We hope Lewiston residents will join us in voting for the reelection of Mayor Carl Sheline. Everyone we talk to agrees that Mayor Carl has done an excellent job representing the citizens of Lewiston. He sincerely cares about every resident in this city. But it takes more than talk to assure his election. He needs […]
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.
In rebuttal: Paul and Cynthia Stancioff: Op-ed’s dismissal of heat pumps skipped some facts
Good news about climate solutions is always welcome, so it was encouraging to encounter Les Otten’s piece (“The efficiency of local heat,” Dec. 3) about his personal and professional favorite heat source: wood pellets. Sadly, however, his airy dismissal of heat pumps in favor of pellet stoves skipped over a few facts that complicate the […]
Bob Mennealy: Assault weapons ban for public is common sense
I heartily applaud U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s change of heart on banning assault weapon sales after the Lewiston mass shooting. When I was young and healthy I was an avid hunter of both deer and ducks, neither of which required the use of an assault weapon. Banning assault weapon sales to the public, which was […]
Cal Thomas: Let them eat chicken
Facts from real experts, not more militancy, is what we need. Avoid believing a “scientific consensus” on climate change.
Bob Neal: The Countryman: A hope for the future after us
The kids who played basketball in Portland and the kids who sang and played instruments in Decorah thrive. But we are failing millions, literally, of others.
Auburn health agency names new human resources director
AUBURN — Health Affiliates Maine has promoted Michelle Elwell to director of human resources. Elwell has been with the behavioral health organization for five years, first as HR manager and then as assistant director of human resources. Her breadth of HR experience across the labor, hospitality, and healthcare industries has been an asset to the […]
Rebekah Lynch: Federal permitting process needs reform
Moving business and economic development efforts forward across the state in a timely, efficient manner is important. In order to accomplish that we need a little assistance from our federal lawmakers in Washington. Given her leadership role in Congress and long history of doing what is right for Maine residents and businesses, Sen. Susan Collins […]
Froma Harrop: What happens if anti-vaxxers just face the consequences?
Measles used to kill up to 500 people a year, while polio left more than 15,000 paralyzed. Parts of America that stop requiring vaccinations will be turning their clocks back to an unhappy past.
Renee Cote: Development near Lake Auburn is ‘déjà vu all over again’
It’s déjà vu all over again with development close to the lake. In March 2022, the Auburn City Council voted to take 120 acres out of Agricultural and Resource Protection zoning to General Business zoning and move the watershed boundary line closer to the lake. A successful citizen petition drive to repeal the rezoning was […]