Cheers and jeers from around the news:



• Cheers to a $20 “Rescue Card” for hikers. Legislation from Rep. Tom Saviello, an independent from Wilton, has broached this idea. It’s a novel answer for an evergreen problem – rescuing unprepared or reckless people from the wilderness of Maine.

Accidents happen in the Great Outdoors, and the state should have means and equipment necessary to react. Too often, however, rescues are needed not because of unforeseen circumstances, but because common sense preparations were not taken.

Saviello says his bill should start a conversation on this issue. The conclusion should be development of policies and programs that put greater responsibility for safety on those who enjoy Maine’s outdoors, and not just those who monitor and police them.

• Jeers to the “As the Puck Turns” drama that’s unfolded around the Lewiston Maineiacs. The team’s inability to move to Canada, despite its declared intention to do so, and its owner’s public criticism of local fan support has placed the franchise in limbo.

We never wanted the team to leave. But now, with other hockey franchises expressing an interest in making Lewiston their home, the Maineiacs – if they remain – will have to rebuild their relationship with a loyal fandom that’s supported the team well over the past six years.

A good start would be signing a long-term deal to stay in Lewiston, with reasonable terms that reflect the realities of this particular franchise and this market. Fans deserve to know their team is here for the duration, not the moment, or not until a better deal comes along.

We all know sports is a business. Well, good public relations and a commitment to loyal customers – the fans – are sound business principles.

• Cheers to removing an odd exemption that lets hospitals escape paying property taxes on their leased buildings. No other nonprofit entity is afforded this same exemption, and after 35 years on the books, it is time for it to come off.

The issue is not money, but fairness. Hospitals are not only providers of important care, but also major employers and property owners and occupiers in many communities, just like a variety of other organizations. Being exempt from taxes on leased property is a unique perk for them that should be either applied broadly, or not at all.

There’s now debate in Augusta about how to repeal this exemption. Our advice?

Just do it.

• And finally, jeers to this dichotomy: The same day $69 million was announced for weatherization in Maine, news emerged that Formed Fiber Technologies in Auburn had laid off 152 people – half its work force. There was much rejoicing about these weatherizing funds, and they are much needed.

But it won’t replace those jobs at Formed Fiber. Although the stimulus plans to do great things, its primary goal – keeping Mainers working – must not be overlooked.