Alice was an unbelievable person. I have never met a person with such a disabling health problem who was so strong in standing up to it. Unbelievable she really was!
Alice was an unbelievable person. I have never met a person with such a disabn\ling health problem who was so strong in standing up to it. Unbelievable she really was!
Although I am not a friend of Mr. Dwight or his family, I present my sincere condolences to his family. I am saddened that he felt that he had to take his own life.
by all those involved - how seldom we recognize police and fire departments, medcare, etc., for the work they perform daily for us. Great to have them around, what say? Thank you!
It is time for the working people and labor unions of Maine to stand up. In the early days of Maine, their would be outrage and protests and parades taking place because of this decision. It is time for working people to take a hard stand for themselves because the government is not going to do it. We must realize that we are the only ones who are going to stand up for us: of, by and for the working people.
I hope Rumford citizens are grateful to our police. There is so much crime today and there are so few working to protect citizens. Thank you, Rumford police.
Sen. Snowe, always praised as a "bipartisan senator," leaves the US Senate because she can no longer persevere in the face of such bipartisan gridlock. Yet, she endorses for re-election a Massachusetts' senator "for his bipartisan approach."
Are we sure Sen. Snowe is leaving for her stated reason?
to pay from the tech improvements will come from the state's taxpayers when the Governor is already attacking other state programs which do not have enough money. One might wonder about this.
backing up the Rumford police and MDEA. We have to stop letting them back out on the street with a slap on the wrist. Congratulations to the Rumford Police and the MDEA.
that people in Rumford are trying to turn the community around. They have not quit. It's been a long run, but so was Lewiston's Lisbon Street. It will happen here!
As a Rumford citizen, I appreciate the admission of a mistake by our town manager. This is what builds trust in citizens. Mistake, correction, and we move on. Thank you Mr. Puiia.
does have a concern although one does want them to practice conservation. I personally would rather have the Maine woods' working rather than restricted to a park. With a lack of woodsmen, however, that seems to be a problem the past few years, maybe this is a problem. Many mills no longer exist which need wood as well. Without the park, will Quimby restrict her land to logging and other uses? She has a right to do this just as Mainers have a right to restrict their land to use by the public - and do.
Ed MacDonald certainly deserves the honor of induction into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame. He is well remembered by a high school boy who drew sports cartoons for the Rumford Falls Times under his direction.
Always a gentleman, always teaching the nervous boy respectfully, he was certainly a person of quality.
"I apologize to the citizens of Lewiston. We were wrong. I am unhappy with that. We will correct it. Mark my words." Rather than reel out a list of excuses in defense of the department for allowing alleged criminals to regain the street. The excuses are what we citizens hear from public officials and others who fail in their duty in some way.
Much ado was made about money from the feds, FEMA, to deal with the Irene situations at the Rumford Selectmen's meeting which was a very good discussion of the problem. However, nothing now is said about that federal money. Is the FEMA money coming or is it not? It seems odd to me that the press didn't simply mention that point for Rumford citizens.
Second, as Mr. Diconzi notes, there are other issues relating to Bean Brook, such as the situation at the beginning of Swain Road after Holyoke Street, that have been a problem for some time.
First, I live on Spruce Street that leads to Swain Road, with the swamp behind me, Bean Brook beside my next door neighbor. Second, I asked at the town hall two years ago about the cutting on the hill behind Holyoke because of possible flooding from the swamp. I was told the state inspected cutting sites. Third, we have flooded for years where I live when the snow melt and spring rain are heavy, a beaver dam exists in the swamp or the Bean Brook area, or the brook culvert is not cleaned out. Bean Brook and the swamp are a problem because some area is on private property and state regulations for cleaning the brook are restrictive so the town can do only so much. They do a very good job during a flood. Fourth, I hope the cutting off Holyoke is investigated and some way can be found to clean out some of the swamp and the brook so water will be able to flow more easily during the spring problems. But, Irene brought us flash flooding, something I have not seen in 30 years, so even with changes we probably would have had damage we had not had in other years. The problem this time on Holyoke Street are unusual and I hope will be a focus for change. But, realistically speaking, will we ever be prepared for a tropical storm like Irene? AGAIN, I THANK THE TOWN CREW, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE, FOR COMING UP TO THE BEAN BROOK AREA DURING THE STORM.
As a Rumford taxpayer, I support a temporary fix, then a plan that will help to alleviate future problems. The Bean Brook problem comes up every few years, flooding across Swain Road, filling the small brook which cannot be cleaned of sand, rocks and fallen rotting trees and branches. If the Bean Brook culvert is not cleaned out before a storm that is predicted, there will always be flooding. The town crews have come during a storm when people are flooded, and that certainly is a help, but it is a little late to deal with a problem that has existed for many years. Oh, which Rumford selectmen live on the washed-out section of Swain Road?
in this article about replacements. There are some people who have had and probably will have problems. My wife did and they multiplied, unfortunately, with dislocations and two other replacements. That began 20 years ago. But, the pain was gone, which was unbearable for her. That was a plus. I like the Sun-Journal when its articles present the comprehensive view of a situation. Thank you.
is the direction hospice volunteers learn as noted in this article: "supporting terminally ill patients in the home setting, in nursing facilities and at the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s Hospice House. Volunteers receive training in hospice philosophy; listening; finding meaning at the end of life; grief, loss and bereavement; disease process; family dynamics; roles of volunteers... Volunteers leave with a well-rounded understanding of...the incredible role they play as well as how they can best support patients and/or families."
A key phrase here is: "how they can best support patients and/or families."
Unfortunately, some healthcare today is simply by the numbers with no concern for the patient as person or family members.
Congratulations to Evelyn Bodemer and other hospice volunteers. And thank you!
this situation. What does the town of Rumford face if New Page gains Chapter 11 status? Of course, we have been warned by various citizens as well as selectmen and finance committee members that the town had to think about future paper mill problems and create a plan to deal with any negative affect on the budget. This was far more important than wind turbines...
What is the traffic situation in that area? Not very good unless it's midnight. And, of course, Rumford needs another pizza parlor to drive the others out of business. First, you shop at Hannaford's for food and then you stop at Amato's before going home for supper. Something wrong with this picture? And, of course, it is healthy food coming to Rumford! As long as the government kicks in, who cares?
There must be a better way to do this for the elderly. I have found that when I retired I needed a secretary to get through the paper work which changes from year to year. And maintain files. It is very difficult and I am not able to keep up. Can we find a better way? I am definitely in favor of collecting the taxes.
of the cleaning up has often been on the Sun-Journal pages. The promotion of the river's use by citizens has often graced the pages of the S-J as well. I am sorry to say that the paper mills have not willingly cleaned up the river. I have sat at public meetings as the mills opposed the clean up of the river.
This was indeed a real road trip! My family took a trip across the country when I was young, but nothing to compare with yours. Your father was right: "You cannot see this wonderful country from 30,000 feet in the air.” What an adventure your family had!
Mr. Davis, is. I do not know how he survived his ordeal. I thank you Mr. Davis for your service. So often we forget, partly because veterans seldom talk about their ordeals, how much they have done for us, how much they faced in sacrifice. I thank you for this story of his service. There were many "great men" in that Great Generation.
Cut up the land for logging and developing, but don't cut up the land for wind turbines. You just undermined your integrity.. Cutting up the land is cutting up the land. So far I have heard only the noise problem from the skiers and the loggers and developers who want to maintain only their use of the land. Which noise, if one reads Richard James, is not yet proven.
Now, what would you think the position of a developer of Maine land would be on wind turbines?
What would a logger's position be?
What would a board member of a skiing group be?
The above people's positions would have nothing to do with noise even through they would quote the noise as a problem.
I know that some of the above principals are publicly pointing to wind turbine noise and health issues when they have other issues relating to money in their pocket.
Can you refer me to a place online where I can see that information? I am sincerely interested.
I do suggest you read Richard James testimony. It is not as supportive of the health problems as you might think. And, may I say, I was pleased that he seemed to be objective about the health situation rather than just "gunning" to defeat wind turbines.
I suggest you present the medical records. I think that is fair. I state this because this is a political issue. I suggest you read Richard James original document: “Surrebuttal Testimony of Richard R. James on Behalf of the Coalition for Wisconsin Environmental Stewardship” that is available online. You will find that Mr. James is not as assured of the health consequences and presents the point that only a minority of people "seem" to be affected. His testimony is not a strong defense for the anti-wind group.
With the position that wind turbine noise is a health problem, comes legitimate health records proving that they are a problem. It is time to see those legitimate health records.
is now something to be proud of. I never thought that it would be cleaned as it now is during my lifetime. Those who polluted defended their pollution, but the state of Maine and citizen and organization environmentalists, including Sen. Edmund Muskie, did clean the river.
Sun_journal reporter, for bringing out the point about Candice Casey's non-appointment without discussion. I have noticed that Mr. Karkos does not ignore such political movements and I am gratified as a Rumford citizen. You aren't going to get something by Mr. Karkos!
Mr. Herrick, you are in a "class by yourself" as a person. Congratulations also to your graduating during the Depression. May you have many more reunions!
You are right that the person suffocating the woman was not an employee. I misread that clearly. Thank you for correcting me. I do not, I cannot, however, change my points about the problems in nursing homes, understaffing, etc., which come from my first hand experience with months of notes I began to write because of those problems. You will also note that I have mentioned the good in the nursing home. Again, I thank you.
What would I have a different opinion of, Mr. Reed? I suggest you reread my comments and prove what I have said is untrue. I have daily notes over many months that prove my points. I also have others who will support my points.
No, a German Shepherd. A gun is not always accessible to hand. A trained dog in the house is always there. Install a security system. We have to protect ourselves against these people. Our Maine is not the Maine of fifty years ago. Too many strangers coming in and out of the state, living in the state, in the drug trade, needing money, not working. Let's have an article by the S-J on what we should do to protect ourselves.
of CNA's is a problem, I find, and other family members have as well. The state regs have a bottom line figure which does not take into consideration residents' need for more than minimum care. Nor has any state licensing person when visiting the nursing home actually "walked the walk" of CNA's. I am surprised more injuries do not occur to CNA's as well as to residents. When the same person winds up with face and head bruises month after month something is wrong. I have watched the CNA's run from one wing to the other. Not enough time to do the job as it should be done for the good of the resident. Oh, by the way, the resident is a human being.
And I just heard from a family member about his ongoing complaints. "You wonder why I get mad," he said to me. No, I don't wonder. He loves his wife and pays attention to her care every day as much as he can. I just saw a supplier to the nursing home turn away from him when he complained about his wife's problems with three oxygen concentrators. Not one, three. The supplier didn't want to hear it. And then the man presented me with more complaints as well which tally with the reality that I have seen. Part of the problem is that family members do not visit so do not know what is going on, yes. Of course, they do not care. THERE IS GOOD, let me state. I know many CNA's on the floor I would do anything for they have been so good to my wife - as they run. I have seen them interact with residents who have problems which make me feel as I walk the halls of the nursing home that the human race is not going "to hell in a hand basket". These are truly superior people trying to help people who are "at the end of their rope" in many cases. They help them. There are a few CNA's, however, who are mediocre, and a minority who should not be there. Up the line of command, well...
