As the executive director of the Norway-based Center for an Ecology-Based Economy, I strongly support the Pine Tree Amendment for the simple reason that the PTA ensures that all Mainers have the right to a clean and healthy environment for generations to come. The PTA would ensure that all legislatures, governors, laws, and permits will […]
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.
Lawrence Everett: A past not remembered may be repeated
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana I had a friend who fought with the Ukrainians against the Russians, trying to stop them from crossing the Donets River near Kharkov, then at the Dnepr River to stop them from taking Kiev, Ukraine’s capital. They had to blow up […]
Gail Shelley: Franco Center’s name really hasn’t changed
I’ve been following this “name change” regarding the Franco Center, and honestly, the name is not changing. The sign still reflects the “Dolard and Priscilla Gendron Franco Center.” The Riverfront Performing Arts and Events phrase has simply been added to the name to attract more people to the center. I am local and never realized […]
Barbara Arsenault: Ukraine deserves Maine’s support
I write in appreciation of the legislators who voted for HP 632, a resolution to express support for the people of Ukraine. This includes our local state Sen. Lisa Keim. Though symbolic, it is recognizing Vladimir Putin as a dictator and acknowledging the war is an aggression on a country which values its freedom. U.S. […]
Diane Malo Williams: What does a name represent?
A name of a place reflects not only an identity but a heritage. A name of a place can hold much cultural, emotional and historical significance to its community. Carl Sheline’s March 18 letter, “Center’s name should represent legacy of Francos,” shared the same sentiment. Many other heartfelt letters also related the same concerns. The […]
Cal Thomas: Trump should follow LBJ’s example
A Trump withdrawal from the 2024 race would open up the field to candidates with less, or little, political and personal baggage and help voters to focus more on important issues than Trump’s caustic personality.
Rich Lowry: Alvin Bragg prepares to cross the Rubicon
All signs point to Bragg, the progressive prosecutor in Manhattan, indicting Donald Trump for his 2016 hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels.
Robert Stone: Power corridor economically, environmentally good for Maine
With our energy bills so high right now, I hope voters will take a fresh look at the New England Clean Energy Connect. The benefits of the project are twofold. Not only would it help reduce energy costs because it would provide us with another option for the New England grid, it would also help keep our […]