type of commercial airline coming to the area. While it is still an unknown at this point in time, I think it would be very beneficial to not only the L/A area, but the entire Androscoggin county, parts of Oxford and Franklin counties. While I don't see them having JetBlue, Southwest, American Airline, etc... I think another smaller airline would be the perfect fit for this area, with like 3-4 round-trips at first (expanding in the future if needed). It will probably cost a little bit more, but people in the area will get to sleep longer, if it is an early flight and you don't have to pay for gas or tolls (assuming you take I-95) to get to Portland. I know some will say that this is just a "pipe dream", but it is very much in the realm of possibility.
Actually, Lewiston population
Actually, Lewiston population is estimated at over 37 thousand and with all of the Somalis moving here every month, I wouldn't be surprised if it was actually higher then that. The number that you are looking at 35 thousand is the population in 2000, which was before the migration of the Somalis to Lewiston.
Where is the new store going
Where is the new store going to be located at?
Also, you didn't have to read
Also, you didn't have to read it, it was your choice to. So, thank you for wasting your time.
Hrmmm... Name calling on the
Hrmmm... Name calling on the computer, a real tough guy. Oxford Dad, I hope you enjoy the nice roads out there in Oxford County.
Good place for a casino. :)
Good place for a casino. :)
The train isn't just a way to
The train isn't just a way to attract people from Auburn to Canada or Bethel or vise versa. The Amtrak goes all the way to Boston, I am pretty sure there is a few people between Auburn to Boston that would like to go to Montreal. Also, during the summer look at the masses of Canadians that come down to New England. Amtrak would give them another way to get down here. I do like the Amtrak in L/A, but not in the spot that they plan on putting it.
Actually there are some, few,
Actually there are some, few, but some. Also, the mosque is used for Muslims, so I am positive that there are not only Somalis using the mosque.
I know Somalis that don't go
I know Somalis that don't go to this Mosque and still do their praying and what not. Also, just because they are Somalis doesn't automatically mean that they are Muslims, believe it or not there are a lot of Christians in Africa as well. Regardless there are ways to prevent this, set up multiple times to go and worship, so not everyone is going there at once. Like you said get a larger building and or buy land to build one, but there STILL could be a problem of parking even if they did those 2 options. Fact of the matter is the wrong-doers (Somalis and Americans alike) should respect others property and when asked not to park there, DO NOT PARK THERE! That simple really.
Queston is, why are there
Queston is, why are there some many Somalis driving to the Mosque? It is right in downtown Lewiston and they could easily walk to it. St. Peter and Paul Basilica holds far more people in it and I would bet that they have a better car to person ratio.
So they are going to make
So they are going to make Bartlett a one way? That is ridiculous, it is one of the few two way roads left in downtown Lewiston.
Funny that plenty of places
Funny that plenty of places in Lewiston have offered a place for this group to keep them in the area, but the so called "shopping mecca" doesn't look to be doing anything to keep them in the area. Either way, I am just glad Lewiston/Auburn isn't losing out on a good thing.
Time to start reading a new
Time to start reading a new paper people. I have never seen such a paper that has so many restrictions. The United States sure is starting to go down the tube. Free speech is being revoked, we are getting pat downs at the airport.
Here are some quotes for thought-
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both"
-Ben Franklin
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
-Abraham Lincoln
"There is no punishment too great for anyone who profits from his country's ruin."
-George Washington
To further what I was saying
To further what I was saying about the Bates Mill, those that oppose it don't see the benefit. The Bates Mill is literally across the bridge (From Bonney Park to Simard-Payne Park). Think about it this way the businesses in this building would still be in L/A, who cares which city it is in. One thing that Lewiston/Auburn can not afford is losing our art programs. Like I said in that statement Bates mill has space that is unoccupied, why not use and keep these art programs in L/A?
Plenty of room in the Bates
Plenty of room in the Bates Mill.
While most of what you say is
While most of what you say is true, students dropping out and teenage pregnancies are up, the one part that is false on the Lewiston front is that Lewiston's crime rate is decreasing. Out of all the "cities" in Maine it has one of the lowest if not the lowest crime rate.
Funny thing is that people in
Funny thing is that people in Maine are the only people who think that, when I lived in Florida the people that had been to Maine and specifically Lewiston had nothing, but good things to say. People from L/A are lazy, okay how so? If you want to bring up people on welfare, look no further then Portland. Violent and crime ridden, that's why out of the whole state of Maine, Lewiston has a lower crime rate then Waterville, Portland, Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford etc... Uneducated look at other states, all you need to get a "good" job in Maine is an associates degree, in other states an associates degree is no better then a high school diploma/GED. Poverty abound, look at the entire state of Maine. White trash? Racist? Have you ever looked at Lewiston, over 4,000 Somalis. Really? All the racist comments you see on this website tend to be from people in the woods of Maine. So, please before you want to talk trash, look at Maine as a whole because what is wrong with Lewiston, is wrong for the WHOLE state.
My question is, why keep
My question is, why keep bringing in Franklin County? You don't see Lewiston saying well Androscoggin and Cumberland county should boycott Oxford, So. Paris and Norway. Not that there is much reason to go there anyways. As for very large contributions, where do you get that from? You mean the 2 million dollars that goes to the ENTIRE Androscoggin County? Like I said previously why would Lewiston, Auburn or any Androscoggin county vote for the casino in Oxford when the county as a whole would get A LOT more from one in Lewiston? Also, yeah, Lewiston and Auburn have only their interested in themselves, you don't see anyone helping us out. Not only that how many other towns/cities in Maine are trying to find a way to help eachother? You seriously need to get over your lets hold hands and sing kumbaya, that may have happened in the the 50's, but times have changed. Like I said in a different post you can feel free to boycott Lewiston/Auburn. When you are laying on the floor having a heart attack I am pretty sure you aren't going to be like "Take me to Maine Med, I am boycotting L/A." Give me a break, you are extremely childish and apparently are irrational. Have a good day.
Start boycotting, but I am
Start boycotting, but I am sure that if people are in REAL danger, health wise, they are still headed to St. Mary's or CMMC because it is closer. Like I said feel free to start boycotting, the survival of L/A and Androscoggin county doesn't come from entirely or significantly from Oxford county. Also, why bring Franklin county, when both Casinos would benefit the region either way.
Honestly the old station in
Honestly the old station in Lewiston ( Maine Central Railroad Station ) to me would make more sense to place. While I am not sure where the Auburn Intermodal is located at, the Maine Central Railroad Station (MCRS) is located pretty much directly between Lewiston and Auburn's downtown area. There is a near by parking garage for those that need to park there cars. The owner of the the MCRS even stated that if need part of the old warehousebuildings on either side that could be made into more parking garges. L/A has been talking for years about their "downtown revitalization" plans, what better way to revitalization the downtowns then to drop people right in the middle of them and create foot traffic there? Not to mention Bob Roy just finished renovating the building to its previous look in 1916-1960 when it was a rail station.
(To see the article or pictures of the station here's the article from May 15, 2010, http://www.sunjournal.com/city/story/846226 )
It makes me kind of chuckle
It makes me kind of chuckle when people keep throwing out 2 million for Androscoggin County, that really isn't much compared to how much would be sent to the county as a whole if there was a casino in Lewiston. Either way it's a simple fact that Bangor will vote No because of Hollywood Slots, Lewiston (and probably Auburn) will vote No because of the potential it would take away from a casino IF they get one and Biddeford is the same way. Also, apparently Washington County is working on trying to get a racino there as well. Chances are with all these place fighting eachother it will result in none of them getting their "dream" of having a casino/racino.
It's about time someone else
It's about time someone else actually disagrees with Oxford being better then Lewiston. Route 26 isn't a highway, despite some drivers actions and it isn't the least bit enjoyable to drive on. I thought the pot holes in Lewiston/Auburn and Portland were bad, but nothing compares to quite a bit of 26. Lewiston actually has access off the Maine Turnpike/I-95 within 3 miles to the destination of where its casino would go. Having to drive to visit family Oxford is atleast 20 miles off of it. Lewiston is JUST as good as any other place you could possibly place a casino.
Yes, crime rate in Bangor has
Yes, crime rate in Bangor has increasing, but from 04-05 Bangors crime rate dropped from 55.9 to 51.7. Now Hollywood Slots opened in 2005, the next year the crime rate jumped to 63 and has increased since. 2004-55.9, 2005-51.7, 2006- 63, 2007-63.1, 2008-65.1, 2009-71.6. I am not saying that a casino is a bad thing or a casino is going to increase crime. It'd be cool for Oxford to get one and I'd love it if my home city of Lewiston would, but I like to look at both sides of the story. Also, an interesting note is that in that time frame (2004-2009) Lewiston's crime rate never reached above 40. Even taking a look at Portland which is the largest city in Maine never went above 59.5 threw the same years. So, if you compare the population of Lewiston and Bangor it's pretty similar with Lewiston, by a little over 3 thousand people, but Bangor has a crime rate higher then a city (Portland) that is almost double it's size population wise (Portland 63,000). Not included that statistically Lewiston has around the highest poverty level in the State (people in poverty tend to commit more crimes). Like I said I am for the casinos, but I like to look at the stats as well. Fact of the matter is that a city like Bangor shouldn't have the highest crime rate in the state, but it does. Like I said previously it's interesting that out of the 3 largest cities in Maine, the one that has the highest crime rate, isn't the one with the high poverty level, isn't the one with the highest population, but the one that has a casino. Just saying.
(All the states can be viewed @ http://www.maine.gov/dps/cim/crime_in_maine/cim.htm)
I find it kind of odd that
I find it kind of odd that Bangor has the highest crime rate in the state. Most people would think it would be one the 2 largest cities in Maine (Portland and Lewiston), but it isn't. I find it rather interesting though that out of these 3 cities, the one that has the casinos is the one with the highest crime rate. I am not saying that it is strictly from the casino, but kind of makes one think. Just Saying.
