As one of Oxford County’s commissioners, I have appreciated the great work Lisa Keim has done while in the Maine Senate. Lisa’s Senate district (19) is massive, but that hasn’t stopped her from giving the time and attention needed to hear the concerns of her constituents. Her Facebook page recently pointed out that she has […]
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.
Joshua Nagine: Lewiston-Auburn residents can’t remain silent on drinking water issues
As an environmentalist, humanist and ratepayer, I’m hoping Auburn and Lewiston residents will advocate for themselves regarding our drinking water. There are myriad considerations concerning the debate around development within the watershed. The science is complex, as are the arguments. Let me attempt to simplify. Any new housing within the watershed without more stringent environmental […]
Juliana L’Heureux: Gov. Mills ‘enthusiastically supports’ Maine’s diverse cultures
Franco-Americans appreciate how Gov. Janet Mills, who speaks French, has shown support for the 25 percent of Mainers who are the state’s largest ethnic minority. One of the first ceremonies hosted at the Blaine House was to receive a diverse group of Maine’s Franco-Americans, with the Quebec delegation, the French Consul General in Boston and […]
Glenn Chateauvert: Change is needed, return Poliquin to Congress
I received a postcard from U.S. Rep. Jared Golden asking for my vote so he could go back to Washington to address the high cost of food, fuel and medication. If re-elected he would go there and fight to fix these issues. However, all this happened while he was in Washington, and he did nothing […]
Mark Wood: Thoughts on American republic and human rights
After reading the front page article in Oct. 8’s paper about retired Gen. Michael Flynn’s “ReAwaken America” rally in Batavia, New York, I was just as much dismayed to read detractors of this rally arguing that this country is a “pluralistic democracy” when we are a republic, as I was with Flynn arguing to restore […]
Candy Gleason: Sheats ‘a calm voice of reason in turbulent times’
Bettyann Sheats would make a wonderful senator to represent us in District 20. I have known Bettyann for the past six years as a state representative and a valued neighbor. She is an intelligent, honorable woman who is a West Point graduate and an Army helicopter pilot veteran. She fought to improve veterans’ access to […]
Seri Lowell: Kudos to Eagle Scout for sprucing up Turner cemetery
Passing the Olde French Cemetery on Wilson Hill Road in Turner last week, I was delighted to see someone had spruced it up, replacing the broken picket fence and putting up a newly painted sign. I frequently drive past the cemetery, and it’s a lovely destination for a walk through the woods. I’d sadly noted […]
Arin Quintel: Lyman understands how excessive spending hurts Mainers
I moved to Livermore Falls over six years ago and fell in love with the area. It’s a fairly safe community, and I have come to know many who have lived here all their lives. I love the outdoors, the simplicity of life here and the people. I also moved here because property taxes are […]
Keith Tannenbaum: Rep. Cloutier an advocate for small business
I submit this letter in support of Rep. Kristen Cloutier’s bid for re-election to the Maine House of Representatives, District 94. As a small business owner in downtown Lewiston, I reached out to Rep. Cloutier (currently representing District 60) for her help on an issue related to my business. I was happy with the enthusiastic […]