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
Michael Boom: Don’t reward criminals who resist arrest
Our police officers’ jobs are hard enough, without the unnecessary burden of those who resist arrest when being arrested. How many monuments do we have to erect in order to praise those among us who resist, when they know full well they’re guilty as hell? Vigilante justice must not overshadow blind justice when people’s lives […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Steve Bien: Work requirements do not work
A major part of the 11th-hour budget deal is the addition of work requirements to Food Stamp programs. Although Republicans brought us to a near catastrophe claiming all kinds of concerns about the budget, they showed their real interests at the final bargaining table. Right from the start, the real budget issues — defense, Medicare […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Peg Hoffman: Paid leave bill offers security to Maine families
There are almost 200,000 Mainers caring for family members at home — over $2 billion of benefit to their communities. Of those who are lower wage workers, two thirds get no paid leave to do this, while almost 100% of those with higher wages receive some paid leave. Mainers with newborns, with parents whose health […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Stone: Passenger rail: Rickety ride to Debt-Land
Construction estimates have the cost of upgrading the rails, bridges, signaling, safety systems and one-time purchase of equipment at well over $250 million, and that estimate was built on pre-COVID dollars. It’s likely $300 million now and climbing, as federal spending will continue to push inflation to whatever levels.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Neal: The Countryman: Don’t expect food prices to fall anytime soon
At least two causes work to keep food prices high. First was the labor shortage after the pandemic, driving up wages. Then, unchecked consolidation in the retail food industry and its new twist, called “greedflation,” in which corporations raise prices rather than compete on price.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Rep. Margaret Craven: In praise of Mayor Sheline
Go anywhere around Lewiston: The chamber breakfast, business opening, L-A Arts, school function … Mayor Carl Sheline will be there. This is a good thing, because it shows he is in touch with the people of Lewiston — in touch with what they want, and what they are concerned about. If there is a bill […]
Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
Auction raises $24K for Make-a-Wish Maine
AUBURN — The Fontaine Family Team raised over $24,000 for Make-a-Wish Maine at its 10th annual Bid for Wishes Virtual Auction, hosted on Facebook. Maine businesses and individuals donated more than 300 items. Fontaine has been fundraising for Make-a-Wish Maine since 2009, starting with the Walk for Wishes, and has raised over $140,000 since then. […]
Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
Bridgton Hospital nurse receives 2 awards
Mark, the caption we received says Lea stands “third from left.” From the ladies’ perspective, that’s true. But from the viewers’ perspective I wonder if it should read “third from right.” –Alex BRIDGTON — Lea Tilton, an Intensive Care Unit nurse at Bridgton Hospital, has received awards for her commitment to high-quality care and compassion […]