How did the nursing home problem get to this point, is the question newspapers must seek an answer to. In other words, what was the woman doing to residents before or other than trying to suffocate them? Not answer their call bells? Verbally abusing them as they lay in bed? Not giving them pain meds? Giving them too much med to keep them quiet? Did not one staff member suspect anything? Or did they just cover it up not wanting bad publicity? Did no one call the Maine Ombudsman? Did anyone call state licensing? Calls for an in-depth study of nursing homes might be necessary to learn these things. Talking to family members of residents might be necessary since so many residents have cognitive problems and cannot even understand a staff member is neglecting or abusing them.
Why do we need so many food banks? Why are so many going hungry in Maine? These questions are not aimed at those who go to the food banks. They are pointed in this direction: why are so many necessary in our society?
for the editorial. The fact that Rumford voters rejected funds for Safe Voices. a group which deals with domestic violence, but voted money for Black Mountain ski area, is astonishing.
That Rumford voters reduced the public library budget and supported Black Mountain's ski budget makes a statement about my community that disappoints me. The public library should have been supported. Black Mountain should not. The skiers should pay for their skiing. The library's reduced hours should not continue as they are now.
I am not angry with any brother and sister Rumford citizens who voted against the wind turbine ordinance. They made their choice during an election. I made my choice. I lost, fair and square.
During the discussions about the wind turbine ordinance, I did not lobby and debate with anger as did those who opposed the ordinance. I did not at any time seek to intimidate those with whom I disagreed as did those who opposed the ordinance. The newspaper published two letters to the editor which I wrote respectfully stating my personal position: I did not "bully" those with whom I disagreed.
Now, why are you two so angry in your comments here when "your side" won here in Rumford?
Jeff Sterling, who was instrumental in crafting the wind turbine ordinance in question, was elected as Rumford Selectman. That does not sound as if there was an overwhelming rejection of the ordinance, his work, by the Rumford voters. And, the 696 to 582 vote does not seem to be an overwhelming rejection of the ordinance either.
you are right. I think it is divisive and not good for the community as we exist right now. Unfortunately. Well, you tried, and I felt, did the right thing, as one of the Rumford Selectmen crafting the ordinance. As a citizen, I thank you, Brad Adley and Sterling for that. Which is neither here nor there right this moment.
Can one say that the concerns for the environment defeated the wind turbine ordinance? No. Knowing personally those who opposed the ordinance, I find clear their activity against the conservation direction of the Maine environment. Some have even been cited by the DEP. Why was it defeated then?
approved the Rumford wind ordinance. After reflection, the name-calling and bullying of the opposition, I decided it was wise of me to accept the rational work of the Rumford selectmen.
Gary Steinberg is a citizen of Lincoln, Maine. Alice Barnet is a citizen of Carthage, Maine. They are not Rumford voters or citizens. I agree they should comment on the wind turbine situation in their own towns, they should vote on any issues related to wind turbines, as they wish, but they should stay out of the wind turbine situation in Rumford. They are not Rumford voters or citizens.
which has been coming for about ten years. Ordering books online is easier than going downtown because life is very busy today. The ebook reader is practical for some uses although it does not replace the print book in my mind: that is because I grew up with the book. However, the ebook reader will replace the book for young people for corporations and education is promoting this fact. I will miss the bookstore and the old library. My grandchildren will not. By not leaving home, we will bring on other social problems just as we created obesity with our move away from the active life that was so natural for us before mother left home, we stopped walking to school, and television, games and the computer became a necessity in our lives. Let's meet on Facebook...!
with this editorial without a doubt in my mind. One of the problems might be many more Americans are attending to their health at the same time many more are not. And new technology costs money and everyone wants the new technology. Medical care is better than it was when I was a child, but that has come at a cost. And, everyone adds this or that percent to the cost, as our greed kicks in. I'd like to blame that all on corporations, but you can see the psychology in the nation generally speaking. We should try to find ways to cuts costs of course. One way just might be to stop being a sugar daddy and policeman to everyone around the globe so that our tax money can be used back home where it came from. Simplistic?
As a citizen, I agree with your position in this editorial. No guns are necessary in the State House except for security personnel. We are living, for some reason, in "desperate" times and have come to settle problems with a "Wild West" mentality fed by violence in our film culture that growing children view every day in their homes. We do not need guns in the State House.
Center rumble strips are a very good idea, I agree. I would decrease the speed limit everywhere, but you will have to hire more police because people ignore what we have. We are a hip-hop nation on the run trying to make cars fly even though they do not have wings. No cell phone use while driving. Last, stop creating roads with complicated entrances and exists.
The above remarks were not targeting Gov. LePage spcifically. Many others, including former Gov. Baldacci, have also stated jobs are needed to keep young Mainers at home.
Not all Mainers who are college graduates leave the state because they cannot find jobs here. They leave to see the world outside Maine, to test themselves in rougher waters, for jobs that are only available in larger urban centers, simply for adventure, etc. They leave their family which has helped to educate them, but may have also controlled them as they do not now want to be controlled. They may simply want freedom to see who they are. One must understand that college students life views are expanded as they are exposed not only to knowledge but classmates from outside the state and nation. While more and better jobs should be a goal for the state, it will not keep all young Mainers at home.
I hope this boy is not hurt very much. And, it is dangerous to use a bicycle on our streets. Too many people today are in a hurry in their vehicles. We have got to make the streets safe for cyclists like this boy as well as grown-ups.
Only one person commenting here is a Rumford citizen who will vote on the wind ordinance. That is myself. The others are non-Rumford citizens according to their S-J profiles. I think you should know this.
Are there personal financial reasons for some Rumford citizens opposing the rewriting of the wind turbine ordinance? Two, those Rumford citizens opposing the selectmen trying to rewrite the ordinance after citizens rejected the previous ordinance, are a minority. The same few names keep surfacing. Third, some against the ordinance do not live in the Rumford community, will not vote in the election when the ordinance is presented, but have been given a hearing as if they were. Last, Rumford is still stalled in on-cooperative state of mind, which holds back its economic development.
One has to be satisfied that Osama bin Laden, the leader of terrorists, is gone. One has to congratulate those who were involved in finding him. Now, unfortunately, the war continues with those terrorists who believe as he did. While I am against war, the terrorists hold the nations of the world hostage to their goal, with methods which think nothing of killing their own innocent people and children. The terrorists are as wrong as Adolf Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin were. We must stop them. If war is the method that we must use to stop them, war must be the way. As an ordinary American citizen, I congratulate those who found bin Laden.
Governor LePage: We have all been involved in such situations in our lives and have had to admit that we were just plain wrong. This is what these situations boil down to. You are going to have to admit it. The world will not end, by the way: I know, having been wrong before.
This editorial is right on the mark. P.S.: If you visit the Maine state government web pages you will find under business more links than under the Maine Department of Labor. Business has a stronger presence than labor in state government. And has had much support in Maine government for some time under the Democrats.
Let me try another direction for you. Imagine the guilt of a man who took the mural down when he supports Marden's wages for the working class. You're darn right the mural must go, he says to himself, because it clearly outlines my injustice and that of other business managers toward working people.
There should have been outrage by our Democratic lawmakers when removal of the labor union mural was first suggested. Let's see what they say and do now! It is time to stand up to the governor of 30 plus percent of Maine voters.
Perhaps the best solution to this situation is to have a mural created which presents the positive aspects of business in Maine. And the labor union mural should remain.
We must recognize that only because of the unfairness of business to its workers did labor unions come to exist. The government allowed labor unions to exist through law, as these laws were opposed by business by the way, because of business' obvious unfairness to working people of all ages, sexes and races. We cannot deny this.
Let's compromise: keep the labor union mural, and add another mural for business.
In looking at life in America since I was born, I find competition promoted everywhere from sports to arts to business to politics. We all support the competitive philosophy and therefore have wound up with the present "rabid" partisan "problem." And, of course, there is the human/animal direction which we all share in by our very creation. I do not support the new "rabid" partisanship, but do not know how to change that direction because I have found that "neither side" is listening: they are too busy competing with the other "team." Look at today's college basketball and its roughness when compared to the game 20 years ago: we have supported the roughness that now exists when we do not change the rules so that fouls are called for that roughness. Generally speaking, I would have to say we Americans like the "rabid" partisanship. Last, sadly, I have learned in my twilight years that although I resisted this "rabid" competitive/partisan direction, I contributed to the problem when opposing it.
I thank you for signing the S-J editorials. I do not mind if your editorials disagree with me. We can all learn from different perspectives. Written material makes it easier, I think, than face to face presentation of opposing ideas, so your editorials are very important. I do mind if you don't sign the editorials. And, last, I do agree with your most recent editorials, and, of course, that makes me happy. Into the future with the Sun Journal...
sometimes provide false and misleading information to support candidates as did the Cutler Files. We citizens expect that and try to vote accordingly. What made the Cutler Files so unusual? I think the Commission has missed some groups operating during the campaign.
Career Day at Dirigo High School in Dixfield sounds like a very good idea, especially so because some students are actually learning about various occupations. Congratulations!
As a high school boy, I won a state Class A track title. Track is a competitive sport, I think you will find. I view different sports on television weekly now. In fact, I have been active in sports so long I remember when basketball was a finesse sport.
about those who extol sports with the violence that present day sports obviously demonstrate to us. In my judgement, praising these young men as was done in the article is not a positive and makes a statement that our society approves of violence. We will do anything to win, even hurt others by hitting them as hard as possible. As a boy, active on the playground, in love with sports, as a man still in love with sports, I am disappointed by my society when it raises to the podium those who beat on each other, who brutalize each other, in a sport which "prepares them for life." Think of that statement if you will: preparing them for life. I am very much impressed by much in my society; however, I am not impressed when it honors those who play through injuries, risking their bodies and future health, hitting other boys as hard as possible, being "tough." One has to have some inkling that it might be uncivilized. Am I tough? Well, I wrote this, and I know how many approve of this violent direction in sports.
We all do it at one time or other, don't we? The problem with public figures is that the press - and we if we disagree - have the tendency to blow up a one-liner - over and over and over. Thank God I wasn't a public figure! How 'bout you? While I did not agree with Gov. LePage's comment, it is over. He attended the NAACP event and that takes the bite out of the comment. I hope he will not continue with the one-liners. He is my Governor, after all, even though I did not support him: he is now my Governor and I wish him well for the state of Maine. Have a good day! And watch what you say...
to see such an act against Rep. Giffords as well as the others present. Shocking to see such an act against an elected representative seeking to control her freedom of thought and speech and action. After listening to "hysteria" of the conservative news networks one has to wonder just how much some of the continuing "hate" speeches have affected people who are "unbalanced." Disagreement with any citizen is acceptable, but intimidation of any kind, stirring up "hate" against citizens or elected representatives who have a right to our freedoms, is not acceptable. This is such a shocking act. May Rep. Gifford recover and continue to serve her citizens.
as usual. From the letter of Sen. Snowe it was known that the screening process was flawed and not working as it should have been. That was the point at which to begin investigating. Not after the death of Pfc Buddy McLain and other American service persons. (It would also be interesting to know whether Pfc McLain expressed his concerns to others in his unit.)
