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.
Katherine Perron: Vote LePage, help restore order to Maine
The federal government sent Maine billions of dollars for COVID relief. Gov. Janet Mills has spent most of it. On what? How many small businesses do people know or have seen that are now closed? Our economy is in shambles. In Maine, a family will spend $6,793 more this year than last. Fuel has increased […]
Cassidy Lovejoy: House 89 candidate Weisner passionate about helping people
Benjamin Weisner is one of those people who dives deeply into anything he puts his mind to. As an active member of many groups in the area, he has gotten to know and make connections with countless people. Many of those groups help people — which is something Ben is passionate about. He is very […]
John Cleveland: Sheats needed amid tough financial times
These are difficult financial times. Prices are rising, wages and pensions are not keeping up, and “help wanted” signs are everywhere. These problems are not unique to the Lewiston-Auburn area, Maine, or the nation. Consequently, the solutions must be a cooperative effort between businesses and local, state and national governments. Bettyann Sheats understands the root […]
Lynn Heathco: ‘Help us save Lake Auburn’
I ask citizens to please help us save Lake Auburn. There are a lot of people who do not want housing over the lake to ruin our wonderful lake. Why aren’t these people being heard? When the lake is ruined, where will we be? Who is going to pay for the water purification system? Lynn […]
Joseph Ziehm: Concerns about judge’s tactics in Trump investigation
The tactics employed by Judge Aileen Cannon, who sided the former President Trump and signed an order in September extending the timeline for outside review of documents seized from Mar-a-Lago in August, are a more condescending mindset. Such as discrediting the Federal Bureau of Investigation, criticizing Department of Justice employees and, in the wake of […]
Bob Hayes: Auburn planning process raises skepticism
Auburn’s mayor, Jason Levesque, is “forming an Ad Hoc committee” to “develop shovel ready building plans that will be offered as permit ready, and free of charge.” The committee will consist of 1. “Two residents from each ward,” 2. “Two planning board members,” 3. “City staff” and 4. “A paid architectural firm.” The mayor’s “goal […]
Cynthia Giroux: Wainright ‘the best person’ for Oxford County sheriff post
Oxford County citizens will soon have the opportunity to vote for Christopher Wainwright to serve a second term as Oxford County sheriff. Full disclosure: I know him well and have for over 30 years, as he is our son-in-law. As such, we knew him when he joined the sheriff’s office at barely 18, and have […]
William Phillips: Time to revisit lifetime appointments for federal judges?
As a physician, I am well aware of the health risks of aging, but also very aware that no one is guaranteed to live a long and healthy life. If it is legitimate to consider the age of our elected officials, (e.g. President Joe Biden), we should reconsider the numerous lifetime appointments for federal justices. […]