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=133133&catid=2&GID=mPXrj3ch...
So, Lewiston delcined by
So, Lewiston delcined by 4,078 from 1990-2000, but the question is how much has it increased since the migration to Lewiston/Auburn from the Somalis and other groups of people? I remember hearing figures thrown around that at one point Lewiston that 35 people per month were moving to Lewiston in 2007. Correct me if I am wrong, but that would be 420 a year and that is when migration started to slow down. Instead of using old facts, why not just use current ones?
As for the turnpike I for one use neither the Auburn or Lewiston exit because in either direction within about 20 miles you are going to have to pay $1.75. If I need to use the turnpike I wait to go to Gray. Call me cheap, but during these times everyone is trying to save money. Question is why not make an East-West highway going threw Lewiston/Auburn? Like I have said in previous statements Brunswick, threw L/A, with stops in Oxford, and other towns along the way, going into N.H. Would be even better if we could talk to N.H., VT, and N.Y about going threw Laconia and Concord N.H. into VT and eventually connecting to I-90 (which leads to Buffalo) in Albany, N.Y? Just a thought.
If they are that set against
If they are that set against putting an interchange in either location why not just add a 2 off ramps at the River Road? Off ramp coming from the south and one coming down from the north? If the demand ends up being more then just add on ramps later on if needed. Let's not all forget though if this was Brunswick, Portland, Saco, etc... Maine DOT would jump at the chance whether it made sense or not. Got to love the coastal bias
I don't think it has anything
I don't think it has anything to do with Muslims, I think it more has to do with people are just sick and tired of hearing about Somalis. The past week and half that's all people have seen. People see Somalis in the paper all the time lately, yet you don't see any articles about the Irish, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc... in the area. The Chinese have contributed just as much in terms of business as Somalis have, but you don't see them on the front page. Just saying.
Sorry, but a call center in a
Sorry, but a call center in a mall, kinda takes away from it being an actual mall.
First off seekingthetruth
First off seekingthetruth what cities do you speak of? I have been to more then enough cities as far west as Colorado and can tell you that every city not matter the size has a "bad" part in it. I have lived in Phoenix and Mesa, AZ, as well lived an hour outside of Ocala, Orlando and Tampa, Florida and visited them frequently. I have been to a majority of major cities east of the Mississippi River. I can tell you with great confidence that there are bad parts of any city small or major.
As for Lewiston being a town and not a city.
Definition of City from Dictionary.com
-(in the U.S.) an incorporated municipality, usually governed by a mayor and a board of aldermen or councilmen.
Now last I checked the CITY of Lewiston has both a mayor and 7 city councilors.
How often do you visit Lewiston? Saying that 50% of Lewiston is a slum is laughable. The only part of Lewiston that is "slummy" would be downtown Lewiston. At best that'd MAYBE be a 1/3 of Lewiston. (not saying that, that's any better, but your statement is/was false)
Back to the statement at hand I feel that it's time that the City officials start making landlords accountable for their buildings and the land that they own. If their buildings look terrible fine them, if their yards have trash on them and they look terrible fine them. Lewiston would look a whole lot better if Lewiston would just weed out the slum lords. If people took a little more pride in their community Lewiston wouldn't have the bad reputation it has.
You talk about fights and stabbings in Lewiston, wasn't it not long ago that man in Monument Square in Portland was sucker punched and killed?
I find it sickening that the Lewiston Sun Journal would allow such words be spewed by Mark against the city that it represents. It's bad enough that most people in Maine have a poor image of Lewiston, we don't need the paper and the people of the city bashing it as well. I take great pride when I say that I grew up in Lewiston, some of those very streets that people are speaking of.
Well you would think that
Well you would think that they would pay some type of attention to the L/A area when the Balloon Festival brings an estimated 100,000 people in 3 days to the area, a majority of them being from out of state. You also have events like the Dempsey Challenge and other events that brings tons of tourism to the Lewiston/Auburn area. It is just frustrating that the state thinks and expects to L/A to be able to do things on their own, sometimes you need a little help. It is also about time that we start having people move more inland.
While that is an interesting
While that is an interesting idea it wouldn't be able to happen because of the cost. Maine DOT much like the rest of Augusta seem to want to help the coast, rather then working on the interior. Which is rather odd considering Lewiston is the 2nd largest city and Auburn the 5th. I personally like the idea someone had about having an interstate go from Brunswick, thru Lewiston/Auburn, Concord, N.H, Burlington, VT to Buffalo, N.Y. Obviously with stops in between to other towns/cities on the way. Would be an interesting idea specially if either Lewiston or Oxford got their casinos.
What I find interesting....
What I find interesting is everyone is quick to jump on the bad parts of Lewiston, but overlook the bad parts of other cities i.e. Portland, Auburn, So. Portland, Biddeford, Bangor, Augusta etc... I can show you just as many bad parts of those cities as there are in Lewiston. If people wouldn't fixate on the downtown area and looked beyond that, they would find a beautiful city. Every city whether in Maine or other states has its problem areas and unlike most people in Maine I have been beyond the Maine borders. Citizens of Auburn defiantly don't have a foot to stand on either. Just saying.
p.s. Feel free to scream about my grammer, just shows that you don't have anything to counter my statement.
Actually over the past year
Actually over the past year Lewiston has had multiple concerts. Whether they were the kind of music that entertain you or not is another story.
I think it'd be a nice spot
I think it'd be a nice spot for a restruant, some retail and offices as well. It is by far the most vaulable property if you ask me. You are right by Main St. in Lewiston, a bridge away from Auburn, you have the beautiful Verterans Memorial Park and the view of the falls is second to none. Now Lewiston just has to not screw it up somehow, even though they don't own there is still ways.
Dint? Yes, I did mention the
Dint? Yes, I did mention the bible because that is where a LARGE majority of people get the "1 man and 1 woman" saying from. If you can find a creditable source (Bible not being one of course) where it says marriage is only between "1 man and 1 woman" I'd like to see it.
Why is this ajg person even
Why is this ajg person even allowed to comment with all of his "baddass" remarks? Ajg I don't know what college you are attending, but you my friend need to get your money back.
P.S. Insults will get you no where.
It isn't because of religion,
It isn't because of religion, then why did the Catholic church of Maine donate $100,000 to the Yes! on 1? Also, your logic is what they do behind closed doors is "gross", what if I find what you do behind closed doors "gross", does that mean I have should have the power to say you can't marry? Lastly, you ask most people why shouldn't same-sex marriages be allowed they will say because "marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman", where does it state that, in the bible. Just saying.
Marriage licenses are given
Marriage licenses are given out by the State, going by the "Law of the Land" it is un-Constitutional to not allow gay marriage based off of religion. Seperation of Church and State. Just saying. Eventually people of Maine will vote and approve of gay marriage as soon as the "older" generation decreases.
As a Democrat I plan on voting for the Republican Lepage regardless.
Love the idea that something
Love the idea that something is finally going to be put into the Grand Trunk station. For an area that is the focus of Lewiston's economy for the upcoming years, it is rather a smart location to pick by this woman.
That's my biggest concern,
That's my biggest concern, but look at how many people are going to be on Section 8 or welfare regardless of these apartments. Seems to me that the time of the working class Mainer is starting to dwindle away. Question is, is who is going to pay for all the welfare and Section 8 when there is only people living on it instead of working?
Popualtion...
Last census Lewiston (37,000+) had 5,000+ people over Bangor (32,000+) and thanks to all the Somalis moving here, I highly doubt Lewiston has dropped to third largest city in Maine.
Yeah restore it by getting it
Yeah restore it by getting it so they can find the serial numbers to find out which ship it was on. Not restore it so it can be used. As for your comment you are truly something, aren't you from Auburn? Why don't you worry about what happens on that side of the river (which should keep you busy enough) and not Lewiston.
Hrmmm... Tron
Tron I find it interesting that if someone doesn't believe in your ideas they are a "right-winged" wacko. I am sure you will label me one, but interesting enough I am not. I just find it rather funny how you can sit and whine on the computer all day. Also, what volunteer work can we find you at because I'll volunteer just to see if you actually do come.
It's rather pathetic to
It's rather pathetic to bicker about spending $2,800 to help support an event that benefits cancer or anything else for that matter. Way to stay classy councilors.
Whine a lot....
I have been reading your posts for sometime Tron and while we share similar views, I must say that you sure do whine a lot.
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Portland isn't much of a "pearl" either, more of an armpit then most think. If you want a beautiful place to live I suggest most of So. Portland and/or Cape Elizabeth, but homes are A LOT more expensive.
While I like the idea of
While I like the idea of making part of the mill into apartments I do not agree with low-income apartments. Lewiston is a haven for those low-income renters which isn't exactly a bad thing, but it isn't exactly a good thing either. A lot of up scales businesses will not do business in Lewiston because the fact that a large majority of the people are low-income and can't afford time to leisure or don't have money to spend to buy high quality items. I am not bashing on those with low-income because some of my family members are these exact people and I see how it is. If anything they should have though about turning into condo type apartments. Lastly the city, Platz and the investor should have asked the other members of the Bates Mill community on their outlook of this idea. Also section 8 or those on welfare shouldn't be allowed to live there, a "community" room, free internet, etc... that would really make me want to get off welfare.
If this was Lewiston...
If this was Lewiston and not Portland people would be having a field day of how bad Lewiston is, but because it's Portland no one wants to comment as usual.
Used to live next to that
Used to live next to that place in about 05'-06' when I was like 16 years old, looked kinda run down... in fact used to stand in the parking and hit baseballs over it. The places looks amazing now, well done Bob.
Lewiston the cause for Auburn's crime?
Interesting that you are in fact blaming Lewiston for Auburn's crime? That's like having South Portland blame Portland for their crime, it really makes no sense. Auburn whether Auburn citizens want to hear it or not has had crime in their city for quite sometime. An interesting fact is the more your population increases the more chance you are to having more crime.