“According to the New York Times, Afghan soldiers or police officers have turned their weapons on their NATO partners at least six times over the past 13 months,” Snowe wrote. What were we doing about this over the past 13 months?
The world is a better place because of those people who have helped Beth Coffin and her family. Such truly "big" Maine people. And, I will say personally, humbling to me their action for what I have not done to help others. When one hears our state characterized in adjectives that make us feel we are "insignificant" on the map of the United States, one has only to hear or read about such people to know how "significant" people are here. May Beth and her family have a healthy and happy 2011. May those who helped them have a healthy and happy 2011. Tom Fallon, Rumford
By Quicknote, unverified — Sun, 12/26/2010 - 10:00
I do not wish the demise of Black Mountain, but I do wish for an objective valuation of the ski area in the news media. I do not think that the hyperbole in this article presents the reality of Black Mountain's affect on the local economy. I do not see a turnaround in the long time depressed economy of the area because of the small ski "resort's" existence. I am always surprised when the Sun Journal prints articles that are not objective about any activity or organization in any town or city.
"The emotional event..." is the key to this very important gathering of the Compassionate Friends. I have found that human feelings, human emotions, are considered out of place by many in our medical institutions, such expressions of deep pain most often categorized as an emotional or psychological problem. One must act with restraint in such situations, how often we have heard. And then there is the time factor: one must go on, get over it, etc., which we hear so often, which further represses human feelings. One would think the high intellect needed for science would easily understand the full human being and the losses that we face that are so devastating. One would think that science would understand that individual responses to such devastating losses relative to the expression of feelings. As we move further away from person to person within our medical institutions, that distancing will bring further ignoring of the human being's response to illness, incapacity and death, continuing the repression of human feeling. I thank you for this very essential article. The Compassionate Friends are moving in the right direction for all of us.
By Quicknote, unverified — Sat, 11/20/2010 - 08:18
I believe that the SJ LTE guidelines place many restrictions on free speech in our society. While disagreeing with many, I have otherwise always been respected by Mr. Churchill.
Yes, this is the Maine we Mainers love. Very good article. We need to protect the Maine that we love which may be under fire from the new Republican politicians as they move away from conservation of the environment that makes Western Maine such a very good place to live.
By Quicknote, unverified — Fri, 11/12/2010 - 07:40
Are these Republicans you are speaking of the same Republicans I have been seeing for the past few years? Those Republicans who have continuously "attacked" Pres. Obama since he was elected so that one has to wonder if this is a "racist" situation, which we all know still exists in our nation.
Second, I voted Democratic this election. I saw no reason to change. But, I am not of the "push button:" generation of Americans when problems have to be solved "yesterday." I am satisfied with Pres. Obama's direction for the country after the recent Republican Pres. Bush problems. I am satisfied with his healthcare program.
Did you ever think that Americans who voted the Republican majority just might be wrong? They were with young George Bush.
This "push-button" judgement of Republicans comes just days after the election, days before they assume control, already pointing in a direction many who voted for them will find offensive. And that direction has been reported in the Sun-Journal.
Last, I really enjoy much of the Sun-Journal, but some of the editorials are very disappointing.
By Quicknote, unverified — Tue, 11/09/2010 - 08:20
The SJ editorial praises former Sen. Nutting for what he has substantially accomplished as a Maine legislator: "Nutting’s nasty response to his loss is so curious because the senator’s accomplishments in the Maine Legislature are substantial and he has much to be proud of. He has consistently been a leader in fighting to regulate pollution in the Androscoggin River, and has been devoted to serving Maine’s mentally ill and supporting our schools. His record on the environment is solid and he’s long been a champion of agricultural causes."
Then you support Mason, a new legislator, a Republican, with obviously different goals: "Mason earned his votes, and we wish him good luck in accomplishing his goals."
You would make a good politician, speaking, as we heard during the campaign from Governor-elect LePage, out of both sides of your mouth.
By Quicknote, unverified — Sat, 10/30/2010 - 20:50
Do you drive a Chevrolet, Ford or Chrysler vehicle, Angus? If you drive a foreign make, support Eliot Cutler. He has already shown his support for foreign goods by his China activity.
I find the Sun-Journal reprinting this editorial promoting freedom of speech absurd when they rejected a letter to the editor which I submitted because of its diction. That's right, because of its diction. No cursing, no blasphemy, no libelous material, no criticism of the President, no criticism of the S-J. So much for freedom of speech in Maine!
By Quicknote, unverified — Sat, 10/09/2010 - 07:42
In Auburn, during the late 40's, playing on the sandlot, we played baseball and football to win. We were boys and girls of all ages, of different talent in the sports, from the neighborhood. We won and we lost. We went home after losing without tears at night and came back to play the next day. However, when uniforms were handed out, the game was no longer a game, and winning was everything, kids without talent for that sport sat on the sidelines. The sport became a game of a talented elite and our friends in the neighborhood were no longer able to play with us. The game was no longer a game, the sport was no longer a sport. Something healthy, psychologically and physically, was gone. So be it.
Christians are able to practice contemplation and meditation that brings peace that "surpasses understanding." Unfortunately, with Christianity either in the foreground of political battles distorting its Christ's, God's, real message, or falling out of favor because of the secularism and scientism opposition in the modern world, one would not know that direction. Peace be with you, no matter who or where you are.
By Quicknote, unverified — Sun, 09/26/2010 - 08:13
Museum L-A's new exhibit “Portraits & Voices: Shoemaking Skills of Generations” has to be applauded. So many Mainers have worked in the mills over the years. As a boy living in Auburn, I remember the many shoe shops, now sadly long gone. You are performing a great service for citizens, and for students as well, to present some of this history. I hope you were able to include the role of labor unions in the shoe shops. Congratulations!
By Quicknote, unverified — Thu, 09/16/2010 - 21:03
If the noise of wind turbines is a problem, why is the noise of the paper mill not a problem? The noise of motorcycles is not a problem. The noise of snowmobiles is not a problem. The noise of 24 wheelers is not a problem. But the noise of wind turbines is a problem.
By Quicknote, unverified — Thu, 09/16/2010 - 12:21
Rumford citizens in favor of wind power must reject this wind power ordinance. They must not cave in to a minority group of Republican Conservatives because they are loud. It is time for the majority to bring our town out of the "dark ages."
The beauty of voting is that it will be by secret ballot so intimidation by the wind turbine Republican Conservatives will just be wind blowing in the River Valley.
I understand the first rejection of the Rumford welfare budget might have come about because of the perception that there are many new arrivals in the town when there are no jobs available. I do not understand the second rejection of the budget because it has led to more spending for a third vote on the budget - to save money. I think the Rumford Selectmen were responsible in reducing the welfare budget for the second vote and that figure should have been supported. I did support that figure, never believing others would reject it. However, if one looks at the whole Rumford town budget, with the jump in property taxes, it is possible that the selectmen and the finance committee could have avoided this situation if they had made budget reductions across the board for the general election. When everyone shares the pain at the same time it often becomes acceptable. But, the question now is: how much are Rumford voters going to spend to continue rejecting the welfare budget? Very good article by the Sun Journal.
Rumford voters have said no to Black Mountain. That is it. Why not this idea? Black Mountain of Rumford and the Junior Chisholm Ski Club should enlist its young skiers to mow lawns at $25 a lawn this summer. One boy, one girl, one lawn, one time. How many lawns in the Rumford area - that's Rumford, Mexico and other towns - would add up to $51,000? I am certain many in the Rumford area would allow the young skiers to mow their lawns in support of the ski area. I will welcome a young skier. This activity would get the young people outside, give them exercise, and help many of the elderly as well. Many older Rumford supporters of Black Mountain work long and hard for the ski area so why not enlist the youngsters to do their part when they can during summer months. Why not?
Former Rumford Selectman Frank DiConzo has continually pointed to the reduction of the town's budget as Rumford has lingered in economic doldrums. The loss of revenue from depreciation of the paper mill and energy corporation pointed up how right he has been as other selectman sat on their hands. His promotion of regionalization ties in well with that direction in Lewiston and Auburn the S-J supports. Last, the voters' reduction of the town's budget is support for DiConzo's direction and one wonders why he was not re-elected. And, if I remember right, the last time Rumford had a problem with voting, DiConzo was on the front lines calling for replacement of the old machine.
While I am concerned about global warming, have supported conservation efforts in Maine for many years, I think we should stop the wind turbine farms and monitor their energy contribution for five years. This movement is so much like "band wagon" thinking that we must be wary of it at some point. Second, I do not want wind turbines on every hill in Maine, I am sorry to say, which will detract from one of Maine's most important points, the natural environment. This does not need five years of monitoring.
I usually value Sun-Journal articles like this, but feel the present is a promotion of wind farms. This obvious slant belongs on the editorial page.
Let's stop, curtail our use of energy, button up homes and take action with other methods, monitor the wind farms for their energy contribution, then move in a fact-based direction.
As a person long concerned about the natural environment in Maine, I do not wish wind turbines on every hill and mountain in the state. And I think that we should slow down the rush for this particular alternative energy because of its environmental impact.
We might consider solar power more seriously since it has less of an impact on the environment. Perhaps solar power should be the positive direction of those who now oppose wind turbines.
Our entitlement programs could have been reduced if the U S. Congress had kept jobs for their own people in the factories rather than supporting CEO's who lobbied and dined with them - not at MacDonald's, eh? - to ship those jobs overseas. And our own Sen. Ed Muskie was one of those who supported free trade in print, helping to reduce jobs in his own home town.
About 15 years ago, a foreman in the Quality Control Lab of the Rumford paper mill began to bring Pulp & Paper magazines into the lab for his union people. The international news in the magazines pointed out many foreign nations were constructing new paper machines more efficient than our own, including Rumford's best paper machine. It was obvious that sooner or later, if we did not construct new machines, we would fall behind the foreign nations. They, of course, had foreign subsidies to help them that we did not. Then, our U.S. Congress decided that free trade was the next step for American business, with the support of Sen. Edmund Muskie, Rumford's favorite son. Labor unions did not think so and opposed this direction in trade. I, as a columnist for the small town newspaper, the Rumford Falls Times, and a paper mill worker, wrote an article opposing free trade. Naturally. Sen. Muskie penned a letter to the Times supporting free trade. The U.S. Congress and Sen. Muskie had their way. Obviously, free trade has not over the past fifteen years helped American workers keep their manufacturing jobs. The U. S. Congress gave away American manufacturing and betrayed its own citizens, even the Democrats who tout themselves as supporters of the working class. Do we understand that the horse has been out of the barn and running loose in the hills for at least fifteen years? And, do you really think the U. S. Congress is going to do anything about nations like China as they continue on their way to defeat us economically? This is an economic war, not a war of bombs, and we have supplied the enemy with weapons to defeat us. The solution at this late date: American paper workers probably should learn Chinese and seek work in a Chinese paper mill.
