I guess that Mr. Vigue doesn't have access to the fine newspaper that I have, where he could place the timing of the cover-up to the impatient, antagonizing actions of the Gov. towards the Appropriations Committee. This, while they attempted to do what they are charged to do using accurate figures confirmed by the non-partisan Office of Fiscal and Program Review. If I could ignore the firings by LePage of numerous, equally dedicated and professional public servants as Mayhew, and the aggressive negative attacks on the Exec. Director of MSHA, I would say, "okay, let's move on and give her another chance". Taking a lesson from 1987, anyone can be replaced. Don't let the door hit you in the behind on your way out.
* Dear Editor, You have on several occasions returned my letters to the editor because they were a little to long. Did you check the word count on Mr. Vigue's letter? What gives?
Thank you for looking beyond the rhetoric for a bit, though I must say your board seems more bipolar than bipartisan at times. This is a good editorial that connects the personal economics to health care. Too many Mainers continue to struggle at the lower levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Securing food, housing, heat and safety are difficult even though people are working. The letters providing testimony are interesting. You might consider posting some of the testimony of the Chamber of Commerce and NFIB that they provide to committees on a regular basis to undermine the value of Maine's workforce. Decisions have been focused on reducing future costs and progress is undermined by the shortsighted efforts by our governor. Thank you again for this editorial.
I see your point but I think within each county the vote would still go to candidates within the more populated areas. Probably the county seats but not necessarily. If that were even constitutional as you point out. My comments were aimed at the past attempts to reduce the overall size of the legislature. The real work of the legislature takes place at the committee level, in my opinion, and more representation is better than less.
The Editorial Board has it wrong again. The issue isn't communication it's still about representation. You will widen the 'Two Maine' divide and the input of regular Maine citizens who are fishermen, foresters, and other rural folk will be reduced. More power to the cities and the 95 corridor. People representing towns like Buckfield, Industry, Salem, and Wallagrass, for example, should be opposed. Please consider the maps that you published for the so-called health insurance reforms that highlighted the losers. Your dream is my nightmare.
Another lengthy Christie exposé about nothing. Sure, more disclosure is a good idea and it could even start with a little more detail in the House and Senate Register. The article misleads readers to the wrong assumptions as posted. Christie and Schalit point to Brannigan who has been elected and re-elected for more than a dozen terms and has served his constituents well. Go to http://shalomhouseinc.org/index.htm and see how the money is used, as it is to pay providers throughout the state, to provide for our Maine citizens. Bruno is an astute businessman. He also brought his expertise to the table to the benefit of Mainers. Would the authors boost farmers from the Ag Comm.? Fisherman from the Marine Resources Comm.? Business people from the whatever they call that committee these days? Educators from the Ed. Comm.? And so on. The Legislature operates under Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure. Sec. 522 states: “The right of members to represent their constituencies, however, is of such major importance that members should be barred from voting on matters of direct personal interest only in clear cases and when the matter is particularly personal” (p. 354). Brannigan, Bruno and Lerman I know are good people and public servants and don’t deserve the “misleading and sensationalist” (thanks Mr. Morin) slander as presented in this article.
The area known as Livermore was settled in the 1770's as Port Royal, and derived its name from Deacon Elijah Livermore, one of the first settlers in the area. The town of Livermore was incorporated in 1795, with a county line running through the middle based on the Androscoggin River. West of the river was part of Oxford County and east of the river was part of Kennebec County. The town of East Livermore was incorporated March 1, 1844, was set off from Kennebec county on March 31, 1854, to create Androscoggin County, and eventually came to be known as Livermore Falls Village. Source: http://www.lfme.org/history.html
Too bad we can't view the data for northern Androscoggin and a good part of Franklin County. Also, Livermore is on the left, Livermore Falls is on the right, there is a river between them. I'm not blaming the S-J, this time.
The S-J should use a different photo every now and then. Or start charging the Maine GOP for advertising space, or ad the script saying "this ad paid for by the S-J."
Thank you for making the effort to acknowledge workers on Labor Day. I was grateful to see a couple articles related to the real meaning of the day and not childbirth articles of the past.