Lewiston according to a study done in 2008 has a lower crime rate then Auburn, Portland, So. Portland, Westbrook, Bangor, Augusta, Sanford and Biddeford. That is just the crime rate for cities of similar size to Lewiston. The cities of Portland, Augusta and Bangor all had more crimes in their cities then Lewiston. South Portland and Biddeford all had similar amount of crimes in their cities as Lewiston had. So really think poorly on Lewiston all you want, but statistics show that Lewiston isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
http://www.maine.gov/dps/cim/crime_in_maine/2008pdf/Crime%202008.pdf
All the stats that I got came from pages 90-96 feel free to check it out.
Ah... the childish name
Ah... the childish name calling. The ironic thing is that you were a city councilor for Lewiston, which just so happens to have one of the highest percentages of people on welfare. Nice to know that now you aren't in office you turn your back on them and spit on em. And yet you want to "crap" on Democrats, Republicans at their finest. Also if you think you can do better Mr. Reed why haven't you run for State Representative, State Senate or better yet Governor? Just a thought.
Hold on so she pleaded not
Hold on so she pleaded not guilty, yet she was driving WITHOUT a license and she was driving down a WALKWAY? Hahaha. That is amazing, I hope to god that the justice system comes threw for once.
Hrmmm that my friends is a
Hrmmm that my friends is a look at the building of another parking garage that'll more then likely will not ever be more then half full.
I don't really see how that
I don't really see how that is relevant to the burning of books. Act 19:19 talks about burning scrolls of whom belonged to people who were THOUGHT to be doing magic. Now lets all jump to the 21st century, we all know that there is no such thing as magic. So why the need to burn books now adays? If people are so into burning books that they deem as magic, then some people could consider the bible as such. Would anyone object to a mass group of people burning bibles? I think so... Just a thought.
Either way it takes a moron to go out and buy a bunch of books just to set them fire, especially if when you don't like the book. Don't like it, don't buy it.
One word - Crusades
One word - Crusades
Woman topless = Supporting
Woman topless = Supporting gay rights? For anyone to believe this is completely absurd. One group is fighting for women's rights, while another is fighting for gay rights. Heath can try and get UMF to stop it, but fact is they can't. It is not held on the campus and it is not the University itself that is putting this on. Even if somehow the University tries to stop this, it would be impossible as there are no laws in Farmington banning women from going topless. Simple thing to solve, you don't want to see it, don't show up. Radical Christians like this make me ashamed to put myself in the same grouping as them.
The one Bush passed or the
The one Bush passed or the one Obama passed? You really can't blame just ONE political party when it comes to "stimulus" packages.
When did the Bronx become not
When did the Bronx become not a "ghetto." Unfortunately it is rather sad, but it happens all the time in NYC. Like most New Yorkers will tell you, if it ain't your business it's in your benefit to not get involved.
The thing about people like
The thing about people like you is, you complain about how Lewiston looks and when someone does something to clean it up you spew out more negativity. Get over yourself and if you haven't got anything good to say do us a favor and don't say it. Also it makes you look rather ignorant, so it'd benefit you as well. Have a good day. :)
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Decisions are not well thought out in Auburn either. Let's take for instance the new fiasco with the cutting of funding and then restoring it. Every year seems that taxes are raised in Auburn because they can't fund a majority of the programs they have. Overall Lewiston AND Auburn are poorly run.
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I am by no means a Republican, but really why do you always seem to attack them, Tron? I read all the time that Republicans don't like those who don't have the same views as them, but at the same time you seem to do the same as well. Just Saying.
hrmmm....
Funny that everyone likes to pinpoint the Somali community, but apparently failed to realize those who have been here for decades milking the welfare system. Then again I wouldn't expect anything less from people who are from Maine. Which is why it makes me ashamed to say I am a Mainer.
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If the city of So. Portland can support its OWN bus services, then Lewiston/Auburn should be able to as well. Yes, So. Portland, Scarbourgh, Falmouth, and Portland also use the Metro. The fact is L/A despite what you guys say is a waste of money, they need it to make it more "friendly" to people. Some type of transit system is needed. No bus system can fully fund its self and if you believe they can then you are nuts, but people keep it around to make the area more friendly for people to move to that area.
If more people are willing to
If more people are willing to go to Adult Ed for cooking classes, then how is that the schools fault? You can only offer things that people are going to go to. If adults don't want to go to Adult Ed for Math or any other "core" classes and the numbers aren't there, why pour more money into it?
You can't really compare
You can't really compare Maine's education system to that 30 years ago. 30 years ago, you didn't really need a diploma and/or GED to get a job. Now you will be lucky to get a Burger King job with a diploma or GED. When I find people compare to Maines education to other state I find it rather funny, aftering living in south, I found that they couldn't even point out Maine on a map. Like most people they didn't even know that Maine was part of the U.S. Fact of the matter it has NOTHING to do with the state, city or for the most part the school they go to. Like the saying goes "You only get, what you put in." If the kid doesn't study, doesn't work hard and doesn't attend school then yeah, that person is not going to succeed.
As, for stats here are some for you...
Maine ranking 9th statistically through a state-state survey done in Dec. of 09'
http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2009/12/09/americas-best-high-schools-state-by-state-statistics.html
Another done showing Maine ranking 18th for percent of students who graduate high school in 06'
http://www.higheredinfo.org/dbrowser/index.php?submeasure=36&year=2006&level=nation&mode=map&state=0
feel free to do what you want with there...
Rude
That is one of the rudest things I have seen in quite sometime. Apparently you didn't read her whole story, she is trying by going to school online. How about you get off your high horse and be more compassionate about those who aren't as lucky as some. Being a poor excuse for a human should be a crime.
Why does it seem that a
Why does it seem that a majority of your posts seem to degrade those who are on welfare? Last I knew over 10% of Americans are unemployed and are probably on some type of government assistance.
So you weren't paid nor were
So you weren't paid nor were you a professional, is that what you are saying? If this is true then I'd have to agree with you. Also, let's point to one thing, the roads, the "professional" staff can't do the job if it is not funded. Which is where the council would come in. Therefore it wouldn't be their fault after all, so why criticize them? In one way or another the city council is technically running the city. Then again what do I know? Maybe I should just let the so called "professionals" take care of it.
Just a thought.
Hrmmm.... the way you and your council members ran Lewiston, you have no room to talk about how anything is run. Just Saying.
Thank you for your service to
Thank you for your service to this great country and the people in it.
I am pretty sure if there was
I am pretty sure if there was an easier way to get to Portland there would be more commuters. Not just from L/A, but Sabbatus, Lisbon, Oxford, etc... This to me just again shows the favouritism that Maine holds onto with the coast. It's about time that the state allows those not on the coast to try and prosper. No offense to Brunswick, but being on the coast has benefited them a lot and nothing has come from it. It'd be nice of the Reps. of Lewiston/Auburn to finally start doing something to help the community it represents.
It is rather odd that they
It is rather odd that they pick an Irish holiday as now the Frano-American Holiday. Maine does have a large population of Frano-Americans, but it has a pretty decent amount of Irish too. I think it'd be more appropriate to find another day to celebrate "Franco Day."
Hate to say it....
Hate to say it, but got to agree with Tron. The roads in Lewiston, specially downtown streets, are terrible. I don't care who's at fault, but if you plan on attracting businesses or people to the area, then leaving the roads the way they are is just not going to cut it. Considering that half of Lewiston population are living in the downtown area, you'd think that those would get some type of attention. It's fitting that after you go down Bartlett hill the entrance to downtown is a couple big pot holes. I don't know if they left them that way as a natural speed bump.
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No offense, if you don't live in Lewiston then why come on here to complain about the cost of breaking contract and the cost to maintain it?
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Well his whole complaint is that we are paying for something we no longer need (the company in charge of demolition). Which is why I go back to the whole Bennett thing (paying him when the city no longer "needs" his services). As for keeping Mill# 5 long run costs, suposedly government money is going to be used to help offset some of the costs to maintain the building. While it is still going to cost the city and taxpayers some money, you have to believe that they have some type of idea for the building and something rather quick (within 3-5 years). If not then they are as useless as the last city council.
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Hrmmm... So this council deciding not to demo Mill# 5 and is going to pay $50,000-70,000 (remember no set amount yet), is any different then YOUR council firing Mr. Bennett and the city paying him $100,000 for breaking his contract. How are these two things any different?
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My guess is she didn't because she'd know proper english. I graduated from LHS and know how to use proper english.
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Were you there? How can you say that he said they could go? The police (aka the men/women in charged with arresting people) found no need to arrest him because it was an accident from what they found to be faulty light system. Also, I am not talking "crap" with anything that happened in this incident. I did in fact comment on how poorly your english is. You say you are related to the father, well we can see that anger issues run in the family. If you are so interested in him being arrested, then feel free to go to college and police academy to become a police woman. Have a nice day.
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I totally agree with you.
Very Well Said...
It was very well said, but it is America and we still have "free" speech. As, for the SJ, I wouldn't have put it up, but let's be honest SJ is a business and they are just trying to make a buck.
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Mr. Reed, if you look at Albert Kahn's resume of work he designed 69 buildings. If you also look at his work quite a few were for the auto industry and a large majority of them are in Detroit. Just because Bates Mill# 5 isn't mention as much, which why would it be when you look at some of the other buildings he designed, doesn't mean that it isn't of historical importance. Specially to a city like Lewiston, where if it wasn't for the Bates Mill (i.e. Benjamin Bates) there wouldn't be a Lewiston, at least not of it's current and previous population and importance.
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Amanda, how old are you? I hope to god that you are in some type of schooling system because that is some horrible spelling. You say that the driver should be in jail, why? He wasn't charged with anything. It was simply an accident, light went green and her's said she could walk across. I am pretty sure that hitting a child wasn't on his to do list that day. Let the police do there job and you stay in school.