Do you remember the original concept for the film? Cape Elizabeth white collar against Rumford blue collar. And Rumford educators protested the concept. So it was buried and the great American class prejudice continues, white collar is still higher up the status scale than blue collar, and if we don't address it no one will know.
Thank you for the editorial look into the health care problems that grifters are apt to cause. Always someone looking for the free lunch and it is difficult to keep up with them.
Thank you for the informative articles on wind power as we consider solutions to the global warming situation and our unrestrained greed for energy driven technology. Your investigative articles make the newspaper worthwhile for thinking citizens. Is possible to see something on the solar solution in Maine?
Rumford has already taken federal money for economic development and failed. In fact, everything we have done relative to development has failed. Some of the people "pushing" for a new library were involved in some of the failures. Citizens have already stated in an official straw poll during an election that they support the library as it is or renovation. It is time for appointment of new library trustees who will listen to the citizens.
How true your point is, Mr. Thurston. This is a major fault in our society today. How right you are about my father's generation not wanting us to have to go through what he had to; he did make it easier for me than he had to. We need a change in our society to regain the strength that our nation once had.
Having worked with Barbara at the Rumford paper mill for over ten years, I will say that she was beloved by all. Just one of those "beautiful" people you like to be around. After she left Rumford to live with her daughter Kathy, every day I passed the home where she and Lambert lived, I thought of her. That was the effect she had on people. She certainly is with God. God Bless Barb! Tom
Three years ago, a state spokesperson informed me after I questioned the safety of Rumford bridges that none of the bridges needed major work or replacement. This was despite the poor rating of some of the bridges. In a report to the Rumford selectmen, the same was stated, passed on to citizens at a public meeting. "No serious problems with Rumford bridges." Within a month, however, one of the bridges poorly rated received repairs, and now that same bridge seems to need replacement. But, Gov. Baldacci publicly stated at the same time I questioned the state spokesperson that there were problems with many Maine bridges, but there simply was no funding to deal with them. And here we are replacing bridges...
After traveling on a treacherous Route 2 yesterday as I headed for the nursing home, I have no doubt the tractor trailers had trouble. Cars were moving slowly, as the highway necessitated, but not the trailers. Flying is the word for the two who passed me!
While my family has been served well on most occasions at CMMC, I do not think your article was out of place. We must question the public sector so that they do not feel they are "royalty." I value this direction by the Sun-Journal. I do personally like the present healthcare direction of CMMC and most of its associating physicians. In my personal opinion, however, a minority of physicians at CMMC are disappointing; that is the criteria by which I judge the hospital as it relates to my family. I will seek the top quality physicians at CMMC and feel comfortable that I will be served well. I will also gratefully continue to read investigative articles in the Sun-Journal. Thank you.
I would like to add something in a positive spirit to your worthy editorial about Gene Boivin. I believe that Jerri, Gene's wife of many years, was a very important force in his life. Gene would not have been who he was without her. God Bless, Gene, and may we see you again some day!
I am afraid I don't see a credible energy program that will reduce our carbon footprint and deal with global warming from either Blueyes1119 or PenobScot. I find a general outline that anyone can throw out. And, of course, as Psct notes, opposition to environmental groups is driving the wind turbine "attack" which I understood from those supporting this in the first place even though they cloaked it in health concerns. Now, since the paper mill is noisy on summer nights, as I can attest from a mile and a half away, I am surprised that the group isn't opposing the mill with their concern for health.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Would it be possible to see an energy program presented by the anti-wind turbine group for at least Maine? The recent negative comments will not promote the anti-wind turbine cause. Please try to present alternative program to wind power in a rational manner.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
As a Maine citizen concerned about Maine's and the world's pollution problems relative to global warming, I would like to see the Citizens' Task Force on Wind Power's "sensible agenda for Maine's energy future." The group's opposition to wind turbines has not presented any position, let alone a clearly defined program, for Maine's energy future, in any letter or article opposing wind turbines.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Congratulations to Gene Boivin, an honor well deserved. Gene put his head and hands to work on the information booth and the park area. And we should remember his many years as Rumford Fire Chief as well as Rumford Selectman. I personally respect Gene for always speaking his mind up front, in private or public. The Rumford Selectmen were right on the mark with this honor. Tom Fallon
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
It would seem sensible to investigate "Fast Forward Restart," as well as their successes and their failures, etc. Recognizing how desperate Rumford is, let's investigate the organization which sounds like a group that has made a living off desperate people. Second, Rumford's businesses are dependent upon its working population which has been reduced dramatically over the years. A most important reason the businesses are doing poorly is because of this. As Norway and Farmington have much more to offer, it will not help Rumford to continue along the same lines with its businesses. However, let's investigate "Fast Forward Restart." Last, how much money do Rumford taxpayers kick in?
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
How many more articles is the S-J going to print with the tears, grief and bitterness of those in the No group? Seems the Yes group is not getting the same coverage.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
I am a Democrat who supports Sen. Snowe's trigger for the public option if the private insurers do not bring down costs.
I do not support universal health care for people who take little or no care of their health. I do not support universal health care when it is underwritten by reducing Medicare.
I have not heard enough during this debate about the fact that medical treatment is more expensive than ever because of costly new technology which continues to improve, and help patients in ways never possible in the past. It is going to continue to be costly as we improve and invent new technology.
We also do not have a strong enough movement for individuals to take their health care seriously in a preventive way. The bottom line is we have responsibility for our own health first and must act accordingly relative to diet and exercise.
And, corporations must stop selling the easy life to citizens in order to keep them sloth-minded consumers so that they think nothing of poor diet and little exercise. Those in the health care industry, from doctors to hospitals, who pad their bills also need better oversight.
The cure for the health care system is in everyone's hands, not just the government's.
As far as I am concerned, however, the most important issue in the health care situation now is that we need individuals taking care of their health with diet and exercise. This will help reduce costs.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
A Mainer, an American, has to feel secure that Senator Snowe will think as she works for Mainers, and Americans, in Congress. I am proud as a voting Mainer of Senator Snowe for her willingness to try to work in a bipartisan manner. As a Democrat, I wish more Democrats, and Republicans, did the same.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Right on the mark. However, let us not forget in this healthcare debate that the individual has a responsibility for maintaining his or her health and those who are lax can drive up the cost of healthcare. But, you are right on the mark with this editorial.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Rumford has some good directions but others not very good. The blue ox is not significant when the Rumford Selectmen and the Rumford Finance Committee have ignored the paper mill's future demise as others have closed around the state and then "suddenly" this year had to hike citizens' taxes because of their denial of reality. Rumford's leaders placed the burden on the taxpayers as they refused to face and plan for the future. Certainly this is of more note for the S-J than the stationing of a blue ox?
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
We have known for some time here in Rumford that the paper mill would probably be going the way of others in the state. Yet, nothing was done by selectmen even after discussion at meetings which I attended. There was no preparation by any group of selectmen. Talk of budget reduction by selectmen focused on the fire department instead of reduction across the board. For some reason, facing reality was not an option. Well, here is reality.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
I do not support all of Pres. Obama's goals, I would like to make that clear before continuing. I am afraid, however, that this is the deep-seated racism of a lot of Americans coming to the surface. There has been too much vitriolic opposition like this to Pres. Obama and his programs by Republican representatives and their supporters, the conservatives, who are not tolerant people and never have been. I think this is a fearful direction that many Americans are taking.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Thank you for this op-ed piece. Having spent a month and a half in a Maine nursing home daily with my wife, I know how valuable they are and also how important it is to fund them so people get the care they need. Those who are voting for reform should spend a month in a nursing home before they make the decision: then they will know what people need. Again, thank you.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Where did Sheldon and Day work? Where did Sheldon and Day come from to Rumford? Many new people have come to Rumford in the past few years, but there are no jobs here. The town is in an economic depression, but still people come. One must ask why people are coming to the town. And, has their presence contributed to an increase in crime? Elder citizens are nervous about the newcomers who do not have jobs and live off the freebies. Should they be?
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Recent Comments
So Maine changes...
from religion, religion which means morality, and discipline, as well as belief, and doesn't society reflect the change of our egotism?
Alice....
Alice was an unbelievable person. I have never met a person with such a disabling health problem who was so strong in standing up to it. Unbelievable she really was!
Alice....
Alice was an unbelievable person. I have never met a person with such a disabn\ling health problem who was so strong in standing up to it. Unbelievable she really was!
Condolences...
Although I am not a friend of Mr. Dwight or his family, I present my sincere condolences to his family. I am saddened that he felt that he had to take his own life.
Congratulations...
Mary Farrar, you are quite a person, certainly deserving of the Maine Women's Hall of Fame.
Mike Michaud
again did the right thing for Maine!
Great work
by all those involved - how seldom we recognize police and fire departments, medcare, etc., for the work they perform daily for us. Great to have them around, what say? Thank you!
Time to stand up...
It is time for the working people and labor unions of Maine to stand up. In the early days of Maine, their would be outrage and protests and parades taking place because of this decision. It is time for working people to take a hard stand for themselves because the government is not going to do it. We must realize that we are the only ones who are going to stand up for us: of, by and for the working people.
Rumford Police
I hope Rumford citizens are grateful to our police. There is so much crime today and there are so few working to protect citizens. Thank you, Rumford police.
Kudos to the Sun Journal...
This article, Perspective, is why I enjoy the Lewiston Sun-Journal. Thank you.
Question?
Sen. Snowe, always praised as a "bipartisan senator," leaves the US Senate because she can no longer persevere in the face of such bipartisan gridlock. Yet, she endorses for re-election a Massachusetts' senator "for his bipartisan approach."
Are we sure Sen. Snowe is leaving for her stated reason?
How old is he, did you say...
I am afraid that his age is a problem for me. He will probably stop Pingree from running which is a shame.
Again...
we must tremble...
Money...
to pay from the tech improvements will come from the state's taxpayers when the Governor is already attacking other state programs which do not have enough money. One might wonder about this.
Congratulations...
and thank you to the Maine Drug Enforcement, Rumford, Mexico and Dixfield police.
Now let's put them away...
backing up the Rumford police and MDEA. We have to stop letting them back out on the street with a slap on the wrist. Congratulations to the Rumford Police and the MDEA.
The good news is...
that people in Rumford are trying to turn the community around. They have not quit. It's been a long run, but so was Lewiston's Lisbon Street. It will happen here!
Appreciation...
As a Rumford citizen, I appreciate the admission of a mistake by our town manager. This is what builds trust in citizens. Mistake, correction, and we move on. Thank you Mr. Puiia.
The wood industry...
does have a concern although one does want them to practice conservation. I personally would rather have the Maine woods' working rather than restricted to a park. With a lack of woodsmen, however, that seems to be a problem the past few years, maybe this is a problem. Many mills no longer exist which need wood as well. Without the park, will Quimby restrict her land to logging and other uses? She has a right to do this just as Mainers have a right to restrict their land to use by the public - and do.
Well honored...
Ed MacDonald certainly deserves the honor of induction into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame. He is well remembered by a high school boy who drew sports cartoons for the Rumford Falls Times under his direction.