I believe that,§8072, "Legislative review of major substantive rules" was adopted to prevent state agencies from implementing rules with the power of law without input from the committees of jurisdiction. The Gov's people already have oversight of all dept. operations. Does this action by Gov. LePage undermine the legislature's final say on major rulemaking? The committees hear first hand public testimony not just concerns from the Gov.'s friends.
I remember Ms Gallivan working with Sawin Millett during the King Administration at the Dept. of MHMRSAS. I remember her as an honest, dedicated individual with the needs of the people she was charged to serve at heart. Always a difficult task with limited resources and growing demands and expectations. I hope she was not excluded from the Gov.'s pension incentive. Good luck to all of them and thank you for your service to the State of Maine.
I think that this is just one of the hats that Dana wears. When I called on him a few years ago he was the expert on laws pertaining to dams and had experience dealing with dam owners and people who were upset by dam owners. He got the calls for high lake levels and low lake levels. MEMA got the responsibility because we thought they would have the clout to force the repairs in the name of public safety. That's just my opinion, I have been out of the loop for a few years.
From the leader of emergency planning in Maine, McAleer's comments are troubling and I think that Dana Murch's assessment is probably right. The owners of these dams have the responsibility to maintain these dams and all of the focus shouldn't just be on MEMA. There are many dams that once produced electricity, mechanical power or were used to move wood from the forest to the mills, not so much for flood control. Today, the dams are more important for maintaining lake levels and property values for lakefront camps and homes. Force some of these dams through the dam abandonment process and you'll see who has a vested interest in maintenance, or just wait for the dam failure.
The SJ should look at the good work that Chief's Hussey and Dennett have done for their communities, their mutual aid towns, area counties, firefighter training, preparedness for the worst incidents and meeting the demands of OSHA, ISO, budgets, training schedules, homeland security, and let's not forget actual emergency calls. When I was Fire Chief for Livermore, these two men were among the most decent, giving, selfless and always working to improve safety for our firefighters and our community. They raised the bar on professionalism. Everyone knows the burden of the paperwork involved and if the Maine Dept. of Labor has not issued them any fines in the last few years, you can be assured they are doing just fine. Cheap shot by Hines without regard to the demands on small town public servants. I extend my support and appreciation for these two fine leaders in the Maine Fire Service. Jeers to Mr. Hines.
McKernan did it, International Paper did it and now LePage is on the attack against Maine workers. "New York lawyer" does create an image for me of a management team that has no intention to bargain in good faith. Newspaper owners should be concerned about using words to create images? I guess you will have to can LaFlamme. (Though that may sound like I'm giving him credit for his writing.)
There must be someone that does think they know better than you what a great guy he is! : )
He's a straight shooter so it's not impossible that during his years of enforcing the rules he offended someone. I hope you won't let one person's disrespect dampen your good feelings about the article. We know better.
I think Clyde Ross might be the most genuine and decent person that I have ever met. A great role model for firefighters, students and all-around good citizen. Thanks Donna for another positive story. I needed that.
Shame on artworks that create emotion! I suppose the SJ could ask the Dept of Environmental Protection to remove paintings/photos) of wildlife or forests and replace them with pictures of bulldozers,clearcuts and perhaps some foam plumes in the Androscoggin River from Mr. Chisolm's factories to be balanced.
The fisherman and the farmer made it onto the state flag. Though certainly farming and fishing is hard work, I think the family farmers and the fishing boat owners these days would be covered in the business owner category.
As people join in to trash unions, think about about many people you know that are working for less than minimum wage; have a disabling workplace injury without worker's compensation; work at a job that doesn't have safe equipment and safe workplace, health and safety rules; or were laid off and didn't have unemployment insurance.
Leave the artwork alone and stop the demogoguery.
If this is an economically feasible project, why don't they pay for it themselves? How does this South African transnational corporation stand in the line for corporate handouts at the socialist trough ahead of our own Maine-based small-businesses?
As a member of the Legislature at the time I also thought the idea was crazy when I first heard it. I tried to keep an open mind though and was convinced by Gov. King and other leaders from all parties. Though the idea seemed doomed at times, supporters were successful in hopes of achieving positive results as described in Lynn Ouellette's comments. As a current college student I can see first hand how the recipients of these computers have benefitted as they organize, research, network and present their ideas and knowledge in the classroom. They are so comfortable with these tools they probably think nothing of how MLTI removed many geographic and demographic barriers that might have been. I'm glad the SJ did this follow-up.
