I can’t begin to enumerate how immigration has made us richer, in every way. Our system is broken, and neither political party has an immigration plan that can pass a deadlocked Congress, but I still celebrate immigration.
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.
Joe Voisine: ‘We the people need reform’
What is happening in America and the rest of the world is beyond understanding. The use of drugs and guns are everyday occurrences. The age group committing many of these crimes are juveniles to late 20s. Some parents are too lenient when it comes to disciplining their kids. Schoolteachers fear for their lives, especially when […]
Tommy Hayes: Sustainable funding for recovery centers is crucial
As a resident of Dixfield and ally for those in recovery, I am writing to share and illustrate the impact recovery community centers have in combating substance use disorder. Although I don’t face the daily struggles of SUD, I have physical disabilities and have family battling addiction all of my life. These experiences have instilled […]
Jan Roundy: Auburn needs ‘sane, responsible’ leadership
Citizens of Auburn need to wake up. What is wrong with our city leaders? They see money in the short term so they give permission to strip and destroy the land around our drinking water. That will lead to more pollution in the lake and will mean we will have to spend even more tax […]
Joseph McKinnon: LD 1748 isn’t good for Maine taxpayers
LD 1748 — a bill that would eliminate the requirement for a town to hold a school budget referendum vote unless the district receives a sizeable citizen petition to do that — is another scheme that I feel has been put forward by the teachers unions to raise taxes for the school budget every year […]
Camden Jalbert: Elected officials should be working to unite Lewiston-Auburn
At the recent Lobster Festival, the mayor of Auburn was announcing a band. In his introduction of the members, he stated some were from the “the city across the river that shall not be named.” At least half of the people in the crowd were from Lewiston, and this is not the first time he […]
Cal Thomas: Crowning Trump king
No matter what is revealed about Donald Trump’s character and attitude toward women, large numbers in the evangelical community seem to have no king but him.
Sheila Richardson: More mental health support needed, not more gun laws
Guns don’t aim themselves and pull their own triggers. Millions of people own guns and don’t choose to shoot others. More gun laws would only limit law-abiding people from protecting their family or themselves. Laws only work for the people who follow the rules. Others who are mentally stressed, unheard and determined can and will […]