Always a gentleman, always teaching the nervous boy respectfully, he was certainly a person of quality.
Should not the Chief have said...
"I apologize to the citizens of Lewiston. We were wrong. I am unhappy with that. We will correct it. Mark my words." Rather than reel out a list of excuses in defense of the department for allowing alleged criminals to regain the street. The excuses are what we citizens hear from public officials and others who fail in their duty in some way.
What do you think?
Necessary reporting...
and probably necessary for other towns and other organizations serving the public in Maine. As a citizen, I thank you for such articles.
FEMA money...
Much ado was made about money from the feds, FEMA, to deal with the Irene situations at the Rumford Selectmen's meeting which was a very good discussion of the problem. However, nothing now is said about that federal money. Is the FEMA money coming or is it not? It seems odd to me that the press didn't simply mention that point for Rumford citizens.
Second, as Mr. Diconzi notes, there are other issues relating to Bean Brook, such as the situation at the beginning of Swain Road after Holyoke Street, that have been a problem for some time.
And the healthy ones?
How many people are living healthy?
Some corrections...
First, I live on Spruce Street that leads to Swain Road, with the swamp behind me, Bean Brook beside my next door neighbor. Second, I asked at the town hall two years ago about the cutting on the hill behind Holyoke because of possible flooding from the swamp. I was told the state inspected cutting sites. Third, we have flooded for years where I live when the snow melt and spring rain are heavy, a beaver dam exists in the swamp or the Bean Brook area, or the brook culvert is not cleaned out. Bean Brook and the swamp are a problem because some area is on private property and state regulations for cleaning the brook are restrictive so the town can do only so much. They do a very good job during a flood. Fourth, I hope the cutting off Holyoke is investigated and some way can be found to clean out some of the swamp and the brook so water will be able to flow more easily during the spring problems. But, Irene brought us flash flooding, something I have not seen in 30 years, so even with changes we probably would have had damage we had not had in other years. The problem this time on Holyoke Street are unusual and I hope will be a focus for change. But, realistically speaking, will we ever be prepared for a tropical storm like Irene? AGAIN, I THANK THE TOWN CREW, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE, FOR COMING UP TO THE BEAN BROOK AREA DURING THE STORM.
Wait...no...
As a Rumford taxpayer, I support a temporary fix, then a plan that will help to alleviate future problems. The Bean Brook problem comes up every few years, flooding across Swain Road, filling the small brook which cannot be cleaned of sand, rocks and fallen rotting trees and branches. If the Bean Brook culvert is not cleaned out before a storm that is predicted, there will always be flooding. The town crews have come during a storm when people are flooded, and that certainly is a help, but it is a little late to deal with a problem that has existed for many years. Oh, which Rumford selectmen live on the washed-out section of Swain Road?
Good survey..
in this article about replacements. There are some people who have had and probably will have problems. My wife did and they multiplied, unfortunately, with dislocations and two other replacements. That began 20 years ago. But, the pain was gone, which was unbearable for her. That was a plus. I like the Sun-Journal when its articles present the comprehensive view of a situation. Thank you.
The X-factor in health care...
is the direction hospice volunteers learn as noted in this article: "supporting terminally ill patients in the home setting, in nursing facilities and at the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s Hospice House. Volunteers receive training in hospice philosophy; listening; finding meaning at the end of life; grief, loss and bereavement; disease process; family dynamics; roles of volunteers... Volunteers leave with a well-rounded understanding of...the incredible role they play as well as how they can best support patients and/or families."
A key phrase here is: "how they can best support patients and/or families."
Unfortunately, some healthcare today is simply by the numbers with no concern for the patient as person or family members.
Congratulations to Evelyn Bodemer and other hospice volunteers. And thank you!
Time to seriously discuss...
this situation. What does the town of Rumford face if New Page gains Chapter 11 status? Of course, we have been warned by various citizens as well as selectmen and finance committee members that the town had to think about future paper mill problems and create a plan to deal with any negative affect on the budget. This was far more important than wind turbines...
Just say YES...
to the Redneck Olympics and enjoy life for a few hours! We certainly need such harmless fun in our world.
Who....
corrupted the Olympics by allowing paid athletes to compete?
Traffic...
What is the traffic situation in that area? Not very good unless it's midnight. And, of course, Rumford needs another pizza parlor to drive the others out of business. First, you shop at Hannaford's for food and then you stop at Amato's before going home for supper. Something wrong with this picture? And, of course, it is healthy food coming to Rumford! As long as the government kicks in, who cares?
But, no income taxes...
There must be a better way to do this for the elderly. I have found that when I retired I needed a secretary to get through the paper work which changes from year to year. And maintain files. It is very difficult and I am not able to keep up. Can we find a better way? I am definitely in favor of collecting the taxes.
Androscoggin River coverage...
of the cleaning up has often been on the Sun-Journal pages. The promotion of the river's use by citizens has often graced the pages of the S-J as well. I am sorry to say that the paper mills have not willingly cleaned up the river. I have sat at public meetings as the mills opposed the clean up of the river.
If it ain't broke...
don't fix it! Seems practical. And Mainers are supposed to be practical.
On the road for real...
This was indeed a real road trip! My family took a trip across the country when I was young, but nothing to compare with yours. Your father was right: "You cannot see this wonderful country from 30,000 feet in the air.” What an adventure your family had!
Common sense...
Good to see common sense on the noise issue. Congratulations, Mr. DeFillip!
Unbelievable...
Mr. Davis, is. I do not know how he survived his ordeal. I thank you Mr. Davis for your service. So often we forget, partly because veterans seldom talk about their ordeals, how much they have done for us, how much they faced in sacrifice. I thank you for this story of his service. There were many "great men" in that Great Generation.
Cutting up the land
Cut up the land for logging and developing, but don't cut up the land for wind turbines. You just undermined your integrity.. Cutting up the land is cutting up the land. So far I have heard only the noise problem from the skiers and the loggers and developers who want to maintain only their use of the land. Which noise, if one reads Richard James, is not yet proven.
Okay...
Thank you.
Now, what would you think the position of a developer of Maine land would be on wind turbines?
What would a logger's position be?
What would a board member of a skiing group be?
The above people's positions would have nothing to do with noise even through they would quote the noise as a problem.
I know that some of the above principals are publicly pointing to wind turbine noise and health issues when they have other issues relating to money in their pocket.
79...
Can you refer me to a place online where I can see that information? I am sincerely interested.
I do suggest you read Richard James testimony. It is not as supportive of the health problems as you might think. And, may I say, I was pleased that he seemed to be objective about the health situation rather than just "gunning" to defeat wind turbines.
Richard James info...
I suggest you present the medical records. I think that is fair. I state this because this is a political issue. I suggest you read Richard James original document: “Surrebuttal Testimony of Richard R. James on Behalf of the Coalition for Wisconsin Environmental Stewardship” that is available online. You will find that Mr. James is not as assured of the health consequences and presents the point that only a minority of people "seem" to be affected. His testimony is not a strong defense for the anti-wind group.
Legitimate health records...
With the position that wind turbine noise is a health problem, comes legitimate health records proving that they are a problem. It is time to see those legitimate health records.
Our Androscoggin River...
is now something to be proud of. I never thought that it would be cleaned as it now is during my lifetime. Those who polluted defended their pollution, but the state of Maine and citizen and organization environmentalists, including Sen. Edmund Muskie, did clean the river.
Thanks to Terry Karkos...
Sun_journal reporter, for bringing out the point about Candice Casey's non-appointment without discussion. I have noticed that Mr. Karkos does not ignore such political movements and I am gratified as a Rumford citizen. You aren't going to get something by Mr. Karkos!
Congratulations...
Mr. Herrick, you are in a "class by yourself" as a person. Congratulations also to your graduating during the Depression. May you have many more reunions!
You are right but...
You are right that the person suffocating the woman was not an employee. I misread that clearly. Thank you for correcting me. I do not, I cannot, however, change my points about the problems in nursing homes, understaffing, etc., which come from my first hand experience with months of notes I began to write because of those problems. You will also note that I have mentioned the good in the nursing home. Again, I thank you.
Different opinion...
What would I have a different opinion of, Mr. Reed? I suggest you reread my comments and prove what I have said is untrue. I have daily notes over many months that prove my points. I also have others who will support my points.
A gun?
No, a German Shepherd. A gun is not always accessible to hand. A trained dog in the house is always there. Install a security system. We have to protect ourselves against these people. Our Maine is not the Maine of fifty years ago. Too many strangers coming in and out of the state, living in the state, in the drug trade, needing money, not working. Let's have an article by the S-J on what we should do to protect ourselves.
Understaffing...
of CNA's is a problem, I find, and other family members have as well. The state regs have a bottom line figure which does not take into consideration residents' need for more than minimum care. Nor has any state licensing person when visiting the nursing home actually "walked the walk" of CNA's. I am surprised more injuries do not occur to CNA's as well as to residents. When the same person winds up with face and head bruises month after month something is wrong. I have watched the CNA's run from one wing to the other. Not enough time to do the job as it should be done for the good of the resident. Oh, by the way, the resident is a human being.
More...
And I just heard from a family member about his ongoing complaints. "You wonder why I get mad," he said to me. No, I don't wonder. He loves his wife and pays attention to her care every day as much as he can. I just saw a supplier to the nursing home turn away from him when he complained about his wife's problems with three oxygen concentrators. Not one, three. The supplier didn't want to hear it. And then the man presented me with more complaints as well which tally with the reality that I have seen. Part of the problem is that family members do not visit so do not know what is going on, yes. Of course, they do not care. THERE IS GOOD, let me state. I know many CNA's on the floor I would do anything for they have been so good to my wife - as they run. I have seen them interact with residents who have problems which make me feel as I walk the halls of the nursing home that the human race is not going "to hell in a hand basket". These are truly superior people trying to help people who are "at the end of their rope" in many cases. They help them. There are a few CNA's, however, who are mediocre, and a minority who should not be there. Up the line of command, well...
A model...
Claire Meuse is a model for older people and an angel for others as she helps them. There is no doubt about that.
Problems...
How did the nursing home problem get to this point, is the question newspapers must seek an answer to. In other words, what was the woman doing to residents before or other than trying to suffocate them? Not answer their call bells? Verbally abusing them as they lay in bed? Not giving them pain meds? Giving them too much med to keep them quiet? Did not one staff member suspect anything? Or did they just cover it up not wanting bad publicity? Did no one call the Maine Ombudsman? Did anyone call state licensing? Calls for an in-depth study of nursing homes might be necessary to learn these things. Talking to family members of residents might be necessary since so many residents have cognitive problems and cannot even understand a staff member is neglecting or abusing them.
Why so many food banks?
Why do we need so many food banks? Why are so many going hungry in Maine? These questions are not aimed at those who go to the food banks. They are pointed in this direction: why are so many necessary in our society?
Wonderful!
Happy for Jen Turner!
Wonderful!
Happy for Jen Turner!