"He believes that any Maine worker that wants to be part of a union ought to have the opportunity to do that," Demeritt said.
I'm expecting another memo to correct the misinformation that is being put out. (By Demeritt or the Gov. himself.)
As a paid subscriber to the Sun Journal, I appreciate being able to check a story online a times and especially the ability to quickly share an article with friends. I have written and had letters to the editor published with my name attached. I have provided information and opinion. I agree with the new policy to require the same online. Due to the good work of Ben Franklin and others, Silence Dogood would be able to sign his own name today. As a paying customer I approve of the change to encourage legitimate discussion. If nobody ever commented again online I would still be happy to have a good news report from good journalists such as Donna Perry and others.
I hope the country mice will resist the move to reduce the number of representatives. Should we just sign up now to send our tax dollars for schools to the city near you? It's important to have a diverse make-up of reps. to reflect the diverse occupations across the state. Fewer reps will just make it more like the Senate. More power in the hands of a few. Not better.
I'm sure the headline meant to say State Representative or Senator-Elect. Walter Gooley is still the current Senator until the new Legislature is sworn in. Just saying. It's good that both are okay.
Nice story. Expecting a legitimate Labor Day tribute I read the whole article hoping that you might possibly lead to information on EMS personnel, such as, hours worked, pay, benefits, hazards presented by bloodborne pathogens, roadway incidents, drunk and/or dangerous patients. Surely the SJ would keep with their tradition to recognize the contributions of working people. Happy Mother's Day!
Recent Comments
'news' paper
I guess that Mr. Vigue doesn't have access to the fine newspaper that I have, where he could place the timing of the cover-up to the impatient, antagonizing actions of the Gov. towards the Appropriations Committee. This, while they attempted to do what they are charged to do using accurate figures confirmed by the non-partisan Office of Fiscal and Program Review. If I could ignore the firings by LePage of numerous, equally dedicated and professional public servants as Mayhew, and the aggressive negative attacks on the Exec. Director of MSHA, I would say, "okay, let's move on and give her another chance". Taking a lesson from 1987, anyone can be replaced. Don't let the door hit you in the behind on your way out.
* Dear Editor, You have on several occasions returned my letters to the editor because they were a little to long. Did you check the word count on Mr. Vigue's letter? What gives?
Thank you.
Thank you for looking beyond the rhetoric for a bit, though I must say your board seems more bipolar than bipartisan at times. This is a good editorial that connects the personal economics to health care. Too many Mainers continue to struggle at the lower levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Securing food, housing, heat and safety are difficult even though people are working. The letters providing testimony are interesting. You might consider posting some of the testimony of the Chamber of Commerce and NFIB that they provide to committees on a regular basis to undermine the value of Maine's workforce. Decisions have been focused on reducing future costs and progress is undermined by the shortsighted efforts by our governor. Thank you again for this editorial.
by County
I see your point but I think within each county the vote would still go to candidates within the more populated areas. Probably the county seats but not necessarily. If that were even constitutional as you point out. My comments were aimed at the past attempts to reduce the overall size of the legislature. The real work of the legislature takes place at the committee level, in my opinion, and more representation is better than less.
Representation
The Editorial Board has it wrong again. The issue isn't communication it's still about representation. You will widen the 'Two Maine' divide and the input of regular Maine citizens who are fishermen, foresters, and other rural folk will be reduced. More power to the cities and the 95 corridor. People representing towns like Buckfield, Industry, Salem, and Wallagrass, for example, should be opposed. Please consider the maps that you published for the so-called health insurance reforms that highlighted the losers. Your dream is my nightmare.
Much ado
Another lengthy Christie exposé about nothing. Sure, more disclosure is a good idea and it could even start with a little more detail in the House and Senate Register. The article misleads readers to the wrong assumptions as posted. Christie and Schalit point to Brannigan who has been elected and re-elected for more than a dozen terms and has served his constituents well. Go to http://shalomhouseinc.org/index.htm and see how the money is used, as it is to pay providers throughout the state, to provide for our Maine citizens. Bruno is an astute businessman. He also brought his expertise to the table to the benefit of Mainers. Would the authors boost farmers from the Ag Comm.? Fisherman from the Marine Resources Comm.? Business people from the whatever they call that committee these days? Educators from the Ed. Comm.? And so on. The Legislature operates under Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure. Sec. 522 states: “The right of members to represent their constituencies, however, is of such major importance that members should be barred from voting on matters of direct personal interest only in clear cases and when the matter is particularly personal” (p. 354). Brannigan, Bruno and Lerman I know are good people and public servants and don’t deserve the “misleading and sensationalist” (thanks Mr. Morin) slander as presented in this article.
