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
Bob Mennealy: Auburn planned graduation wisely
I am writing to congratulate the Auburn School Committee and School Department for wisely planning to safely hold the Edward Little graduation outside at Walton Field. At the same time, Lewiston shamefully chose to force families of its graduates to cram into a single vehicle in a pandemic while paying to hold its ceremony at […]
advertisement
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: The American dream can be rented
Why can’t the American dream of a detached house with a family room be rented instead, like an apartment? Actually, it can. Houses have been available for rent forever, but now real estate investors are building entire subdivisions for the purpose of renting, not selling, the homes.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Neal: The Countryman: Who will own the people’s power?
For now, public-power ownership breaks down into two issues. First, should Maine people vote on creating Pine Tree Power to replace Central Maine Power and Versant, Maine’s two electricity distributors? Second, is publicly-owned power a good idea?
Posted inLetters, Opinion
James Lysen: Bill addresses housing, labor, climate concerns
The Maine Legislature has a great opportunity to move Maine forward by supporting LD 1656, “An Act To Promote Energy-efficient Affordable Housing.” This bill will creatively address three important crises that affect Maine: the housing shortage crisis, estimated to be over 20,000 units; a unique labor crisis; and the climate change crisis. Adding 20,000 units […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
George Ferguson: Americans need to know why Jan. 6 attack happened
Why are so many Republican senators so afraid of Trump, who has done nothing positive to our country in his four years of narcissism? Thank God the New York attorney general is pursuing his businesses. Republican leaders like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Lindsey Graham want to block a bipartisan commission to investigate […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Gerard Decoteau: ‘Fraud is to audit as bamboo is to bamboozle’
A recent poll showed that 73% of Republicans blame the events of Jan. 6 on left-wing protesters. If true, could they have procured so many Trump flags? In Arizona, fraud is to audit as bamboo is to bamboozle. There is a courtroom scene in the movie “My Cousin Vinny” that has the judge, played by […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Austin Bay: Were the Colonial Pipeline and JBS Foods hacks acts of war?
The FBI and security officials believe two criminal organizations conducted the attacks. Their names sound a bit like those of the sinister super gangs found in James Bond novels. However, these gangs aren’t fiction, nor are their crimes.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
David Lanzo: Bikers deserve more protection from automobiles
I frequently bike on the back roads of Maine for exercise and enjoyment. I have enjoyed this activity for much of my adult life and continue to do so, even as I near 80 years old. However, in the last few years I have frequently encountered situations where automobiles put my life in danger by […]