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.
Froma Harrop: Climate bill should please anyone who can be pleased
For once, let’s set aside political considerations. Climate change is an existential threat. Left unchallenged, the abyss would swallow us all.
Cal Thomas: George Soros and his woke prosecutors
The George Soros approach makes it more likely offenders and offenses will increase. Perhaps he should speak with crime victims to learn what they think about the revolving door that has become too much a part of the criminal justice system.
Jeffrey Harmon: Auburn citizens deserve to be heard on zoning
Citizens for Sensible Growth is opposed to applying zoning laws intended for downtown development with a broad brush to residential neighborhoods without significant public input in a comprehensive and inclusive process.
Leonard Pitts Jr.: Dare we hope?
That was the rather plaintive response of a man on Twitter when news broke that Kansas voters had rejected an attempt to remove the right to abortion from their state constitution. We are talking about a fire-engine-red state. It went for Donald Trump in 2016 and repeated the error in 2020.
ZamZam Mohamud and Elizabeth Eames: Rep. Cloutier ‘an excellent fit for Lewiston’
We write in support of Kristen Cloutier for re-election as Lewiston’s District 94 representative in Augusta. Having each served as School Committee members, we especially appreciate her attention to our students, her sympathetic ear, and her deep understanding of our local needs. For instance, Kristen was instrumental in expanding the availability of oral hygiene services […]
Ann Varney: Brakey ‘a true American grass roots candidate’ for Senate
In researching political candidate backgrounds (corporate ties, voting records, etc.), I am impressed with the character and integrity of Eric Brakey, running for State Senate. He has a proven record with initiatives, like gun rights (sponsored and passed constitutional carry in Maine, helped to pass the “Right To Try” in Maine, and passing bills that […]
Froma Harrop: Your fluffy kitty is a killing machine
You need a mouser out in the barn? OK. But understand that cats, whether workers or just companions, are responsible for the extermination of entire bird species.
Rich Lowry: Joe Manchin’s travesty
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin brags about the $300 billion in deficit reduction over 10 years, which is supposed to be one of the bill’s counterinflationary bragging points. Just a week or so ago, though, the senator voted for the Senate’s $280 billion “Chips and Science” bill. What the West Virginia solon giveth with one hand, he taketh away with another.