Watching the video of President Biden’s remarks in Maui, his continuing confusion, his inappropriate jokes and attempts to identify with the pain Maui residents feel is painful in itself.
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.
Rich Lowry: Trump creates a spin-off
Vivek Ramaswamy is making history as the first presidential candidate to be in the tank for his leading opponent.
Ben Lounsbury: Auburn needs a new mayor
I sat next to Jeff Harmon when I was gathering petition signatures to keep Lake Auburn clean, and he was gathering signatures to improve the rezoning process along Court Street. This year, I have been driving Jeff Harmon on his door-to-door election rounds. I am impressed with his ability to engage all types of people […]
Joe Pelliccia: Support for Portland-to-Auburn recreational trail
I am writing to support converting the Berlin Subdivision/St. Lawrence and Atlantic rail corridor to a multi-use trail linking Portland and Auburn. The Maine Department of Transportation has recommended holding off on making a decision about how to proceed with this state-owned corridor. Options include removing the rails and building a multipurpose trail for hikers, […]
Sen. Russell Black: Maine’s Broadband Action Plan makes contradictory claims
As our state outlines its initial plan to allocate federal broadband expansion funds, we must be diligent in identifying which Mainers have the greatest need and prioritizing funding towards these regions first. In the initial draft Broadband Action Plan provided by the Maine Connectivity Authority, there are contradictory claims regarding which regions of our state […]
Philip Blampied: Cash toll booths may have become a revenue trap
Small towns along state roads have been notorious for adding to their coffers with speed traps. Now, the Maine Turnpike Authority may be setting up a revenue trap with a new policy at its cash toll booths. Once, if the booth were unattended, drivers got a free pass. Signs would indicate to keep going. Now, […]
Mary Jipson: Swimming pool provides life-saving skills, isn’t a luxury
I am writing in support of the city of Auburn using unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds, fund balance from bond funds and other potential grant funds towards a community pool. I have worked with children and families in this community for more than 30 years at a non-profit that had a pool, as well […]
In rebuttal: Robert Reed: Necessities were more affordable under Trump than Biden
I write in response to Ellen Field’s letter (“Tired of Trump, Trump, Trump,” Aug. 17). Ellen should know that those of us needing to work and pay our own bills while preparing for retirement tend to monitor our finances more closely. From 2017-20 my home heating costs averaged $1,925 a year. In 2022, I saw […]
Bob Neal: The Countryman: What America has lost in 60 years
On Aug. 28, 1963, a quarter of a million people rallied at the Lincoln Memorial for the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” On Wednesday, eight Republicans who would be president debated in Milwaukee. One event displayed accountability, the other its absence.