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Ladies and gentlemen, while looking at your beautifully written comments one can now see why George Washington wished that we not create political parties. Just remember that while some maybe Republicans and some maybe Democrats, we are all Americans.
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You can't compare Mill #5 to the Colisee and it's rather odd that you would to begin with. Outside of the fact they have been owned by the city there is no other similarities between the two. Like you stated the city put forth money to renovate Colisee, where as with Mill #5 the money being spent is money to maintain the building and as of right now to not tear it down. Then again it was your council that broke the Mr. Bennett's contract and the city is obligated to pay $100,000. So really what is the difference between this council deciding to pay the $50,000-$70,000 to break contract with the demo team was in charge of tearing down Mill#5. As, for the money issue I think ultimately it should be up to the taxpayers of Lewiston to decide what they want to do (as it is THEIR money and THEIR government), tear it down or keep it up. Then again though what do I know.
p.s. I didn't agree and never said I agreed with selling the Colisee for less then what the city paid for it.
My guess is neither of these
My guess is neither of these casinos will pass. While saying that as I have said in previous posts, it is more likely that Lewiston would get it before Oxford. 1. the plan in Oxford has already been turned down once before 2. A lot of residents in the L/A area were highly in favor of a casino in Oxford because it benefitted their community. Now that L/A has a chance to get a casino themselves they are going to be less likely to vote for one in a different area that restricts a possible one in their home area. I currently attend college in the Portland/So. Portland area I have asked fellow students if they like the idea of a casino in Oxford. Majority said no. When asked why didn't they. They told me the location in which the casino would be. Myself being from Lewiston, went onto ask how about Lewiston? (This was before the Nov. election) The majority replied that they'd perfer Lewiston over Oxford. Also, you all say that you need 6 lanes to get people to and from the casino. Why? We aren't talking a casino on the scale of Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. Also, if I am not mistaken a percentage of the money that Lewiston would get, would be to help the infarstructure around the potential casino. All in all Lewiston seems to be more plausible.
Well, if they actually did
Well, if they actually did ACTUAL reporting they would be able to find all of this information out. I am honestly surprised that the Portland Press hasn't swept threw up here and taken SJ out already. Honestly, neither one of these are going to happen and IF one does there is more of a chance that the Lewiston one will because of the fact that L/A residents were the biggest supporters of the Oxford casino. Now that they feel they have a chance to get one they are less inclined to vote in favor of the casino in Oxford.
Hrmmm....
I like the idea of keeping the building based on historical value, but no one is willing to take a stab and make it into something. The casino idea, which I happen to like more then likely won't get accepted. MichaelRainbow they aren't building the parking garage for Mill #5. They are building it for Mill #2, suposedly Platz has someone who wants to rent out the part of it when it is fully renovated. Apparently it's 300 more people or so the they say. Mr. Reed (which I am guessing thinkingman is) I for one don't like the idea for having to pay these guys money for nothing, but if or when the building is to be torn down I'd much rather perfer they get a Maine company to do so. Whether it be more expensive or not, you know like the phrase goes "Mainers helping Mainers." Lastly, don't be bitter on the fact that they overturned something you and your ex-council members voted for. I'm sure a lot other fellow citizens would adjust or get rid of a lot of things you guys/gals have previously done.
Hrmmm... A paper from
Hrmmm... A paper from Lewiston, endorsing a casino for Oxford and not the city it resides in? That's odd. Honestly though SJ complain about not knowing enough, yet come out and say that the Lewiston casino doesn't have a business plan. So, if you don't know enough, then how do you know they don't have a business plan? Just saying.
My only statement to this is,
My only statement to this is, people in L/A, Greater Portland and other southern towns/cities should have absolutely no say as to whether or not these places should or shouldn't have wind farms. These wind farms are in THEIR backyards not ours. So, I respectfully have to suggest that the Rep. from Portland should not bother commenting on something that doesn't pertain to him or his constituents.
I am all with keeping the
I am all with keeping the Androscoggin clean, as it make L/A look like a dirty place if it goes back to the way it was in the past. But let's be honest people, myself included, would rather worry about creating jobs some way rather then focus on the river or the future of the river at this point in time.
This is great news, now
This is great news, now veterens who have already burdened themselves enough by risking themselves for us, no no longer have to do so by traveling far distances to get to a clinic. Thank you for all the troops, past and present.
SJ, WCHS6 website had a layout of the area where the building is going to be put, why don't you?
City of Lewiston has agreed
City of Lewiston has agreed to tear it down, with or without the Casino going there. They have been trying to tear it down for like 2-3 years now, long before a Casino was even thought of. In fact the people who are trying to get the casino here wanted to use the current structure (Mill #5). They are now willing to get the capitol that it will take to build a new structure on that property. As, for getting the land cheap, if I am not mistaken the council as already said if they buy the land it will be at 110% the current property value. Doesn't seem like a cheap deal to me.
I would comment on the "Seams like anouther Colisee", but I am not entirely sure that's english.
How are the jobs it would
How are the jobs it would create in Oxford more needed then that jobs that it would create in the L/A area?
LMAO. I am not Mr. Stavros or
LMAO. I am not Mr. Stavros or however you spell his name. I am just a man that has grown up in Lewiston and just wants what's best for it. If I was in fact him, I'd hope he could come up with something a hell of a lot better than what I wrote.
Hrmmm... waste of prime real
Hrmmm... waste of prime real estate. The council screwed this one up and Lewiston will eventually pay the price. Instead of another half to two-thirds empty garge, there could have been a building used for commercial use.
Yeah, you're right the peewee
Yeah, you're right the peewee football league that he runs to keep kids off the streets is just a secret gang recruitment ploy. Good call. Seriously, though get real. Anybody that comes from L.A. or NYC at one point or another were in a gang. Unlike so many though they were able to rise above it and get out. You listen to a lot of rappers they aren't trying to praise what they did or what goes on in their neighborhood, they are trying to shine a light in hopes that something can be done to change it. You think that some of them liked seeing some of their buddies die in the streets over a petty piece of land. No. But when you are in an area filled with gangs eventually you have to take sides to protect your ownself. I could go all day, but if you haven't lived it, you wouldn't understand it.
Sammie, you say build
Sammie, you say build anything, but a casino. Well, nothing wants to go there. That building, that location has been empty for years this is the best oppurtunity that we have. Casinos are about making money, yes, but so is every other business in the U.S. Question is do you also complain the many state wide scratch tickets as well? Because that is also gambling. Just saying.
Casino is the best use for
Casino is the best use for that land. Who else has stepped up in the decades that building has been closed? Building a Casino would greatly help L/A as a whole. Take a look at the two other metro areas in Maine (Bangor/Brewer and Portland/So. Portland) they have things that attract people to that area. What does Lewiston/Auburn have? Not a whole lot that is year round. This gives people a reason to come to Lewiston/Auburn year round and not just for watching the MaineIACs or going to the Balloon Fest. etc... You can say what you want about crime, but Lewiston has the second largest police force, also Auburn and Lewiston forces currently work together, which means better chances of handling IF anything occurs. I know people who live by Foxwoods and have nothing but good things to say about the area. Nice beautiful area and they have plenty of jobs. Instead of living in the past which is what Lewiston currently does, they need to take this oppurtunity and move into the future. The mills aren't coming back and with the high taxes the state has, businesses aren't likely to come here and retail is kinda hard to get when you like 30-40 mins from the largest city and from the state capitol. I highly encourage Lewiston citizens to pass this and highly encourage the L/A area and the state to get behind this.
If Island Point is going to
If Island Point is going to be the focal point of Lewiston, then they need to place this garage somewhere else and use that land for strictly commercial business. One thing to be cautious of is, what if we do get a casino or some other place that generates a lot of traffic, do these 1,000+ spaces we are creating take in that into account? I don't know about others in Lewiston and Auburn, but I wouldn't really want to see a mess load of parking garges everywhere. Specially when some of those other parking garges are only 1/3 or 1/2 full. Lewiston and Platz should discuss getting those full before taking up more space around the city.
Lastly, while those 400 jobs are nice, Lewiston should think of a way to attract more business that attract people past 5pm. Don't know about everyone else, but L/A is busy from 7am-6pm then it's pretty much a ghost town except the major streets (Lisbon st, Center st, Main st, etc...
I like the idea of having it,
I like the idea of having it, but as was said I don't agree that those not in the Portland area should be dragged into helping pay for it. How is tourists to Casco Bay area affect those in Lewiston/Auburn, Bangor, Augusta, Houlton, Fort Kent, etc... It won't therefore it shouldn't have any state money helping it.
Tron, the only ones that are
Tron, the only ones that are anti-Franco are those that aren't Franco-American. While I am not a full blood Franco (Let's be real though, who really is now adays lol). I am willing to donate some money to the cause, but as a full-time college student my donation wouldn't be nearly enough to support keeping the lights on.
You can't compare a private
You can't compare a private school with that of a public school. Which school are you refering to when saying declining enrollment. Last I heard Lewiston is still around 1,400+ students. Edward Little obviously doesn't have as many but thats because there is over 10 thousand more residents in Lewiston. Lewiston High and Edward Little will never combine and even if they became one city (as people have been discussing for years) it would be no use to create one singular school for the area. Only good that would do is L/A combined would mean they would have the best sports teams in the state.
My mom was gay when I was
My mom was gay when I was born. So, I guess I shouldn't be here? Just saying.
If they plan on making
If they plan on making Lincoln St. a major commercial area then it would be wise for them to move this parking garage area to a different location allowing the land to be used for strictly commercial businesses. While this 6,600 sq ft. of area allows for commercial growth, it puts limits on what can be put there. On Congress St. in Portland right by Maine Med. they have a similar parking garage and it has been empty since it was built. Just fyi.
