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
Trevor Doiron: Rep. Lyman ‘not up to the job’
In her first term Rep. Sheila Lyman was the primary sponsor of not a single bill in the Legislature. This is the most important part of her job. Among the handful of bills Lyman co-sponsored, none became law. These bills largely addressed extreme, far-right priorities like limiting the free press (LD 923) and stripping transgender […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Virginia Levasseur: Former politicians don’t need do-overs
I don’t know if I’m the only one who is tired of politicians who, after serving one or two terms, want a do-over. If they didn’t put enough money aside for later years, there are plenty of help wanted signs around for a job. We’ve had enough of Bruce Poliquin, Paul LePage, Eric Brakey and […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Arthur Roy: Rotundo would ‘continue to do a super job’ as state senator
Peggy Rotundo has always worked hard for the people of Lewiston, and if elected she would continue to do a super job as she’s proven in the past. She has all of us on her mind, and I would be proud to help her in any way I can. Peggy really cares about helping veterans […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Doug Libbey: Brakey ‘a principled man’ who would legislate independently
As November approaches, it’s great to see so many sharp looking blue and white “Eric Brakey for Maine Senate” signs appearing in yards. Supporters remember Eric was a unifier as a two-term Maine senator. Brakey understands that Mainers work hard for their money, so he worked to reform welfare and oppose corporate welfare giveaways. Brakey […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rich Lowry: Hispanics weren’t what progressives thought
One of the most significant events in American politics is that Hispanics are, in effect, deciding that they are working-class voters rather than ethnic-grievance voters.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: There is no polio emergency. Stop saying there is
Where is the polio health emergency? Saying it exists ignores the broad public compliance with vaccine mandates and the easy availability of the shots. It creates unwarranted fears. And by making it everybody’s problem, it downplays the importance of responsible behavior — that is, getting vaccinated. Polio is now largely a self-inflicted disease.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rev. Richard Killmer: The 1908 Springfield Race Riots and the National Park Service
Remembering events like the 1908 Springfield Race Riots can bring healing. Ignoring such historical events neglects the pain of the victims and can lead to the danger of doing such acts again. The United States designates national monuments in places like Springfield in order to remember the full history, so that, as a nation, we can heal.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Eric Rohrbach: U.S. Rep. Golden ‘the best choice for Maine’
The dramatic and hyperbolic ads being run against U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, illustrating him as someone who is out of touch with the middle class, are a stark example of the sheer desperation currently permeating every facet of the Republican Party. Unlike his predecessor Bruce Poliquin, who voted strictly along party lines, Golden has not […]