MSHA
Merci beaucoup, Senator Craven.
Got a map?
The area known as Livermore was settled in the 1770's as Port Royal, and derived its name from Deacon Elijah Livermore, one of the first settlers in the area. The town of Livermore was incorporated in 1795, with a county line running through the middle based on the Androscoggin River. West of the river was part of Oxford County and east of the river was part of Kennebec County. The town of East Livermore was incorporated March 1, 1844, was set off from Kennebec county on March 31, 1854, to create Androscoggin County, and eventually came to be known as Livermore Falls Village. Source: http://www.lfme.org/history.html
nice map
Too bad we can't view the data for northern Androscoggin and a good part of Franklin County. Also, Livermore is on the left, Livermore Falls is on the right, there is a river between them. I'm not blaming the S-J, this time.
Madame President
C'est magnifique!
paid for by
The S-J should use a different photo every now and then. Or start charging the Maine GOP for advertising space, or ad the script saying "this ad paid for by the S-J."
S-J ink
Thank you for making the effort to acknowledge workers on Labor Day. I was grateful to see a couple articles related to the real meaning of the day and not childbirth articles of the past.
Major and substantative rules
I believe that,§8072, "Legislative review of major substantive rules" was adopted to prevent state agencies from implementing rules with the power of law without input from the committees of jurisdiction. The Gov's people already have oversight of all dept. operations. Does this action by Gov. LePage undermine the legislature's final say on major rulemaking? The committees hear first hand public testimony not just concerns from the Gov.'s friends.
Jane Gallivan
I remember Ms Gallivan working with Sawin Millett during the King Administration at the Dept. of MHMRSAS. I remember her as an honest, dedicated individual with the needs of the people she was charged to serve at heart. Always a difficult task with limited resources and growing demands and expectations. I hope she was not excluded from the Gov.'s pension incentive. Good luck to all of them and thank you for your service to the State of Maine.
Dana Murch
I think that this is just one of the hats that Dana wears. When I called on him a few years ago he was the expert on laws pertaining to dams and had experience dealing with dam owners and people who were upset by dam owners. He got the calls for high lake levels and low lake levels. MEMA got the responsibility because we thought they would have the clout to force the repairs in the name of public safety. That's just my opinion, I have been out of the loop for a few years.
Ownership & responsibility
From the leader of emergency planning in Maine, McAleer's comments are troubling and I think that Dana Murch's assessment is probably right. The owners of these dams have the responsibility to maintain these dams and all of the focus shouldn't just be on MEMA. There are many dams that once produced electricity, mechanical power or were used to move wood from the forest to the mills, not so much for flood control. Today, the dams are more important for maintaining lake levels and property values for lakefront camps and homes. Force some of these dams through the dam abandonment process and you'll see who has a vested interest in maintenance, or just wait for the dam failure.
No good deed...
The SJ should look at the good work that Chief's Hussey and Dennett have done for their communities, their mutual aid towns, area counties, firefighter training, preparedness for the worst incidents and meeting the demands of OSHA, ISO, budgets, training schedules, homeland security, and let's not forget actual emergency calls. When I was Fire Chief for Livermore, these two men were among the most decent, giving, selfless and always working to improve safety for our firefighters and our community. They raised the bar on professionalism. Everyone knows the burden of the paperwork involved and if the Maine Dept. of Labor has not issued them any fines in the last few years, you can be assured they are doing just fine. Cheap shot by Hines without regard to the demands on small town public servants. I extend my support and appreciation for these two fine leaders in the Maine Fire Service. Jeers to Mr. Hines.
New York union-busting lawyers
McKernan did it, International Paper did it and now LePage is on the attack against Maine workers. "New York lawyer" does create an image for me of a management team that has no intention to bargain in good faith. Newspaper owners should be concerned about using words to create images? I guess you will have to can LaFlamme. (Though that may sound like I'm giving him credit for his writing.)