All those that are against
All those that are against this because of it being a church, apparently haven't been around the last decade. The Catholic church sold that building a long time ago. It is now referred to as the Franco-Heritage Center. While I agree that the citizens of Lewiston shouldn't have to foot the bill, I find it rather ridiculous that CMP would complain, when the City of Lewiston helps them (i.e. those large poles they want to put threw Lewiston). Let's be honest, not many buildings are worth having lit up in Lewiston, but the Franco Center is on of those buildings that should be.
It's far easier to park
It's far easier to park anywhere in L/A then Portland (specially the downtown areas). Apparently someone doesn't get out often.
Hrmmmm... MAYBE of Central
Hrmmmm... MAYBE of Central Maine, but Portland IS the hub of Maine. Portland already has the airport, railway, car traffic, has two commercial bus lines and lets not forget the sea ports. Saying that is like when someone called Auburn a "shopping mecca." Which besides South Portland, I'd give that title to Bangor before Auburn. Just saying.
I really never understood
I really never understood why St. Doms was in the Western Conference. Although there can't be a Lewiston-St. Doms State Championship game, you now get to see more games with the two facing off. Plus, with both powerhouses playing eachother more, it will only make them better.
Great game. I'd suggest
Great game. I'd suggest anyone who hasn't seen them, to go see them.
Okay, so we know how many
Okay, so we know how many states you lived in, but now lets hear how many cities you lived in while in those states. I have been to many states/cities and lived in enough to know while Lewiston isn't perfect, it ain't as bad as a lot of people in Maine think it is. In all honesty, you made me smile, thanks.
I liked Bennet, but if you
I liked Bennet, but if you look at EVERYTHING Bennet got (New Car, free internet, free cell phone, etc...) compared to Barrett who is getting $6,000 more and moving expenses. It's seems like a similar deal, if not a little cheaper of a deal. As far as Barrett getting a free car I haven't heard of that.
First off, I have to agree
First off, I have to agree that a casino would be good for the area, but I do disagree of holding the property waiting for the legal process on whether we can get on or not. I'd much rather get something in there asap if it is possible. If not then that location is the perfect area for a Casino. It is in the center of L/A and that area could handle the traffic. One of the main objections I have always had about a casino in Oxford is that there is the location. Lewiston has access to the turnpike (could also help maybe get the exit 79 that Lewiston has been wanitng), and to top it off L/A is fighting to get a commuter rail and/or a passanger air service. Lewiston also has Greyhound and as most people who have been to Foxwoods and such know thats one of the best ways to get to that casino. As, for the crime that everyone speaks of, I have full faith that both Lewiston and Auburn PD's can handle it. After all Lewiston's police force is the 2nd largest in the State and Lewiston statistically is a safer place then Portland, Bangor, Biddeford, Waterville and is as safe as Bath(http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/me/crime/). For those of you who think that having a casino will make your crime rate rise go to http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ct/crime/, Montville, CT on that map is where Uncasville is located. Overall it is a good investment for L/A, you get jobs whether they are 800 or 50 they are jobs and you get property tax and all the other taxes along with it. Also, in having a casino it would benefit the new hotels that are coming to L/A, it would benefit the restaurants, bring in more restaurants and possibly bring more retail businesses to L/A. Overall it would bolster not just the economy in L/A, but the whole county. As, for people that are worried about gambling, I don't see the complaining about scratch tickets or the Maine Lotto which is just as addicting.
People like you make me
People like you make me laugh. Every city no matter what state is going to have bad areas. I have lived in Lewiston, Auburn, and currently So. Portland/Portland. Everyone of the cities everything was the same except the buildings. Just saying though.
My guess is that after 22
My guess is that after 22 years they thought it was time to move on. I am not entirely positive, but he must have been doing something right to stick around for so long. Either way I like the choice, which is one of the very few things I actually agree with the soon to be former council.
I, for one am not going to
I, for one am not going to complain about a possible 800 new jobs in the L/A community, property taxes and other associated taxes. Also, apparently I am the only one who has faith in the officers of Lewiston and Auburn to not let crime rate increase. To those who complain about those "addicted" to gambling, I see no difference in going to a casino then paying 5-10 dollars for a lottery ticket at the local store. Yet, we still have the Maine Lotto and such.
Growing up I was always told
Growing up I was always told prayer and religion weren't allowed in PUBLIC schools. As, I went threw history and government in high school, even in college you can read about it. So, are they going to come up with certain places where Christians, Jews, etc can pray during school? Probably not. As someone already said they can be home schooled or much like the Catholics (St. Doms) can start their own PRIVATE school.
I don't recall anyone ever
I don't recall anyone ever saying it was the highest taxed, the speculation has always been it is known as ONE of the highest taxed states. You all can try to sugar coat it all you want, but Maine is still 15th out of 50 states. Which makes it still the one of the highest taxed states. Also, if you look from the late 90's and for much of the 00' Maine has ranked between 5-9th.
That's a load if I have ever
That's a load if I have ever heard one. I have been to a lot of states and lived in a few, no where have I seen the amount of taxes that Maine places on its citizens. You do ANYTHING in the state and you better keep that wallet open for Dirigo state to get their cut.
Taxes are always a central
Taxes are always a central issue, specially seeing as Maine is one of the highest taxed states.
Just like most New England
Just like most New England cities, Lewiston grew too quick. Lisbon St. is an example of that, it'll never be a two street and shouldn't considering Canal is a one way going the opposite way. The future of Lewiston (and Auburn) rides on what they plan to do with Mill #5 location. It is a huge assest. It is close to the river and is in one of the busiest places in town. Regardless my thought to the new city council is you know it has to developed because the future of Lewiston depends on it, but don't forget about the land in and around the turnpike exit.
Why have one group have
Why have one group have marriages and another group have "civil unions?" It remind me of the whole serperate, but equal. Blacks wanted an education, white people said "hey, we'll give you school just not the one we have our children in." Whether you choose to believe it or not this IS about civil rights. For generations after this finally becomes legel, they will look back it as such. I know I refuse to put my head in the sand and deny others the same rights that I, as a straight individual are granted.
Actually, statistics show
Actually, statistics show that only 10% of voters from 20-30 went out to vote. As for young people voting Yes on 1, that is rather false when places such as Portland, South Portland, Gorham, etc... were won with strong pushes from "younger" citizens.
Cause it's not Maine that we
Cause it's not Maine that we are ashamed of, it's the people who are full of hate and fear that we are ashamed of. A beautiful state, but a majority of the people on Nov. 4th showed how ugly they were/are on the inside.
"The purpose of government
"The purpose of government is to protect our rights and not to take any of them from us."
I am pretty sure not allowing two loving consenting adults to marry would be taking rights from them. Just saying.
"Government has no authority to redifine marriage."
Why not, when words are redifined daily? Last, I checked if I wanted to get married I'd have to go to a COURT to get a Certificate of Marriage and if I really wanted I could just simply get a Justice of the Peace to do the ceremony. Marriage is no longer a religious union of two people, it is a union threw the State. So, why are you saying that they can't redifine the word? Also, if governments done have authority how did 5 other states already redifine the word to include same sex couples?
Whether or not you agree with it, it will be allowed sooner rather then later. My guess is that it will eventually be brought to Maine Supreme court where they over turn it for being unconstitutional. If not then the younger generation (including myself) will wait till the older generation dies off because our generation is more accepting and seem to interpret the Constitution differently.
p.s. I think the U.S. has been ignorant to minorities long enough, but thanks for the quote.
AHAHA. Someone is a little
AHAHA. Someone is a little confused themself. I didn't know that I had to be gay to believe that they should be granted the same rights as every other American citizen. If you are still confused Sammie, I am not gay. I am VERY much straight, but unlike most Mainers I very much so am also an American and believe in the Constitution. By denying gays/lesbians their RIGHT to be married, you are pretty much spitting on every person who died for this country to protect the Constitution and the RIGHTS of ALL Americans. I guess giving women the right to vote, letting "black" people marry "white" people and allowing everyone to go to the same school are special rights. You can deny it, but truly that is what you are saying. There is nothing special about allowing to loving adults the right to get marry under the law. They don't care to get married by priest or even want to get married in churches. What they do want is the same rights as myself and every other straight individuals. They want to know that if/when their spouse is sick that they are covered under their healthcare, if/when they die their husband/wife is the power of attorney, etc... To allow the MAJORITY to vote on something regarding the MINORITY is ludacris and shouldn't have been allowed. Seperate, but equal is not equal.
Hrmmmm. You say it's immoral
Hrmmmm. You say it's immoral to allow someone their Freedoms which are granted to them by being in America. I'd say it's immoral to take away those Freedoms. Also, the only thing that the Yes on 1 had for an arguement was religion. Last I checked religion is supposed to be separate from state. I guess most Mainers forgot that.
I actually I currently live
I actually I currently live in South Portland at the college I'm attending. FYI I voted for No on 1, along with the majority of those who reside here. In honesty I'm ashamed to say I'm from Lewiston, but what can you expect from Lewiston when all the well educated citizens and free-thinkers leave the city.
I am in favor of changing
I am in favor of changing the sign welcoming people to Maine from "Maine the way life should be" to "Maine the way ignorance should be."
What I find humorous is what
What I find humorous is what will you do when this is brought to Maine Supreme Court and overturns the "peoples" veto because it's unconstitutional? Fact is much like Mass. and a few other states it WILL go to the courts and WILL be found as unconstitutional, in turn making this whole process null and void.