Thank you...
for the editorial. The fact that Rumford voters rejected funds for Safe Voices. a group which deals with domestic violence, but voted money for Black Mountain ski area, is astonishing.
Working...
And who is working in Rumford to pay the taxes?
Thanks...
for the reminder, Frank.
Black Mountain and Public library...
That Rumford voters reduced the public library budget and supported Black Mountain's ski budget makes a statement about my community that disappoints me. The public library should have been supported. Black Mountain should not. The skiers should pay for their skiing. The library's reduced hours should not continue as they are now.
Last...
I am not angry with any brother and sister Rumford citizens who voted against the wind turbine ordinance. They made their choice during an election. I made my choice. I lost, fair and square.
During the discussions about the wind turbine ordinance, I did not lobby and debate with anger as did those who opposed the ordinance. I did not at any time seek to intimidate those with whom I disagreed as did those who opposed the ordinance. The newspaper published two letters to the editor which I wrote respectfully stating my personal position: I did not "bully" those with whom I disagreed.
Now, why are you two so angry in your comments here when "your side" won here in Rumford?
Think...
Jeff Sterling, who was instrumental in crafting the wind turbine ordinance in question, was elected as Rumford Selectman. That does not sound as if there was an overwhelming rejection of the ordinance, his work, by the Rumford voters. And, the 696 to 582 vote does not seem to be an overwhelming rejection of the ordinance either.
Thank you...
for the humor this morning, Gary. I would worry if you have a concealed weapons permit.
Maybe...
you are right. I think it is divisive and not good for the community as we exist right now. Unfortunately. Well, you tried, and I felt, did the right thing, as one of the Rumford Selectmen crafting the ordinance. As a citizen, I thank you, Brad Adley and Sterling for that. Which is neither here nor there right this moment.
Environmental concern?
Can one say that the concerns for the environment defeated the wind turbine ordinance? No. Knowing personally those who opposed the ordinance, I find clear their activity against the conservation direction of the Maine environment. Some have even been cited by the DEP. Why was it defeated then?
My vote...
approved the Rumford wind ordinance. After reflection, the name-calling and bullying of the opposition, I decided it was wise of me to accept the rational work of the Rumford selectmen.
Not Rumford voters or citizens...
Gary Steinberg is a citizen of Lincoln, Maine. Alice Barnet is a citizen of Carthage, Maine. They are not Rumford voters or citizens. I agree they should comment on the wind turbine situation in their own towns, they should vote on any issues related to wind turbines, as they wish, but they should stay out of the wind turbine situation in Rumford. They are not Rumford voters or citizens.
Very bad news....
which has been coming for about ten years. Ordering books online is easier than going downtown because life is very busy today. The ebook reader is practical for some uses although it does not replace the print book in my mind: that is because I grew up with the book. However, the ebook reader will replace the book for young people for corporations and education is promoting this fact. I will miss the bookstore and the old library. My grandchildren will not. By not leaving home, we will bring on other social problems just as we created obesity with our move away from the active life that was so natural for us before mother left home, we stopped walking to school, and television, games and the computer became a necessity in our lives. Let's meet on Facebook...!
On the mark...
with this editorial without a doubt in my mind. One of the problems might be many more Americans are attending to their health at the same time many more are not. And new technology costs money and everyone wants the new technology. Medical care is better than it was when I was a child, but that has come at a cost. And, everyone adds this or that percent to the cost, as our greed kicks in. I'd like to blame that all on corporations, but you can see the psychology in the nation generally speaking. We should try to find ways to cuts costs of course. One way just might be to stop being a sugar daddy and policeman to everyone around the globe so that our tax money can be used back home where it came from. Simplistic?
Yes...
for Ms. Quimby and Maine.
Great news
for us Mainers - now we have to show them we have a work ethic to keep them here.
No guns needed...I
As a citizen, I agree with your position in this editorial. No guns are necessary in the State House except for security personnel. We are living, for some reason, in "desperate" times and have come to settle problems with a "Wild West" mentality fed by violence in our film culture that growing children view every day in their homes. We do not need guns in the State House.
Upward...
This is good news!
Positions of all lobbyists...
I probably missed this in an earlier story, but where could a citizen find the position of all the lobbyists on LD 1333.
Business friendly...
We will one day have to undo LD 1.
Yes and no...
Center rumble strips are a very good idea, I agree. I would decrease the speed limit everywhere, but you will have to hire more police because people ignore what we have. We are a hip-hop nation on the run trying to make cars fly even though they do not have wings. No cell phone use while driving. Last, stop creating roads with complicated entrances and exists.
Not about Gov. LePage...
The above remarks were not targeting Gov. LePage spcifically. Many others, including former Gov. Baldacci, have also stated jobs are needed to keep young Mainers at home.
Why do young Mainers leave?
Not all Mainers who are college graduates leave the state because they cannot find jobs here. They leave to see the world outside Maine, to test themselves in rougher waters, for jobs that are only available in larger urban centers, simply for adventure, etc. They leave their family which has helped to educate them, but may have also controlled them as they do not now want to be controlled. They may simply want freedom to see who they are. One must understand that college students life views are expanded as they are exposed not only to knowledge but classmates from outside the state and nation. While more and better jobs should be a goal for the state, it will not keep all young Mainers at home.
Danger on the streets...
I hope this boy is not hurt very much. And, it is dangerous to use a bicycle on our streets. Too many people today are in a hurry in their vehicles. We have got to make the streets safe for cyclists like this boy as well as grown-ups.
congratulations...
to Aaron Delcourt for his work in art. I encourage you to continue. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks to S-J...
In my estimation, S-J is doing very good work covering the Maine political scene for citizens. I thank you.
Not Rumford citizens...
Only one person commenting here is a Rumford citizen who will vote on the wind ordinance. That is myself. The others are non-Rumford citizens according to their S-J profiles. I think you should know this.
Accountability...
Are there personal financial reasons for some Rumford citizens opposing the rewriting of the wind turbine ordinance? Two, those Rumford citizens opposing the selectmen trying to rewrite the ordinance after citizens rejected the previous ordinance, are a minority. The same few names keep surfacing. Third, some against the ordinance do not live in the Rumford community, will not vote in the election when the ordinance is presented, but have been given a hearing as if they were. Last, Rumford is still stalled in on-cooperative state of mind, which holds back its economic development.
Congratulations...
Congratulations to Erin Milligan and MacKenzie Paterson! May their success continue in higher education.
Congratulations...
Congratulations to Emily Ray and Spencer Ross! Your success in the classroom is what attending school means. May your success continue.
One singular victory...
One has to be satisfied that Osama bin Laden, the leader of terrorists, is gone. One has to congratulate those who were involved in finding him. Now, unfortunately, the war continues with those terrorists who believe as he did. While I am against war, the terrorists hold the nations of the world hostage to their goal, with methods which think nothing of killing their own innocent people and children. The terrorists are as wrong as Adolf Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin were. We must stop them. If war is the method that we must use to stop them, war must be the way. As an ordinary American citizen, I congratulate those who found bin Laden.
Have I been wrong before...?
Governor LePage: We have all been involved in such situations in our lives and have had to admit that we were just plain wrong. This is what these situations boil down to. You are going to have to admit it. The world will not end, by the way: I know, having been wrong before.
Useful...
As a citizen, I find this column useful. I thank you.
Agree...
This editorial is right on the mark. P.S.: If you visit the Maine state government web pages you will find under business more links than under the Maine Department of Labor. Business has a stronger presence than labor in state government. And has had much support in Maine government for some time under the Democrats.
Agree...
[This comment has been removed by the administrator]
Marden wages...
Let me try another direction for you. Imagine the guilt of a man who took the mural down when he supports Marden's wages for the working class. You're darn right the mural must go, he says to himself, because it clearly outlines my injustice and that of other business managers toward working people.
Where are our legislators?
There should have been outrage by our Democratic lawmakers when removal of the labor union mural was first suggested. Let's see what they say and do now! It is time to stand up to the governor of 30 plus percent of Maine voters.
Fair...
Perhaps the best solution to this situation is to have a mural created which presents the positive aspects of business in Maine. And the labor union mural should remain.
We must recognize that only because of the unfairness of business to its workers did labor unions come to exist. The government allowed labor unions to exist through law, as these laws were opposed by business by the way, because of business' obvious unfairness to working people of all ages, sexes and races. We cannot deny this.
Let's compromise: keep the labor union mural, and add another mural for business.
In opposing the partisan direction...
I became as angry as the partisans. I should have been speaking rationally rather than with anger that was fueled by my frustration.
Partisanship and competition...
In looking at life in America since I was born, I find competition promoted everywhere from sports to arts to business to politics. We all support the competitive philosophy and therefore have wound up with the present "rabid" partisan "problem." And, of course, there is the human/animal direction which we all share in by our very creation. I do not support the new "rabid" partisanship, but do not know how to change that direction because I have found that "neither side" is listening: they are too busy competing with the other "team." Look at today's college basketball and its roughness when compared to the game 20 years ago: we have supported the roughness that now exists when we do not change the rules so that fouls are called for that roughness. Generally speaking, I would have to say we Americans like the "rabid" partisanship. Last, sadly, I have learned in my twilight years that although I resisted this "rabid" competitive/partisan direction, I contributed to the problem when opposing it.
Thank you...
I thank you for signing the S-J editorials. I do not mind if your editorials disagree with me. We can all learn from different perspectives. Written material makes it easier, I think, than face to face presentation of opposing ideas, so your editorials are very important. I do mind if you don't sign the editorials. And, last, I do agree with your most recent editorials, and, of course, that makes me happy. Into the future with the Sun Journal...
How close to my home?
How close to my home do I want a wind turbine? I personally do not want the noise or light flicker near my home.
How close to your home do you want a wind turbine? How close does each Rumford Selectmen want a wind turbine to their homes?
Is this a point to consider when writing the ordinance?
Political campaigns...
sometimes provide false and misleading information to support candidates as did the Cutler Files. We citizens expect that and try to vote accordingly. What made the Cutler Files so unusual? I think the Commission has missed some groups operating during the campaign.
Wonderful...
Career Day at Dirigo High School in Dixfield sounds like a very good idea, especially so because some students are actually learning about various occupations. Congratulations!
Non-athletic type...?
As a high school boy, I won a state Class A track title. Track is a competitive sport, I think you will find. I view different sports on television weekly now. In fact, I have been active in sports so long I remember when basketball was a finesse sport.
We know...
that these Congress-persons forget about their health care plan and who pays for it. It is time that we brought it to their attention.
I wonder...
about those who extol sports with the violence that present day sports obviously demonstrate to us. In my judgement, praising these young men as was done in the article is not a positive and makes a statement that our society approves of violence. We will do anything to win, even hurt others by hitting them as hard as possible. As a boy, active on the playground, in love with sports, as a man still in love with sports, I am disappointed by my society when it raises to the podium those who beat on each other, who brutalize each other, in a sport which "prepares them for life." Think of that statement if you will: preparing them for life. I am very much impressed by much in my society; however, I am not impressed when it honors those who play through injuries, risking their bodies and future health, hitting other boys as hard as possible, being "tough." One has to have some inkling that it might be uncivilized. Am I tough? Well, I wrote this, and I know how many approve of this violent direction in sports.
