On Wednesday night when the Auburn School Committee passed a budget with a 5 percent increase, Ron Potvin of the Small Property Owners of Auburn complained that the membership is opposed.

They want a smaller, 3 percent increase in the budget.

And they want a break in taxes.

At that, committee member Bonnie Hayes asked how many members there are. Potvin answered 600.

“You have 600 people in your group?” Hayes asked in disbelief.

“I haven’t seen one-tenth of the 600 people sitting here.” Where are they, she asked.

Potvin said more than 200 are senior citizens who “really don’t want to be bothered with coming here having to voice the obvious.”

Others are single mothers who would have to pay baby sitters to attend. Still others work the night shifts. “What do they do?” Potvin asked.

Hayes didn’t seem impressed.

She said she received a call from a nice senior citizen who called her to say the committee was doing a good job and “keep going. I believe in education for my grandchildren.”

After tax bills go up again this year, Potvin said he wants to know if that senior will say the same thing. – Bonnie Washuk

Snowe talks cancer with survivor Lance Armstrong

When you’re a U.S. senator you get to meet cool people.

On Tuesday, Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, met with cyclist Lance Armstrong in her D.C. office.

According to Snowe’s press office, the two talked about how Congress and organizations can better work together to improve cancer survivorship for everyone through prevention, research, and early detection methods.

Among their topics was the proposed Cancer Screening, Treatment, and Survivorship Act of 2007 with Armstrong that aims to increase cancer survivorship through enhanced treatment options and health services.

According to a submitted picture, Armstrong wasn’t wearing his cycling gear; he was sporting a jacket and tie.

In 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer and soon discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs and brain. After learning he had a 50 percent chance of survival, Armstrong began intense surgery and chemotherapy.

Three years later in 1999, Armstrong achieved his first Tour de France title and has held the record with seven victories. Snowe said Armstrong’s story is “remarkable, and should be an inspiration to all Americans who have battled through cancer or know someone who has.”

For more information, go to the Armstrong Foundation: www.livestrong.org. – Bonnie Washuk