He scorned federal aid until he needed federal aid. With his own state largely underwater, this most political of creatures suddenly discovers a need to “put politics aside.”
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.
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rich Lowry: Joe Biden is becoming a quasi-lame duck
The reality is that he is persistently unpopular and an enormous drag on his party, with little obvious upside potential before he may have to declare that he’s not running again a year or so from now.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Dori Burnham: Ackley ‘a proven problem solver’ for House District 56
I am exhausted from the noise and chaos of the bipartisan bickering which has taken over political debate. I am interested in good government. Both parties raise money to perpetuate their own existence, driving us ever further apart. In Maine, we have long had the answer — independent candidates. Kent Ackley, who is running for […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
John Clifford: Let Cloutier continue ‘much-admired history of service to Lewiston’
I am pleased to write in favor of Rep. Kristen Cloutier’s re-election to the Maine House of Representatives District 94 seat. Rep. Cloutier has a much-admired history of service to Lewiston residents as a city councilor, city council president and mayor, and as a leader in both private and public organizations. I have come to […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Lisa Ptak: Senate candidate Rotundo ‘a fierce advocate for Lewiston’
This year’s legislative race will be one of the most consequential facing voters in a lifetime. The health, vitality and growth of the city of Lewiston are all at stake. That’s why I know there is no other choice for Senate District 21 than Peggy Rotundo. Peggy’s past public service has proven she’s a fierce […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Cal Thomas: Free speech vs. banning Jews
Especially with America’s history during World War II, when the Roosevelt administration limited the number of Jews desperately fleeing Nazi Germany to enter this country, Berkeley and other students should be more welcoming to Jews, protect their free speech, and not silence them.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Randy Hotham: Schmersal-Burgess would represent House 77 ‘with distinction’
I am so proud to support the candidacy of Tammy Schmersal-Burgess for state representative in District 77. She would represent the towns of Dixfield, Hartford, Mexico, Peru, Canton and Livermore with distinction. Tammy understands that single issues and election promises do not make a candidate worthy. As a businesswoman in Mexico, she has demonstrated, through […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Julie Fralich: Sheats offers transportation experience to state Senate
I am writing in support of Bettyann Sheats for state Senate District 20. Bettyann understands the important role that transportation plays in the lives of older rural Mainers. Many rural residents must travel long distances to access their health care providers. When she was in the House, Bettyann served on the Transportation Committee and supported […]