We all do it one time or other...
We all do it at one time or other, don't we? The problem with public figures is that the press - and we if we disagree - have the tendency to blow up a one-liner - over and over and over. Thank God I wasn't a public figure! How 'bout you? While I did not agree with Gov. LePage's comment, it is over. He attended the NAACP event and that takes the bite out of the comment. I hope he will not continue with the one-liners. He is my Governor, after all, even though I did not support him: he is now my Governor and I wish him well for the state of Maine. Have a good day! And watch what you say...
Open mouth...
insert foot.
Around the nation...
This coarse and demeaning remark will be the shot heard round the nation from Maine.
Rep. Peterson...
Is Rep. Peterson doing well? A constituent and supporter and friend. Tom Fallon, Rumford
People first?
Ah, yes, pretty words at the inauguration, "people not politics," but here is the reality.
Disturbing...
to see such an act against Rep. Giffords as well as the others present. Shocking to see such an act against an elected representative seeking to control her freedom of thought and speech and action. After listening to "hysteria" of the conservative news networks one has to wonder just how much some of the continuing "hate" speeches have affected people who are "unbalanced." Disagreement with any citizen is acceptable, but intimidation of any kind, stirring up "hate" against citizens or elected representatives who have a right to our freedoms, is not acceptable. This is such a shocking act. May Rep. Gifford recover and continue to serve her citizens.
After the death...
as usual. From the letter of Sen. Snowe it was known that the screening process was flawed and not working as it should have been. That was the point at which to begin investigating. Not after the death of Pfc Buddy McLain and other American service persons. (It would also be interesting to know whether Pfc McLain expressed his concerns to others in his unit.)
“According to the New York Times, Afghan soldiers or police officers have turned their weapons on their NATO partners at least six times over the past 13 months,” Snowe wrote. What were we doing about this over the past 13 months?
"Big" Maine people...
The world is a better place because of those people who have helped Beth Coffin and her family. Such truly "big" Maine people. And, I will say personally, humbling to me their action for what I have not done to help others. When one hears our state characterized in adjectives that make us feel we are "insignificant" on the map of the United States, one has only to hear or read about such people to know how "significant" people are here. May Beth and her family have a healthy and happy 2011. May those who helped them have a healthy and happy 2011. Tom Fallon, Rumford
Is this our Rumford?
I do not wish the demise of Black Mountain, but I do wish for an objective valuation of the ski area in the news media. I do not think that the hyperbole in this article presents the reality of Black Mountain's affect on the local economy. I do not see a turnaround in the long time depressed economy of the area because of the small ski "resort's" existence. I am always surprised when the Sun Journal prints articles that are not objective about any activity or organization in any town or city.
Compassionate Friends...
"The emotional event..." is the key to this very important gathering of the Compassionate Friends. I have found that human feelings, human emotions, are considered out of place by many in our medical institutions, such expressions of deep pain most often categorized as an emotional or psychological problem. One must act with restraint in such situations, how often we have heard. And then there is the time factor: one must go on, get over it, etc., which we hear so often, which further represses human feelings. One would think the high intellect needed for science would easily understand the full human being and the losses that we face that are so devastating. One would think that science would understand that individual responses to such devastating losses relative to the expression of feelings. As we move further away from person to person within our medical institutions, that distancing will bring further ignoring of the human being's response to illness, incapacity and death, continuing the repression of human feeling. I thank you for this very essential article. The Compassionate Friends are moving in the right direction for all of us.
Good editorial
Your thoughts on the Auburn City Council are right on the mark. I also enjoyed yesterday's editorial very much. Thank you.
Free speech newspapers
I believe that the SJ LTE guidelines place many restrictions on free speech in our society. While disagreeing with many, I have otherwise always been respected by Mr. Churchill.
Yes, Maine...
Yes, this is the Maine we Mainers love. Very good article. We need to protect the Maine that we love which may be under fire from the new Republican politicians as they move away from conservation of the environment that makes Western Maine such a very good place to live.
Same Republicans...?
Are these Republicans you are speaking of the same Republicans I have been seeing for the past few years? Those Republicans who have continuously "attacked" Pres. Obama since he was elected so that one has to wonder if this is a "racist" situation, which we all know still exists in our nation.
Second, I voted Democratic this election. I saw no reason to change. But, I am not of the "push button:" generation of Americans when problems have to be solved "yesterday." I am satisfied with Pres. Obama's direction for the country after the recent Republican Pres. Bush problems. I am satisfied with his healthcare program.
Did you ever think that Americans who voted the Republican majority just might be wrong? They were with young George Bush.
This "push-button" judgement of Republicans comes just days after the election, days before they assume control, already pointing in a direction many who voted for them will find offensive. And that direction has been reported in the Sun-Journal.
Last, I really enjoy much of the Sun-Journal, but some of the editorials are very disappointing.
Which side of your mouth...?
The SJ editorial praises former Sen. Nutting for what he has substantially accomplished as a Maine legislator: "Nutting’s nasty response to his loss is so curious because the senator’s accomplishments in the Maine Legislature are substantial and he has much to be proud of. He has consistently been a leader in fighting to regulate pollution in the Androscoggin River, and has been devoted to serving Maine’s mentally ill and supporting our schools. His record on the environment is solid and he’s long been a champion of agricultural causes."
Then you support Mason, a new legislator, a Republican, with obviously different goals: "Mason earned his votes, and we wish him good luck in accomplishing his goals."
You would make a good politician, speaking, as we heard during the campaign from Governor-elect LePage, out of both sides of your mouth.
What do you drive, Angus?
Do you drive a Chevrolet, Ford or Chrysler vehicle, Angus? If you drive a foreign make, support Eliot Cutler. He has already shown his support for foreign goods by his China activity.
Eh?
I find the Sun-Journal reprinting this editorial promoting freedom of speech absurd when they rejected a letter to the editor which I submitted because of its diction. That's right, because of its diction. No cursing, no blasphemy, no libelous material, no criticism of the President, no criticism of the S-J. So much for freedom of speech in Maine!
Playing to win...
In Auburn, during the late 40's, playing on the sandlot, we played baseball and football to win. We were boys and girls of all ages, of different talent in the sports, from the neighborhood. We won and we lost. We went home after losing without tears at night and came back to play the next day. However, when uniforms were handed out, the game was no longer a game, and winning was everything, kids without talent for that sport sat on the sidelines. The sport became a game of a talented elite and our friends in the neighborhood were no longer able to play with us. The game was no longer a game, the sport was no longer a sport. Something healthy, psychologically and physically, was gone. So be it.
And...
Christians are able to practice contemplation and meditation that brings peace that "surpasses understanding." Unfortunately, with Christianity either in the foreground of political battles distorting its Christ's, God's, real message, or falling out of favor because of the secularism and scientism opposition in the modern world, one would not know that direction. Peace be with you, no matter who or where you are.
Jim Rinaldo...
Congratulations Jim Rinaldo as you continue to strive for positive movement in Rumford. Tom Fallon
Congratulations...
Museum L-A's new exhibit “Portraits & Voices: Shoemaking Skills of Generations” has to be applauded. So many Mainers have worked in the mills over the years. As a boy living in Auburn, I remember the many shoe shops, now sadly long gone. You are performing a great service for citizens, and for students as well, to present some of this history. I hope you were able to include the role of labor unions in the shoe shops. Congratulations!
Noise of wind turbines...
If the noise of wind turbines is a problem, why is the noise of the paper mill not a problem? The noise of motorcycles is not a problem. The noise of snowmobiles is not a problem. The noise of 24 wheelers is not a problem. But the noise of wind turbines is a problem.
Citizens in favor of wind power must act
Rumford citizens in favor of wind power must reject this wind power ordinance. They must not cave in to a minority group of Republican Conservatives because they are loud. It is time for the majority to bring our town out of the "dark ages."
The beauty of voting is that it will be by secret ballot so intimidation by the wind turbine Republican Conservatives will just be wind blowing in the River Valley.
And the women...?
Sounds like all the women at the top are moral and ethical.
Good article...
I understand the first rejection of the Rumford welfare budget might have come about because of the perception that there are many new arrivals in the town when there are no jobs available. I do not understand the second rejection of the budget because it has led to more spending for a third vote on the budget - to save money. I think the Rumford Selectmen were responsible in reducing the welfare budget for the second vote and that figure should have been supported. I did support that figure, never believing others would reject it. However, if one looks at the whole Rumford town budget, with the jump in property taxes, it is possible that the selectmen and the finance committee could have avoided this situation if they had made budget reductions across the board for the general election. When everyone shares the pain at the same time it often becomes acceptable. But, the question now is: how much are Rumford voters going to spend to continue rejecting the welfare budget? Very good article by the Sun Journal.
Why not this idea for Black Mountain?
Rumford voters have said no to Black Mountain. That is it. Why not this idea? Black Mountain of Rumford and the Junior Chisholm Ski Club should enlist its young skiers to mow lawns at $25 a lawn this summer. One boy, one girl, one lawn, one time. How many lawns in the Rumford area - that's Rumford, Mexico and other towns - would add up to $51,000? I am certain many in the Rumford area would allow the young skiers to mow their lawns in support of the ski area. I will welcome a young skier. This activity would get the young people outside, give them exercise, and help many of the elderly as well. Many older Rumford supporters of Black Mountain work long and hard for the ski area so why not enlist the youngsters to do their part when they can during summer months. Why not?
Congratulations...
Congratulations Dennis for your long service to Rumford people and beyond - a well deserved honor! Tom
To the MVHS graduates...
I hope you are familiar with the ideas presented in the plays of Arthur Miller as you enter American society.
DiConzo...
Former Rumford Selectman Frank DiConzo has continually pointed to the reduction of the town's budget as Rumford has lingered in economic doldrums. The loss of revenue from depreciation of the paper mill and energy corporation pointed up how right he has been as other selectman sat on their hands. His promotion of regionalization ties in well with that direction in Lewiston and Auburn the S-J supports. Last, the voters' reduction of the town's budget is support for DiConzo's direction and one wonders why he was not re-elected. And, if I remember right, the last time Rumford had a problem with voting, DiConzo was on the front lines calling for replacement of the old machine.
No results...
I am very disappointed that no results are in for the Rumford area at 8:22 AM.
Wait...
While I am concerned about global warming, have supported conservation efforts in Maine for many years, I think we should stop the wind turbine farms and monitor their energy contribution for five years. This movement is so much like "band wagon" thinking that we must be wary of it at some point. Second, I do not want wind turbines on every hill in Maine, I am sorry to say, which will detract from one of Maine's most important points, the natural environment. This does not need five years of monitoring.
I usually value Sun-Journal articles like this, but feel the present is a promotion of wind farms. This obvious slant belongs on the editorial page.
Let's stop, curtail our use of energy, button up homes and take action with other methods, monitor the wind farms for their energy contribution, then move in a fact-based direction.
Solar power...?