As, much as I would like to
As, much as I would like to see a casino, I would still vote no. Reason being that I don't like the location. I think the most logical place would be Lewiston, reasons being, Maine's citizens are weary of the crime that it COULD bring. Lewistons' police force is large enough to negate that issue. Also, Lewiston is right near I-95 so it would be easier to get to, that is not even including IF we do get the passanger air and/or the passanger rail. The jobs it could create would/could be easier filled in a more populated area such as L/A. All in all Lewiston overall seems to be more of a suitable location for a casino then Oxford does. I wish you luck in trying to get a casino in Oxford Mr. Martin, but I don't think you'll get the votes you are looking for. I see people at Southern Maine C.C. (where I currently attend) trying to get signatures for a petition and most of the individuals (students/educators) I have seen won't sign it because of the location.
I'd have to agree that we
I'd have to agree that we should go outside Lewiston. The best man regardless seems to be Harris. While Nadeau is a native of Lewiston, it would be best to get fresh new ideas.
Well for one this is for a
Well for one this is for a group of peoples civil rights. So, there is always going to be a comparison.
I realize that you are so
I realize that you are so high and mighty, but when did this article talk about Lewiston? Last I checked it was Auburn people who deem themselves better then everyone. Also, instead of trying to bash Lewiston, how about you stand out there and do a survey to see what the odds are of a Lewiston person pulling over to do such thing.
I always hear about how gays
I always hear about how gays being perverted. Which leads me to believe that people are caught up on what they do behind closed doors and nothing to do with marriage. People need to get their head out of the gutter. Do you hear gays calling straight people perverts for what we do? NO. So feel free to jump back into the marriage conversation.
P.S. "Straight, but not
P.S. "Straight, but not narrow ." Means while I maybe straight I'm not narrow minded. FYI. Also, I'm Christian so what the Catholics do reflect negativity towards all Christians.
Well parrot the Catholics
Well parrot the Catholics aren't gay so why should they worry about it? Just saying
Hrmmm Sammie what about the
Hrmmm Sammie what about the stat in which 1 out of every 2 marriages end in a divorce? Wasn't marriage supose to be life long? I think the Catholics should worry more on bringing in people to their churches, worry about recent closing of 2 churches that had been around 100+ years and lastly worry about Priest sexually touching young BOYS. Seems to me those would be more pressing matters. Alas marriage is no longer a religious unity, but a government one. Last I checked if I want to be married I'd have to get a license from the COURT and I wouldn't need a Priest or Pastor to do the ceremony. Then again I'm just misled, as you so politely put it. Like the buttons say "Straight, but not narrow."
FYI, no lifestyle is taught
FYI, no lifestyle is taught in school, whether it is straight or gay. People like yourself are just trying to use peoples children to strategically manipulate them to vote Yes on 1. What exactly are people like yourself and the church truly scared of? Whether or not this bill passes this year or not makes no difference. As other young voters come of age, it's apparent that it WILL pass eventually. I hope others will join myself this Tuesday and vote NO on 1.
The guy was simply stating
The guy was simply stating an idea. Whether it was a good one or not, you should respect him and not call him stupid. That my friend makes you sound like a d-bag. Have a nice night .
AND that's why Lewiston is
AND that's why Lewiston is and will continue to be a joke to other cities around Maine. No offense, but these past years what good has happened under this city council? What new jobs have they brought into the area? I have seen more productivity and cooperation come from a pre-school class then this current council.
I remember when he switched
I remember when he switched and started coaching EL, I thought about going to go play for him. Coach Hartley is a great coach, a great teacher, a great man (family and otherwise) and is a great male role model for any young man that needs one. If, it wasn't for him I wouldn't have switched my life away and I wouldn't currently be in college. So, big thanks to Coach Hartley for EVERYTHING you do. Who knows, maybe this a means you get to come home to Lewiston and be an assistant there again.
What is with the ugly
What is with the ugly uniforms? I hope to god that's not what they wore back in the "ol' days."
JOSHY! Nothing was better
JOSHY! Nothing was better then after doing two adays in the summer, then to see that kid. He is hilarious.
So, three things out of how
So, three things out of how many in the Constitution? Just because they have some similarities doesn't mean that it was based off Christian views. Just saying.
Arse, is the perfect name
Arse, is the perfect name for you. No one is asking for special rights they are asking for equal rights, you know that little thing called the Constitution protects and gives equal rights to EVERYONE not just straight people. You know how much gays and lesbians being able to marry will invade your life, NONE. They will STILL be together, but this time in a legal sense. As, for being taught in school, evertime I see that commercial I can't help, but laugh at it. If you really think anything will be taught in school then you are just trying to find a reason to make yourself and others to vote against it. I can guarentee that nothing more will be brought up in school then that which is already there. Believe it or not parents, chances are your children go to school with gays and quite possibly could be friends with them.
Hrmmm Priest touching little
Hrmmm Priest touching little alter boys? Nuff Said! :)
The constitution was no
The constitution was no based by the bible, the founding fathers where the ones who wanted seperation from Church and State. They knew well in advance that others views should no be imposed on others who don't have the same views, such as this issue we are seeing today. Marriage is a bond between to people thru the government. You have to go to the courts to get a marriage license and you no longer NEED a priest, pastor, etc. to perform the ceremonies. So, please give me an actually reason as to why two people who love each other should be denied their right as American citizens to marry, other then your religious rhetoric.
P.S. The whole "What next a man marrying his dog." makes you sould like a tool.
Last I checked L-A is
Last I checked L-A is considered central Maine, i.e. CMMC and CMCC. Lastly, why not bring a passanger rail system. Instead of being ignorant towards Lewiston feel free to read next. L-A is the second largest city and has the second largest metro area in the state. Even putting that aside it would be used by those in the surrounding area, i.e Oxford county. So, the question is why bring it to Bath-Brunswick when Lewiston alone has a greater population that could and would use it? Also, unlike Rockland you don't have to fix any rails because the rails in L-A are actually already consistantly being used. So, instead making smart comments look at the facts instead of trying to bash Lewiston.
This isn't California. Just
This isn't California. Just saying.
So, he wants to do it? If it
So, he wants to do it? If it is not during school hours it's not considered a school activity. Unless a school Admins give their okay. By the sounds of everything it sounds like your child may have misunderstood the teacher.
I am for gay marriage but a
I am for gay marriage but a teacher can't make your child do anything. If I was you I would either excuse them from school that day and/or talk to the principle of that school. Also is this in high school or a lower grade level?
And you think your rant
And you think your rant isn't full of ignorance?
How does local mass
How does local mass transportation help get people to L-A? That's the whole point in local leaders trying to get a passanger airline and/or the rails moving.
No offense, but you can't
No offense, but you can't compare L-A to Sanford. Also why does everything that is planned in L-A a "pipe dream?" Again no offense, but I'd rather take a professional word against y'alls. If he feels it can happen who are we to say it couldn't? Lastly the service isn't just to DC, Dulles would perform as a connector much like JFK in New York is to Portland Jetport.
As was stated in the article
As was stated in the article if L/A doesn't want expansion and want to forever be known as 2 dying mill towns then the thought of an airport should just be thrown out. L/A needs to start thinking about itself and start being independent instead of relying on Portland for transportation needs. Having an airport will further help our (L/As) economy.May not be right away, but it will in due time. Tell me why would a business owner or a corporate business man want to start or expand its business to the area after having to drive 30-40 minutes from Portland after having flown to the state? Having an airport and/or having a railway system would show that L/A is no longer going to live in the past or settle for status quo. They both would give people the other options to come to the Twin Cities and that both cities are willing to finally take steps FORWARD. It is all about progress, NOT just for Lewiston or Auburn, but the community as a whole.
I whole heartedly agree
I whole heartedly agree with, John28. My brothers, sisters and myself were raised by parents who were lesbians for much of our childhood lives. They didn't bother forcing religious on us. They left us free-thinking individuals to pick and choose as we see fit. That is why out of the 5 children 1 is Muslim, 1 a Buddist, 1 is an Athiest, 1 doesn't clam a religion and I myself am a Christian. As a Christian I have been associated with Baptists, Methodist, and Protestant churches, but have and never will claim or be associated with the Catholic church. Gays and Lesbians are good people and deserve a chance to be married to eachother just like any other couple who decides to do so. Vote No on 1.
Yolande what you wrote was quite touching and rather insipring, thank you.
You are ignorant if you
You are ignorant if you think that ONLY Democrats voted in this law. Either way I commend them for doing so.
Robert you are a republican?
Robert you are a republican? That explains A LOT.
Foam just a heads up, Bates
Foam just a heads up, Bates Mill currently holds Td Banknorth (or whatever it is now called) and Androscoggin Bank in it. The mill seems to be pretty useful if you ask me.
Doubt it'll happen, all the
Doubt it'll happen, all the people in Augusta care bout is what happens in the coastal region. They want the coastal region of Maine to flourish and want the rest of Maine to stay neutral.
First off, it's nice to see
First off, it's nice to see a Mainer who has made it and still comes back to his roots. So, thank you to Patrick Dempsey and his family. ALSO, to all those other Mainers out there who participated. Growing up I always heard of how giving and caring we Mainers are and Sunday was a fine example of that.
Dr. apparently you cared
Dr. apparently you cared enough to A. read the article and B. comment on it. Just saying.
First off, where exactly
First off, where exactly does "New" Auburn even end? Second, either way "New" Auburn is still part of Auburn so why not go there and ask the public opinion.
If those teams are so great,
If those teams are so great, why not put them in a higher level class so they actually have competition? So, they can play an EL or a Skowhegan
Yea, I am a little
Yea, I am a little disappointed in the crowd. Home opener 2,600+, but yesterday seemed a lil over 2,000. I currently live in South Portland (going to school there) and made the trip back to back nights to see the game. Come on people get out and back these guys.Great looking team this year, I think the 11-13 seed that Justin thinks they will get is a little low for how these kids have played thus far. Not only that, but we have one of our OWN playing on the ice.
Man, looks like a rough
Man, looks like a rough season for E.L
26-0 loss to Lewiston, after
26-0 loss to Lewiston, after last years 0-8 record and they are saying they are "on the rise?"
