Lewiston city officials need to learn to live within their means. Until something is done to expand the tax base by attracting business and working people to this deteriorating city, the school and municipal budgets simply need to be less. It is unfair to expect the current residents to finance a tax increase approaching 10% […]
Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
Aimee Ranger: Lewiston school budget deserves approval
I ask fellow Lewiston community members to consider voting “yes” on the school budget Tuesday, July 9. If they have been voting no on the budget, I understand the impulse to cut costs — I do it all the time as a mom navigating the impossible cost of living. The cheapest pound of butter at […]
Clarence Page: Pope Francis believes the world needs to laugh more. He’s right
As an experienced class clown who long has felt the power of comedy to be vastly underappreciated, I was more than tickled to hear that Pope Francis had invited more than 100 comedians to an audience at the Vatican.
Rudolph Ziehm: Critiques of recent conservative columns
I’m wondering if Cal Thomas is senile. Last week he preached economic disaster, as the U.S.A. makes the fastest recovery in the free world. In the Sunday paper he says the left is plotting to challenge Trump’s policies, if he wins. Ridiculous; no proof. Does Thomas really believe, as Donald Trump promises retribution, the Jan. […]
Janice Cardoza: Beal offers broad experience, vision to House District 81
I would like to tell people about Joan Beal, who is running for representative of Maine House District 81. I have known Joan for 15 years, as we are both members of the First Universalist Church Norway, where we have worked together on several committees. Joan has been involved in a number of community service […]
Linsay Lee: Lewiston needs thriving public schools
I am a multilingual teacher going into my seventh year serving the students of Lewiston public schools. I am a homeowner in Lewiston, and a new mother who has chosen to raise my family in this great city. Editor, I am frustrated. It seems that my fellow residents don’t care enough about the quality of […]
Rich Lowry: The triumph of “The Blues Brothers”
“The Blues Brothers” is a key piece of American popular culture, holds up well even today, and did much to revive the careers of such blues greats as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Cab Calloway, who made cameos.
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce names new executive director
BETHEL — The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce has named Bobbi Vandenbulcke its new executive director. Vandenbulcke has been with the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce for 17 years, serving as director of membership and partnerships. As executive director, Vandenbulcke will focus on engaging members, promoting economic development, and reaching out to the community. She […]