The prospect of “earning” billions of dollars over time is driving the current owners of Central Maine Power and Versant to fight tooth and nail to maintain control. Regulators guarantee these monopolies generous rates of return on equity invested as recompense for their services. In addition, they are allowed to defer a significant amount of […]
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.
Marc Gosselin: Those in power should be representing Maine people
Whether or not voters agree or disagree with the upcoming vote on the electrical issue, it is generally known that government is not good at managing. Period. We need the citizens of Maine to control who and what entity is in control. The Public Utilities Commission? Interesting … isn’t that supposed to represent the citizens […]
Kip Elliott: Auburn must continue its momentum with Mayor Levesque
I enthusiastically support Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque for reelection. We must continue the momentum and not revert to stagnation. Through his powerful and vibrant leadership, future generations will have a thriving community to call home. To ensure Auburn’s future growth, Mayor Levesque recognized Auburn’s need for more housing to attract new residents. His innovative plans […]
Celia McGuckian: Smith would listen to residents’ concerns as Auburn councilor
This past year, I attended several meetings of the Auburn City Council, Planning Board and other organizations. I was shocked to witness, behind the scenes, behaviors not seen since grade school. It was disturbing to see questionable changes bullied through despite well-documented arguments and pleas to the contrary of hundreds of Auburn residents, like Ryan […]
Jane Morrison: Cowan would be ‘a great asset’ to Auburn council
Tim Cowan is an excellent candidate for Auburn’s Ward 2 City Council seat. He is forthright, honest and will be available to listen to Auburn residents. Tim has lived here for 23 years, and he has been a solid contributor to our community as president of Community Little Theatre and as chair of the Healthy […]
Peter van Oosten: Mainers face major question about electricity supply net
In November we are facing a major question about who controls and operates our electricity supply net. The point is raised, among others, by our governor, that the proposed board to oversee the electricity net operators would be another layer of control, a burden on the consumers. This is a short-sighted view. The point of […]
Rep. Rick Mason: Youth hunting days offer ‘a great opportunity’
As the seasons start to change, leaves start to turn, and weather starts getting colder, it is hard for me to not think about deer hunting season. I am an avid deer hunter and the House Republican lead on the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. During this legislative session, our committee worked […]
Curtis Jack: Chittim brings integrity, honor as Lewiston council candidate
I am proud to write this letter in support of David Chittim, candidate for Lewiston’s City Council representing Ward 6. I have known David for 40 years, and I have long admired his civic involvement in many capacities and his willingness to give his time and talents to numerous boards, committees and organizations in our […]
Darren Hartley: Beauparlant an honest, committed advocate for Lewiston
I write in support of Paul Beauparlant for the Lewiston School Committee Ward 7 seat. Having known Paul for most of my professional career as a teacher/coach/business owner, I have always been impressed with the way Paul treats people. He is sincere, objective and honest to a fault. His pragmatic approach to problem solving and […]