As a person long concerned about the natural environment in Maine, I do not wish wind turbines on every hill and mountain in the state. And I think that we should slow down the rush for this particular alternative energy because of its environmental impact.
We might consider solar power more seriously since it has less of an impact on the environment. Perhaps solar power should be the positive direction of those who now oppose wind turbines.
Where have you been?
How many Mainers have lost their jobs while our politically slow moving dinosaur has been dragging its feet on the trade issue? The jobs are gone.
Entitlements
Our entitlement programs could have been reduced if the U S. Congress had kept jobs for their own people in the factories rather than supporting CEO's who lobbied and dined with them - not at MacDonald's, eh? - to ship those jobs overseas. And our own Sen. Ed Muskie was one of those who supported free trade in print, helping to reduce jobs in his own home town.
Low wages and benefits are...
Thinking Man - Are you promoting low wages and benefits for working people? Are you also promoting low salaries and bonuses for CEO's?
Paper jobs under fire for over 15 years
About 15 years ago, a foreman in the Quality Control Lab of the Rumford paper mill began to bring Pulp & Paper magazines into the lab for his union people. The international news in the magazines pointed out many foreign nations were constructing new paper machines more efficient than our own, including Rumford's best paper machine. It was obvious that sooner or later, if we did not construct new machines, we would fall behind the foreign nations. They, of course, had foreign subsidies to help them that we did not. Then, our U.S. Congress decided that free trade was the next step for American business, with the support of Sen. Edmund Muskie, Rumford's favorite son. Labor unions did not think so and opposed this direction in trade. I, as a columnist for the small town newspaper, the Rumford Falls Times, and a paper mill worker, wrote an article opposing free trade. Naturally. Sen. Muskie penned a letter to the Times supporting free trade. The U.S. Congress and Sen. Muskie had their way. Obviously, free trade has not over the past fifteen years helped American workers keep their manufacturing jobs. The U. S. Congress gave away American manufacturing and betrayed its own citizens, even the Democrats who tout themselves as supporters of the working class. Do we understand that the horse has been out of the barn and running loose in the hills for at least fifteen years? And, do you really think the U. S. Congress is going to do anything about nations like China as they continue on their way to defeat us economically? This is an economic war, not a war of bombs, and we have supplied the enemy with weapons to defeat us. The solution at this late date: American paper workers probably should learn Chinese and seek work in a Chinese paper mill.
Agreement
I agree with the editorial board. It is time to use some common sense. We have gone far enough.
BLUE COLLAR VERSIS WHITE COLLAR
Do you remember the original concept for the film? Cape Elizabeth white collar against Rumford blue collar. And Rumford educators protested the concept. So it was buried and the great American class prejudice continues, white collar is still higher up the status scale than blue collar, and if we don't address it no one will know.
Thanks
Thank you for the editorial look into the health care problems that grifters are apt to cause. Always someone looking for the free lunch and it is difficult to keep up with them.
Informative...
Thank you for the informative articles on wind power as we consider solutions to the global warming situation and our unrestrained greed for energy driven technology. Your investigative articles make the newspaper worthwhile for thinking citizens. Is possible to see something on the solar solution in Maine?
Unacceptable
As a labor union supporter, and former happy member, I find this lack of integrity `unacceptable.
Maine common sense
Rumford has already taken federal money for economic development and failed. In fact, everything we have done relative to development has failed. Some of the people "pushing" for a new library were involved in some of the failures. Citizens have already stated in an official straw poll during an election that they support the library as it is or renovation. It is time for appointment of new library trustees who will listen to the citizens.
True...
How true your point is, Mr. Thurston. This is a major fault in our society today. How right you are about my father's generation not wanting us to have to go through what he had to; he did make it easier for me than he had to. We need a change in our society to regain the strength that our nation once had.
Beautiful person...
Having worked with Barbara at the Rumford paper mill for over ten years, I will say that she was beloved by all. Just one of those "beautiful" people you like to be around. After she left Rumford to live with her daughter Kathy, every day I passed the home where she and Lambert lived, I thought of her. That was the effect she had on people. She certainly is with God. God Bless Barb! Tom
Three years ago, a state
Three years ago, a state spokesperson informed me after I questioned the safety of Rumford bridges that none of the bridges needed major work or replacement. This was despite the poor rating of some of the bridges. In a report to the Rumford selectmen, the same was stated, passed on to citizens at a public meeting. "No serious problems with Rumford bridges." Within a month, however, one of the bridges poorly rated received repairs, and now that same bridge seems to need replacement. But, Gov. Baldacci publicly stated at the same time I questioned the state spokesperson that there were problems with many Maine bridges, but there simply was no funding to deal with them. And here we are replacing bridges...
After traveling on a
After traveling on a treacherous Route 2 yesterday as I headed for the nursing home, I have no doubt the tractor trailers had trouble. Cars were moving slowly, as the highway necessitated, but not the trailers. Flying is the word for the two who passed me!
While my family has been
While my family has been served well on most occasions at CMMC, I do not think your article was out of place. We must question the public sector so that they do not feel they are "royalty." I value this direction by the Sun-Journal. I do personally like the present healthcare direction of CMMC and most of its associating physicians. In my personal opinion, however, a minority of physicians at CMMC are disappointing; that is the criteria by which I judge the hospital as it relates to my family. I will seek the top quality physicians at CMMC and feel comfortable that I will be served well. I will also gratefully continue to read investigative articles in the Sun-Journal. Thank you.
I would like to add something
I would like to add something in a positive spirit to your worthy editorial about Gene Boivin. I believe that Jerri, Gene's wife of many years, was a very important force in his life. Gene would not have been who he was without her. God Bless, Gene, and may we see you again some day!
I am afraid I don't see a
I am afraid I don't see a credible energy program that will reduce our carbon footprint and deal with global warming from either Blueyes1119 or PenobScot. I find a general outline that anyone can throw out. And, of course, as Psct notes, opposition to environmental groups is driving the wind turbine "attack" which I understood from those supporting this in the first place even though they cloaked it in health concerns. Now, since the paper mill is noisy on summer nights, as I can attest from a mile and a half away, I am surprised that the group isn't opposing the mill with their concern for health.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Would it be possible to see
Would it be possible to see an energy program presented by the anti-wind turbine group for at least Maine? The recent negative comments will not promote the anti-wind turbine cause. Please try to present alternative program to wind power in a rational manner.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
As a Maine citizen concerned
As a Maine citizen concerned about Maine's and the world's pollution problems relative to global warming, I would like to see the Citizens' Task Force on Wind Power's "sensible agenda for Maine's energy future." The group's opposition to wind turbines has not presented any position, let alone a clearly defined program, for Maine's energy future, in any letter or article opposing wind turbines.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Congratulations to Gene
Congratulations to Gene Boivin, an honor well deserved. Gene put his head and hands to work on the information booth and the park area. And we should remember his many years as Rumford Fire Chief as well as Rumford Selectman. I personally respect Gene for always speaking his mind up front, in private or public. The Rumford Selectmen were right on the mark with this honor. Tom Fallon
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Your editorial points on the
Your editorial points on the healthcare situation right now are good thinking points for citizens. Thank you.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
It would seem sensible to
It would seem sensible to investigate "Fast Forward Restart," as well as their successes and their failures, etc. Recognizing how desperate Rumford is, let's investigate the organization which sounds like a group that has made a living off desperate people. Second, Rumford's businesses are dependent upon its working population which has been reduced dramatically over the years. A most important reason the businesses are doing poorly is because of this. As Norway and Farmington have much more to offer, it will not help Rumford to continue along the same lines with its businesses. However, let's investigate "Fast Forward Restart." Last, how much money do Rumford taxpayers kick in?
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
How many more articles is
How many more articles is the S-J going to print with the tears, grief and bitterness of those in the No group? Seems the Yes group is not getting the same coverage.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
I am a Democrat who supports
I am a Democrat who supports Sen. Snowe's trigger for the public option if the private insurers do not bring down costs.
I do not support universal health care for people who take little or no care of their health. I do not support universal health care when it is underwritten by reducing Medicare.
I have not heard enough during this debate about the fact that medical treatment is more expensive than ever because of costly new technology which continues to improve, and help patients in ways never possible in the past. It is going to continue to be costly as we improve and invent new technology.
We also do not have a strong enough movement for individuals to take their health care seriously in a preventive way. The bottom line is we have responsibility for our own health first and must act accordingly relative to diet and exercise.
And, corporations must stop selling the easy life to citizens in order to keep them sloth-minded consumers so that they think nothing of poor diet and little exercise. Those in the health care industry, from doctors to hospitals, who pad their bills also need better oversight.
The cure for the health care system is in everyone's hands, not just the government's.
As far as I am concerned, however, the most important issue in the health care situation now is that we need individuals taking care of their health with diet and exercise. This will help reduce costs.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
A Mainer, an American, has
A Mainer, an American, has to feel secure that Senator Snowe will think as she works for Mainers, and Americans, in Congress. I am proud as a voting Mainer of Senator Snowe for her willingness to try to work in a bipartisan manner. As a Democrat, I wish more Democrats, and Republicans, did the same.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Right on the mark. However,
Right on the mark. However, let us not forget in this healthcare debate that the individual has a responsibility for maintaining his or her health and those who are lax can drive up the cost of healthcare. But, you are right on the mark with this editorial.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Rumford has some good
Rumford has some good directions but others not very good. The blue ox is not significant when the Rumford Selectmen and the Rumford Finance Committee have ignored the paper mill's future demise as others have closed around the state and then "suddenly" this year had to hike citizens' taxes because of their denial of reality. Rumford's leaders placed the burden on the taxpayers as they refused to face and plan for the future. Certainly this is of more note for the S-J than the stationing of a blue ox?
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
We have known for some time
We have known for some time here in Rumford that the paper mill would probably be going the way of others in the state. Yet, nothing was done by selectmen even after discussion at meetings which I attended. There was no preparation by any group of selectmen. Talk of budget reduction by selectmen focused on the fire department instead of reduction across the board. For some reason, facing reality was not an option. Well, here is reality.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
I do not support all of
I do not support all of Pres. Obama's goals, I would like to make that clear before continuing. I am afraid, however, that this is the deep-seated racism of a lot of Americans coming to the surface. There has been too much vitriolic opposition like this to Pres. Obama and his programs by Republican representatives and their supporters, the conservatives, who are not tolerant people and never have been. I think this is a fearful direction that many Americans are taking.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Thank you for this op-ed
Thank you for this op-ed piece. Having spent a month and a half in a Maine nursing home daily with my wife, I know how valuable they are and also how important it is to fund them so people get the care they need. Those who are voting for reform should spend a month in a nursing home before they make the decision: then they will know what people need. Again, thank you.
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.
Where did Sheldon and Day
Where did Sheldon and Day work? Where did Sheldon and Day come from to Rumford? Many new people have come to Rumford in the past few years, but there are no jobs here. The town is in an economic depression, but still people come. One must ask why people are coming to the town. And, has their presence contributed to an increase in crime? Elder citizens are nervous about the newcomers who do not have jobs and live off the freebies. Should they be?
Speak as rationally as possible, recognizing human beings are not always rational.