Marlene, I don't know...
There must be someone that does think they know better than you what a great guy he is! : )
He's a straight shooter so it's not impossible that during his years of enforcing the rules he offended someone. I hope you won't let one person's disrespect dampen your good feelings about the article. We know better.
Nice story
I think Clyde Ross might be the most genuine and decent person that I have ever met. A great role model for firefighters, students and all-around good citizen. Thanks Donna for another positive story. I needed that.
Fear Art
Shame on artworks that create emotion! I suppose the SJ could ask the Dept of Environmental Protection to remove paintings/photos) of wildlife or forests and replace them with pictures of bulldozers,clearcuts and perhaps some foam plumes in the Androscoggin River from Mr. Chisolm's factories to be balanced.
Precursor
I suppose we should have been prepared for this sort of thing after a teachers' labor poster was stolen at the Republican convention last year.
ART: The enemy or PCness?
The fisherman and the farmer made it onto the state flag. Though certainly farming and fishing is hard work, I think the family farmers and the fishing boat owners these days would be covered in the business owner category.
As people join in to trash unions, think about about many people you know that are working for less than minimum wage; have a disabling workplace injury without worker's compensation; work at a job that doesn't have safe equipment and safe workplace, health and safety rules; or were laid off and didn't have unemployment insurance.
Leave the artwork alone and stop the demogoguery.
Department of what?
I suppose we shall see the LePage Admin. holding book burnings at the State Library next.
Cost/benefit analysis
If this is an economically feasible project, why don't they pay for it themselves? How does this South African transnational corporation stand in the line for corporate handouts at the socialist trough ahead of our own Maine-based small-businesses?
Crazy idea...
As a member of the Legislature at the time I also thought the idea was crazy when I first heard it. I tried to keep an open mind though and was convinced by Gov. King and other leaders from all parties. Though the idea seemed doomed at times, supporters were successful in hopes of achieving positive results as described in Lynn Ouellette's comments. As a current college student I can see first hand how the recipients of these computers have benefitted as they organize, research, network and present their ideas and knowledge in the classroom. They are so comfortable with these tools they probably think nothing of how MLTI removed many geographic and demographic barriers that might have been. I'm glad the SJ did this follow-up.
One thing is accurate.
"right wing wacko"
Thank you
Thank you Mr. Fessenden. I always enjoy the respectful tone of your letters and wish others would follow your lead.
Governor LePage supports unions
"He believes that any Maine worker that wants to be part of a union ought to have the opportunity to do that," Demeritt said.
I'm expecting another memo to correct the misinformation that is being put out. (By Demeritt or the Gov. himself.)
Subscriber
As a paid subscriber to the Sun Journal, I appreciate being able to check a story online a times and especially the ability to quickly share an article with friends. I have written and had letters to the editor published with my name attached. I have provided information and opinion. I agree with the new policy to require the same online. Due to the good work of Ben Franklin and others, Silence Dogood would be able to sign his own name today. As a paying customer I approve of the change to encourage legitimate discussion. If nobody ever commented again online I would still be happy to have a good news report from good journalists such as Donna Perry and others.
Pause
Okay, pause. Now get on with it (consolidation)!
Good teacher
Very cool lesson, nice work Mr. Chandler!
Protect rural representation
I hope the country mice will resist the move to reduce the number of representatives. Should we just sign up now to send our tax dollars for schools to the city near you? It's important to have a diverse make-up of reps. to reflect the diverse occupations across the state. Fewer reps will just make it more like the Senate. More power in the hands of a few. Not better.
Accuracy
I'm sure the headline meant to say State Representative or Senator-Elect. Walter Gooley is still the current Senator until the new Legislature is sworn in. Just saying. It's good that both are okay.
S-J likes Kool-aid
You can put lipstick on a pig...
SJ's Labor Day Joke
Nice story. Expecting a legitimate Labor Day tribute I read the whole article hoping that you might possibly lead to information on EMS personnel, such as, hours worked, pay, benefits, hazards presented by bloodborne pathogens, roadway incidents, drunk and/or dangerous patients. Surely the SJ would keep with their tradition to recognize the contributions of working people. Happy Mother's Day!