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
Jimmy and Brenda McHugh: FDA should reconsider proposed menthol ban
We are proud Democrats and supporters of the Biden administration. But as menthol cigarette smokers, we are concerned about the Food & Drug Administration’s plan to ban menthol-flavored tobacco products. While we understand the intentions behind this initiative, in Maine we believe in the role of government but also believe government should have limited interference […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Neal: The Countryman: It’s all over but the divvying up
For all intents and purposes, the 131st Maine Legislature has finished its first session. All that remains is dividing up a few million dollars still available in a pair of record-setting budgets.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Monica Mann: Green burials provide literal return to the earth
Just as there continues to be increasing interest in generating less waste, less toxic contamination and living more eco friendly, this philosophy is now being extended to end-of-life considerations for green burials. This is not a new concept and is legal throughout the United States. To literally return to the earth in a respectful and […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: Is Elon’s problem simply loneliness?
At times the richest man on the planet, Elon Musk certainly has options. He’s already done remarkable things, such as supercharge the age of the electric vehicle and send rockets into space. Yet he chooses to pick public fights that offend his customers, while having negligible effect on public policy.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Johnette Lundy: Blind lead the blind in Maine
The headline in the Sun Journal last Sunday, July 9, stated that “Maine leans to the left as nation lurches right,” in reference to our state motto “Dirigo” (I lead). The article was about the Legislature passing bills that expand abortion and protect gender-affirming care in our state. “I lead” is still the appropriate motto […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Phyllis Deringis: Lives depend on Auburn road’s reconstruction
My neighbor Roland Bergeron brought attention to longstanding unsafe conditions on Merrow Road (“Auburn road is dangerous, needs reconstruction,” June 23) and called for action by city employees and leaders. Merrow Road consists of two distinct sections, the industrial park and our residential neighborhood. While the road in the industrial park is sub par, the […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rich Lowry: The joy of minor league baseball
In Portland, the ballpark staff is so cheerful and solicitous you almost wouldn’t be surprised if they invited you to come by their place for a clambake after the game.