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.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Rep. Sheila Lyman: 988 suicide hotline bill close to becoming reality
In the 131st Legislature, I submitted a bipartisan bill, L.D. 1263, to help save the lives of students. It adds the 988 number for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline to school ID cards and requires all public and charter schools and all public and private universities that already issue student IDs to include the 988 […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Joshua Nagine: ‘Mayor Sheline is invested in Lewiston’s present and future’
I’ll be casting my vote for Carl Sheline in Lewiston’s mayoral runoff, and I encourage others to as well. Mayor Sheline has done much more than just his job for the past two years. A staunch advocate for our city as Lewiston’s “head cheerleader,” he has worn through a couple thousand miles of shoe leather […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Arthur Wing: Repeal Maine’s monopoly law on mental health services
Tragic events in our community have made it clear: shortages of mental health services have reached a crisis point. So why do we still have monopoly laws that block the expansion of mental health services? It is time for reform — and Rep. Laurel Libby has submitted legislation in Augusta to make a difference. Here […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Neal: The Countryman: How the news media can help save democracy
On the wall, I see handwriting that says our traditional standard of “straight reporting,” and the neutrality that comes with it, no longer win the public’s esteem.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: All food on the table comes from a farm. Right?
The label is problematic. For starters, logic states that it could be applied to just about any ingredient that makes its way onto one’s fork, spoon or fingers. After all, with the exception perhaps of mushrooms, some greens and a few hothouse items, all food comes from farms. The apple that sailed and was then trucked 8,000 miles from New Zealand to Minneapolis came from a farm.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Stan Tetenman: Dangerous Trump
Huey Long was the governor of Louisiana from 1928-1932. When a legislator accused him of doing things that were unconstitutional, he replied, “I’m the constitution around here now.” Donald Trump has said he wants to ignore our Constitution. He said he wants to purge current government employees and replace them with those loyal to him. […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
David Chittim: Sheline would continue good works if reelected mayor
Carl Sheline is a steadfast advocate for and promoter of the city of Lewiston. As a local business owner, he is vitally and personally interested in the economic well-being of the city. His near-daily presence downtown and his accessibility are hallmarks of his term as mayor, which saw many of his innovative initiatives stymied by […]
