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.
Bob Hayes: Avoid haste making waste in Auburn planning
For Auburn, there was, or maybe there still is, an opportunity for the public to better understand Zoning Ordinance and Form Base Code planning concepts and acceptable adoption processes. Understanding and acceptance requires necessary time for preparation, presentation and discussion of informational materials specific to identifiable neighborhoods. All government entities (i.e., mayor, City Council, Planning […]
Rich Lowry: Merrick Garland is on a path to the abyss
If we can’t know where Garland is ultimately heading in his probe of Jan. 6 and the documents seized from Mar-a-Lago, all indications are that he is preparing the ground for an indictment of Donald J. Trump.
Betty Robinson: Lewiston lucky to have Rotundo
Peggy Rotundo is a gift to Lewiston. I was delighted to hear that she is stepping forward again to serve the Lewiston community in the Legislature. Doing so is no easy job. The fact that she’s willing to serve yet again is remarkable. Peggy genuinely cares about the people of Lewiston, and in a time […]
Elaine Thibodeau: Rep. Cloutier ‘walks the walk’ for House District 94
While it’s not unusual for politicians to “talk the talk,” rarer is it for an office-holder to “walk the walk.” Fortunately for residents of state House District 94, though, Rep. Kristen Cloutier is one who reliably is good for her word and willing to take action, whether said action involves stepping into the breach to […]
David Chittim: Rotundo offers experienced, thoughtful, rational representation
I have known Peggy Rotundo as a legislator in both the Maine House and Senate and as a friend and colleague for many years. She is, above all, an avid and attentive listener to those with differing perspectives, and she remains impervious to the divisive partisanship plaguing today’s politics. Her advocacy for veterans, children and […]
Phil Nadeau: Rotundo offers work ethic, collaboration to Senate
I was privileged to know and work with Peggy Rotundo. Peggy is not only one of Lewiston’s most historically important elected officials, but she is also one of the most honest and genuine human beings I know. These qualities enabled her to represent this city in state legislative leadership capacities that rival many in Maine’s […]
Jason Trask: Education, environment, jobs among Sipe’s concerns
Daniel Sipe is running to represent Maine House District 81 (Albany, Greenwood, Norway, Stoneham, Stow, Sweden and Waterford). Daniel was born and raised in Aroostook County, so he knows and cares about the things that matter to Mainers — things like creating good jobs, so the young people whom we educate with our tax dollars […]
Paul Pelletier: McLean would be asset as 3-county DA
It is a great honor to write this letter on behalf of my lifelong friend, Neil McLean Jr., in his quest to become the next district attorney for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Neil is one of the most ethical, hardworking people I’ve ever known. He strives for excellence in obtaining goals and refuses to […]