In an admirably forthright, clear-eyed statement, Republican Geoff Duncan, former lieutenant governor of Georgia, recently declared, “This November, I am voting for a decent person I disagree with on policy over a criminal defendant without a moral compass.” And Tony Schwartz, who ghostwrote “Trump: The Art of the Deal” (1987), also considers him beneath the […]
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.
Lou Giard: Hope for a better future for all people
As an 85-year-old grandfather I am disappointed in our generation, for not doing our best to leave this world in a better shape. People are having to work too hard now to make a living. We should be working to live, not living to work. I wonder about capitalism and the American dream. We are […]
Bob Neal: The Countryman: At the end of a tough winter
I’m not done writing, but I’m changing lanes. I have two books in mind and have been slowly, too slowly, working on one, a compilation of my columns, opting for those with long shelf life.
Harold Smith: Rep. Libby ‘fights for all of us’
I have been a lifelong resident of Maine. Sadly, I have watched our state deteriorate into something I don’t recognize anymore. We need to change the direction of our state, and Rep. Laurel Libby is the person that can do it. I have been watching her stand up for the people. I have watched her […]
Dave Duguay: Keim well prepared for Oxford County Commission
I’m writing to endorse our state Senate Minority Leader Lisa Keim for the Oxford County Commission seat, District 2. The knowledge and experience Lisa has gained in state government has well prepared her for the role of county commissioner. Dedicated in her service to our communities, Sen. Keim is known to be smart, hard-working and […]
Bob Macdonald: Govern Lewiston by hard fiscal numbers, not wish lists
Three weeks ago, Lewiston schools Superintendent Jake Langlais presented next year’s $110 million school budget. This is a 10% increase over the current budget. This was met by the mayor and City Council — not with disbelief — but a standing ovation. Last week Lewiston’s council approved this year’s mil (tax) rate, at an assessed […]
Michael Rifkin: Casco Bay Trail deserves support from Lewiston, Auburn
The Casco Bay Trail is a proposed multi-use trail loop through Auburn, Brunswick, Cumberland, Durham, Falmouth, Freeport, Lewiston, Lisbon, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Portland, Pownal and Yarmouth. The envisioned trail would be 72 miles in length. It would connect existing trails and link the multiple communities involved. It would provide an option for active transportation […]
Froma Harrop: America needs more schools like De La Salle Academy
The educational needs that schools like De La Salle Academy fill are enormous. There has to be a way to grow this model.