As much as I disagreed with
As much as I disagreed with A LOT of what you have said, I wish you the best at whatever that is you plan on doing in the future.
College expensive here? I am
College expensive here? I am currently in college and it's costing me a whole 3 maybe 4 grand at most. Just like Florida residents if they went to a Florida college. So, your theory on smaller population equals higher cost is false.
Not to bash Florida or
Not to bash Florida or anything, I lived there for a while and everyone thought Maine was part of Canada.? If they are so "advanced" and what not then someone needs to teach the more geography. Also, my ex-girlfriend was in an advanced class high school class, but the odd thing is I had already taken the same class 2 years earlier in Maine.
Yeah, but that was before
Yeah, but that was before this past 3-4 months where as now there is much distrust and disdain for him and fellow city council members.
Dosh, "for your local poor."
Dosh, "for your local poor." You are a real tool bag aren't you. Everything you seem to say is rather negative to the L/A community. Do you have relatives that live here or something because if not why bother downing something you have no ties to. Have fun in Hawaii bud.
Dosh, we aren't anon. if you
Dosh, we aren't anon. if you click on our names our actual names will appear. Also, Snowe is from L/A so she already knows the area pretty well. As for Baldacci he is an idiot he acts like the second largest city in the state (Lewiston) doesn't exsist. While he continues to help the coast of Maine he seems to forget all the cities/towns in land. I think it's about time that the governors stop trying to JUST develop coastal areas. But Dosh as was previously stated he declined to visit the "Little Canada" neighborhood of Lewiston.
Kahlua, very good points.
Kahlua, very good points.
McCarron, as much as I do
McCarron, as much as I do agree with your statement you left out one school that needs it over McMahon and Martel, which is Longley School. It's cramped beyond belief for students and is littered with portable rooms all over the place.
Well, I don't really wish
Well, I don't really wish bad on people, but for all those talking bad about him. What comes around goes around. Also, be respectful by the sounds of it you guys are teens a man died today whether you liked him or not is no need to come on to bash him. Get a job or life or something.
Nice idea, but would it
Nice idea, but would it stink up the place?
They really need to make a
They really need to make a teen center or something to keep kids of the street.
I really don't see the
I really don't see the problem they have it so it has to be at least an acre if it doesn't, then why should they change the zoning for it if all other religions have and do a bid by it?
I have always thought
I have always thought Lewiston and Auburn should become one city, but IF they become one city then they should keep the name Lewiston-Auburn. Don't give it some goofy name like Great Falls or something. No council and no mayor is going to agree on becoming one city because in doing so they will more then likely lose their jobs on the council as the lines for each Ward would be newly drawn and we would no longer need two mayors. I find it remarkable that 150+ years have gone by and all this talk about becoming one city is still at a stand still. It's time that both sides of the river swallow their pride and do what's right for each other and communities.
How was the stimulus money
How was the stimulus money stole? It was used for the most part exactly how Obama wanted it to be (on infastructure), except paying off the medical bills. Which isn't Obamas or L/As fault because the guys up in Augusta are the ones who did that.
Did you make a name just to
Did you make a name just to insult Reed, Theriault and Lewiston? If so please feel free to get a life.
It deeply saddens me even as
It deeply saddens me even as young person to see pictures of how L/A was and how beautiful it looked. Seems like every year another part of L/As past is either burned down or torn down as soon will be the fate of Mill#5. The saddest part is to see the people in these photos, knowing that they came here to work and provide for their families. Hard to believe once upon a time Lewiston was probably one of the hardest working cities in the nation and now to see people come/are here on a free ride (I am talking about EVERYONE not just a certain group). Also, knowing that those people back then took pride in their city/community where as that is no longer the case, what a shame.
Yeah, this is a rather
Yeah, this is a rather interestin article.
Don't think it is going to
Don't think it is going to be quite the landslide that you may think. Equality Maine already has 60,000 and they haven't even really started to campaign to voters to vote No on 1. Even if it gets voted down someone will go threw the court process calling it unconstitutional and then it will again be overturned by the Courts which means no person/s can try to overturn it. I.E see what Mass. and Conn. did because they went threw the court system.
Hakim, by just as many I
Hakim, by just as many I mean lets say 1/2 of Lewiston was on welfare, what I'd also be saying is that 1/2 of Portland was on welfare. So, i have no idea what you are talking about with apples and oranges. Also, where did I say that Lewiston was a jewel? Please, if you want an arguement I am not the right person to try to get in one with. Also, if I am not mistaken Turner was not brought up in this conversation? Just saying.
That really sucks about the
That really sucks about the restaruant it was a very cool and unique idea and probably would have drawn people in just to see what it was like/about, but can't make every idea a reality.
That's a pretty big vision
That's a pretty big vision there Robert. Not that there is anything that is wrong with any of that, but I feel people would rather have Lewiston try to create more jobs then to create a picturesque walk/hike along the river. I am not trying to downgrade your idea I think it is an awesome idea (yes I am agreeing with you for once), but as I said more people are looking for jobs right now then a walk.
Secondly, the videos are a GREAT idea. Sun Journal is not trying to be a news station like someone previously stated. All Tony is doing is giving us a glimpse of what is in store for the next days newspaper. Everyone should enjoy them because it let's you know if it's worth buying the paper or coming on here to read it.
To go along with "outside" ideas. I love that people (more importantly Tony and John) who once lived in Lewiston still are passionate enough to give ideas of how to make it better. If I am not mistaken it was "outside" ideas from a group of entrepreneurs (i.e. Benjamin Bates) that created Lewiston into what it is today. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
Lastly, I very much have always been in love with the Bates mill, but with the recent fire at Cowen mill, it scared the hell out of me when I heard the roof caught on fire (mill #5 that is). For once I too am on the side that it is best that it should be taken down, but I hope that whomever decides to build something on that site pays homage to Mill #5 somehow in their design. I kinda liked your idea Robert about the sawed off roof and have them as solar panels neat idea. I love the fact that the hotel and potential retailis going on at Island Point. My question though is was the Cowen mill in the intial planning of the hotel and retail or is it just now an empty lot that we could put commercial businesses there? Also, Robert I know there are planning on putting a parking garage somewhere near Mill #5. Where exactly is it going to be and I read somewhere that there were thoughts of putting a restaruant on the top over looking the river/falls is that still in consideration? I think a restaruant on top would be a very cool idea and very unique idea atleast for Maine. Also, would be cool if there were a small souvenir shop selling shirts and what not of Lewiston/Auburn with a pic of the falls.
Scott, clearly you haven't
Scott, clearly you haven't been to Portland. They have just as many people on welfare as Lewiston does. One reason that probably came into there thought process is Lewiston has always been a Democrat stronghold and just so happens we have an arena that can hold the amount of people who will more then likely show up.
HAHA. This whole
HAHA. This whole conversation/debate is rather humorous. First off Lewiston needs to do something to keep/get educated people to stay in the city, so they can run for offices with such important as these. I have already gone on record with not agreeing with the city council because I feel in firing Bennett is just going to throw Lewiston in reverse. Everyone is asking what has Jim Bennett done for Lewiston. Why is no one asking what the city council has done for Lewiston? Other then argue with eachother, Bennett and at times with the Mayor. If nothing else Jim Bennett as helped clean up the image in which Lewiston has had to deal with for a long time.
Also, as for example as to how Jim Bennett helped Lewiston. 1. Buying the colisee. The place was a DUMP before the city aquired it, cleaning up the Colisee gave people a glimpse of something beautiful in the city (yes, there are others such as basilica) and was necessary in keeping the MaineIACS in Lewiston. 2. The Lewiston MaineIACS. As, previously stated they went on record as saying they would have left if the building wasn't upgraded, so in buying and upgrading the Colisee they kept the team here. Which the team helps bring in people from outside the L/A area to Lewiston. In doing so brings people who may eat at a local eatery, stay at a local hotel or maybe to even shop a little before a game. Let's face it the MaineIACS is one of the best things going for Lewiston at the moment. 3. Bates Mill #5. Regardless of what others may say and probably Robert will disagree with me. I believe it was a good thing to have kept it in control of the city of Lewiston. I'd rather have seen it stay up until we found a definite answer to whether something could be done with it. As, seen the past 2 weeks historic buildings that are the foundation of Lewiston are disappearing whether being burnt down or torn down.
Sorry, but I am pretty sure
Sorry, but I am pretty sure the Twin City Times which is a FREE news paper and only is circulated around L/A is not a competiter to the Sun Journal which serves ALL of Androscoggin and parts of other counties as well. Also, concerns are the reasons the council fired him? LOL. A lot of people have "concerns" about the city council does that mean you guys will be next? Hrmmm. One can only wish.
Michael, that is pretty
Michael, that is pretty interesting statements that you made. How exactly are the citizens of Lewiston intolerant and uneducated? I was born and raised in Lewiston and believe it to be extremely tolerant. I have been to MANY other states and even lived in 2 of them (Phoenix and Mesa, AZ and Tampa, FL area). Maine is not stuck in its past on accident if you look at New England as a whole it is a region where we embrace our past. If you are saying that we are intolerant or uneducated because of SOME people in the state/city then you need to re-think what you might "know" about the state/city. If you don't like the area fine, but to speak negative about the area that you no longer live in and don't know what is going on. That to me just sounds a little ridiculous. Anyways, have a good day.
Very well and beautifully
Very well and beautifully written article. Nice job.
After a month or so after
After a month or so after getting laid off. I buckled and tried to get help took them the 2 months to get ahold of me, but unlike most people trying to recieve some help I was still looking for a job. So, when they got ahold of me I no longer needed them as I had a new job.
