I’ve known Janet Mills since 1976. She always checked the details to make sure nothing was overlooked. She sought individuals who had different views and would pursue to try to resolve any differences. As governor, she had to make some difficult decisions pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. She consulted health professionals. Her decisions saved lives. […]
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.
Bruce Bryant: Bishop ‘best choice’ for state House District 77
Bonny Bishop is the best choice for Mexico, Dixfield, Peru, Canton, Hartford and parts of Livermore. Bonny is like a breath of fresh air. She has the talent and experience to help bridge the gap between the extremes at a time we really need to work together and get things done. I believe Bonny would […]
Tina Riley: Hoke offers roots, experience as House District 76 candidate
I am so pleased that Tamara Hoke is running to become the state representative for Jay, Livermore Falls and part of Livermore. Tammy has spent her whole life here — she literally wrote the book on Jay — and she has always put her energy into helping others. A state representative’s job goes well beyond […]
Tom Fallon: Gov. Mills ‘a woman of character and dignity’
I am proud that I supported Janet Mills’ election as the first female Maine governor. She has done very well without the wisecracking street talk of her predecessor. I agree with Mills’ direction on the COVID pandemic that turned our lives upside down, as she rationally supported many physicians’ direction of vaccination and masking. And, […]
Amanda Burgess: Sheats an advocate for environment, community
One of my favorite parts of being a new mom is introducing my daughter to Maine’s natural beauty. Her squeals of delight when she dipped her toes into Range Pond for the first time and the awe on her face when she saw the view from the top of Bradbury Mountain have reaffirmed for me […]
Martha Poliquin: Bianconi would bring ‘hardworking, new face’ to commission
Androscoggin County would be well served with Dr. Greg Bianconi as a county commissioner for District 4 (Lisbon, Sabattus and Wales). Dr. B. is well rooted in and connected to the community he’s lived in for almost 40 years. He was a family physician in Lisbon for 35 years, served on the Lisbon Advisory Board […]
Kathryn Tracy: Rotundo offers informed, compassionate advocacy
In November, Lewiston has an opportunity to elect Peggy Rotundo to the Maine State Senate. Her previous service as a legislator brought many key services to her district, but also to the whole state of Maine. As a social worker who primarily supported older people, I was especially impressed with Peggy’s sponsorship of the bill […]
Ann Edwards: Commission candidate Ricci a hard worker, community volunteer
I am pleased to share that Amanda Ricci is a candidate for Androscoggin County commissioner for District 7 (Leeds, Turner, Livermore and Livermore Falls). Amanda is a compassionate woman who values connection with others, regardless of their life circumstances or background. She is respectful and open minded. Amanda has demonstrated throughout her professional career that […]
Michelle Tucker: Senate needs Brakey for welfare reform
Eric Brakey has my support for Maine Senate District 20 because of his work on welfare reform. I was surprised by a recent letter to this paper from a supporter of his opponent, Bettyann Sheats, attacking Brakey’s call for work requirements on benefits for able-bodied adults without children. According to the letter, Brakey said, “Getting […]