Mom, how exactly would your
Mom, how exactly would your child know what a "roach" is? Just wondering. Also, no where have they ever said that their band name had anything to do with weed. If you can find an article to prove your point feel free. Last I checked a roach is also an insect. Just saying. As previously stated this is huge for the Oxford area. Do you know how many other cities/towns would love to have a concert specially one that will more then likely attract 6,000 people to the area? I can guarentee that on average those 6,000 people will spend ATLEAST 10 dollars apiece to local businesses in that area. Lastly, last I checked the 250 had 17 people whom got arrested for various reasons I honestly doubt that this concert will have more then that. Actually, one more thing doesn't some country songs talk about drugs and I can recall one specific country song that talks about someone drinking themselves to death. That's defiantly much better?!?
Thats a lot of offenders
Thats a lot of offenders moving into Auburn.
All I can say is, bout damn
All I can say is, bout damn time.
Kinda sucks that they can't
Kinda sucks that they can't keep the smokestack and try to get someone to building around to incorporate it in the new structure.
Sucks that the building
Sucks that the building wasn't insured, but atleast the hotel and other potential commercial interest are still there. One more reason why I don't like the idea of Bates Mill #5 being torn down. We are continuely losing buildings in which Lewiston was made from. Those mills are the heart and soul of this city and its what has brought most of the people here today.
Seperation of Church and
Seperation of Church and State was made to keep religious views out of Government because the fact that not everyone has the same views. That being sad it is quite funny how we hear that all these churches are closing, as well as catholic schools, yet they got $100,000 for something that doesn't even concern them. Keep forking those crazy Catholics your money, so y'all can buy your way into heaven.
Fedup, you dislike him
Fedup, you dislike him because of your own personal vendetta. Where as he did A LOT more good for Lewiston then he caused bad. Those who disagree have personal reasons as to why they don't like him. Like I said yesterday I wish Mr. Bennett the best and hope he enjoys sometime of vacation because he needs it.
P.S. Jim Bennett, if you
P.S. Jim Bennett, if you actually read these. I pity you for having to deal with the fools that you have had to. I can now see why it cost the 100 grand to hire/keep you because no one in their right mind would have worked with these guys for anything less. Enjoy your years severence pay. Hopefully you can take a long and OVER due vacation.
Robert, you know how to have
Robert, you know how to have cocky little comments, but yet can't answer all these other questions. I don't know what Ward you live in, but I should defiantly move there just so I can get a seat on the Council. Back to the point though YES they should be proud of the Colisee. Atleast when we sunk 10 million into it, it was going to something to actually promote something that draws people from OUTSIDE the city. Which as you SHOULD know draws money to local businesses. Also, having a semi pro team in the City helps promote a better image. If you ask me the 10 million was well worth it as we have the most attractive arena, we are one of 2 cities to have a a semi pro team it and the fact that it has helped the long tarnished image of Lewiston (which one reason why it looks/ed bad is because of the corrupt people we had/have in office). What exactly have you and the council done to be productive, other then argue eachother to death. As for the MaineIACS I'm not so worried about the season ticket holders. The TRUE fans will be there and if they do what they say they are going to do, then they will draw the "casual" fans as well. No offense, but come re-election my money says you don't get your seat back on the city council. You talk about whats "best" for Lewiston. Yet, here you are saying the remodeling of the Colisee and the MaineIACS was a bad investment? Please don't say I am taking it out of context because I for one can read between the lines. As can any other person with an ounce of intelligence. Feel free to respond, I won't be here to even try to argue with you because you Lewiston Councilors have that art down to a T. Have a nice night :)
Rino, if the City would not
Rino, if the City would not have bought the Colisee when it did then the MaineIACS would surely not have stuck around for as long as it has. The Colisee and the MaineIACS are some of the FEW things that Lewiston should be proud of. Name any other city/town outside of Portland that has a pro/semi pro team? While you are at it name any city/town that has an arena that looks as good as the Colisee. As for Bates Mill #5 I am glad that nothing was/has been done to it thus far because it gave us time to figure out exactly all possible avenues for it. I'd rather have it sit empty and figure out possible ways to fill the historic building, then to have demolished it to early and find out later on that there was a possible way to keep it.
Pub you might want to read
Pub you might want to read others post more carefully and yes I am asking questions because unlike a lot of people I am pretty knowledgable when it comes to the government.
Also, most people on here
Also, most people on here are asking questions in which you have the answers for. As previously stated we don't know everything that goes on within the city council, but it's up to you and the other City Council members to inform your constituents. So, we don't make "wild" assumptions. All we as constituents ask is to do what is in the best interest of the people, the city, to inform and to be honest. If you all do that then no one would be on here talking about back room agendas and such. No offense to you or the council, but I feel the council doesn't do a good enough job to help inform the people. Which is quite critical in keeping everyone happy and keep everyone in the "know."
If we didn't care, then why
If we didn't care, then why are all these people asking questions and not really getting any answers? I know that as an elected official we put our faith in you and others to do whats best for the city of Lewiston, but quite frankly any one with any knowledge of government would know that Mr. Bennett did a lot better of a job then anyone in his position would have. Being born and raised here in Lewiston I have seen what this city was before he showed up and how it is now which is A LOT better. At times question the City Councils motives of some of the things that its done including this current situation. Who are you men/women plan on hiring? When will this person be hired? Are they going to be as qualified as Bennett? Will they continue the progress that Bennett started and could have continued? These are ALL question I present to you and the council. IF this person ends up not helping Lewiston progress even further then Bennett has then firing him would be all in vein. Lewiston is a great city and I for one would hate to see it retrogress because a move in which you all thought was "best" for it.
Well since you apparently
Well since you apparently didn't see my response Robert, I'll repost it where you can.
Okay so you answered ONE part of my question. Did you or ANY of the councilors actually ask those whom elected you and those who you represent about keeping or firing Jim Bennett? Also, when the Lewiston Government actually comes out and states ALL the facts will be the day when we stop making "wild" assumptions. As an elected official people look to you and the rest of the council to inform us and give us the facts. Instead it seems to me that you all don't want to answer tough questions and give actual reasoning as to why you fired him. He may had a clause that said he could be fired at any moment for no reason, but you all owe it to the people to give them an answer and please don't give me the whole "going in a different direction" because if that was true you'd know what direction you are now going in. Also, you'd know why you didn't like the direction in which Bennett was leading us. In politics there are no "gray" areas. You are either FOR or AGAINST.
Okay so you answered ONE
Okay so you answered ONE part of my question. Did you or ANY of the councilors actually ask those whom elected you and those who you represent about keeping or firing Jim Bennett? Also, when the Lewiston Government actually comes out and states ALL the facts will be the day when we stop making "wild" assumptions. As an elected official people look to you and the rest of the council to inform us and give us the facts. Instead it seems to me that you all don't want to answer tough questions and give actual reasoning as to why you fired him. He may had a clause that said he could be fired at any moment for no reason, but you all owe it to the people to give them an answer and please don't give me the whole "going in a different direction" because if that was true you'd know what direction you are now going in. Also, you'd know why you didn't like the direction in which Bennett was leading us. In politics there are no "gray" areas. You are either FOR or AGAINST.
I think SJ should do these
I think SJ should do these more often about Lewiston. Specially after the firing of Jum Bennett so people know more of what is going on in THEIR government because judging by what is/has gone on the Lewiston Government seems to wanna leave its citizens in the dark. Also, since they just figured to go in a new direction, is it possible for a mjority of Lewistons citizens to just walk into a meeting and say "Hey we want a new direction you, you, you and you are fired."
Robert aren't you on the
Robert aren't you on the city council? If so what was the point in firing him rather then to have him work out his remaining year? Also, did ANY of Councilors take into consideration to what the citizens (the people who elected you guys) wanted? Seems to me that a majority may not have agreed with him all the time, but still think he did a good job.
The City Council are a bunch
The City Council are a bunch of "tool" bags. I didn't agree with 100% of what Bennett did as most seem to have not agreed with him 100%, but those same people would also say and have said he did a good job with what he had. Not to mention the people he had to work with. The City Council seems to have a personal agenda that the citizens of Lewiston should look into. Atleast when Bennett said he was going to do something (whether we liked it or not) he went out and did it, the City Council can't even do that without arguing with eachother like kids. When this years election comes up I wouldn't vote any of them back in and ditch the Mayor too. Hopefully there is some people out there that want to help Lewiston and it's citizens without all the childish arguing and with out their own personal agendas.
I trust find it rather funny
I trust find it rather funny that he is trying to degrade the books and yet all he is doing is giving the Harry Potter boooks/movies more publicity.
JLaBonte, I usually don't
JLaBonte, I usually don't argue with too many things people say, but you are right. L/A has a total poputlation of 60,000+ , Bangor/Brewer have 40,000+ and Brunswick/Bath only has 30,000+ (Bangor and Lewiston are both larger WITHOUT the other 2 other cities next to them). It seems to make no sense to bring it to Brunswick area when it would get more use going up into L/A, Augusta and up to Bangor. I find it humorous that everyone tries to make life on the coast "easier" yet 2 outta 3 largest cities are more inland. As for the 295 and Route 1, now living in South Portland I drive both routes daily and the only time and place it's usually congested is in the Portland/South Portland areas. Not anywhere near Brunswick and that's including when Bath Iron work ends their day. I think it's about time that L/A and other communities (Bangor and Brewer) finally stand up and demand oppurtunities that are going to other communities that wouldn't use them as much as they would.
As a current college student
As a current college student (Southern Maine C.C.) I would have loved to stay in the L/A area, but I wanted to live in dorm to get the whole "college exprience." As far as I know USM L/A Campus doesn't have dorms of any sort. So, you could potentially try to get atleast a few dorms, doesn't have to be 300 rooms or anything, but maybe a 100 or so to test it out. I do like how she wants to get the L/A campus out there more publicly because when people think of USM they think Gorham or Portland. I mean the only named college coming off the pike is Bates College. Which they should add USM L/A Campus as well. Also, continue to add/offer more programs. I hope that this woman actually reads these post because there is 3 things they could do to continue to develope and increase people going to that school.