Policymakers in Augusta should not be passing any legislation that increases Mainers’ monthly bills, while communities like Lisbon continue to deal with the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. But that is exactly what legislation pending before the Maine Legislature would do by implementing a statewide cable tax.
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.
Danielle Blair: Support LD 360, reduce barriers to recovery from substance use disorder
Substance use disorder does not discriminate. Adults who are currently eligible for targeted case management comprise only a fraction of adults living with substance use disorder in Maine. Every person with MaineCare benefits and a diagnosis of substance use disorder who is seeking approved treatment services should be eligible for targeted case management.
Bob Mennealy: Golden should have supported stimulus bill
I strongly disagree with both Rep. Jared Golden’s vote against the latest stimulus bill, and Elliot Epstein’s March 28 column defending the vote. If either of them cannot clearly see the damage the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the economy here in Maine, and to individual households as well, I suggest that they look more closely. […]
David Theriault: LifeFlight story creators ‘nailed it’
Kudos to Mark LaFlamme and Russ Dillingham for their excellent collaboration in the Sun Journal’s Sunday paper (April 11) on LifeFlight’s new helicopter. As a helicopter nut for over a half a century and an admirer of LifeFlight, I was like a kid on Christmas when I opened the “B” section to this spread. Great […]
The education of Leonard Pitts Jr. by Stan ‘The Man’ Lee
“I think the good in us could so outweigh the bad in us if we could just get beyond the fear; that’s what Stan taught me, and that’s what I still believe.”
Leonard Pitts Jr.: Another word for anxiety is fear
A disruptive demographic change is upon us. It represents a challenge, yes, but also an opportunity. To meet the one and seize the other will require a clear-eyed view of what we are and some strategy that delivers us to what we ought to be.
Will Coggin: Lawmakers risk public safety with proposed plastic bottle ban
Bottled water is an essential product. Lawmakers in Augusta, however, are seeking to outlaw the sale of standard water bottles as part of their effort to reduce plastic waste. This policy isn’t just shortsighted, it’s dangerous.
Cal Thomas: I’m a capitalist, Mr. President, but you’re not
Capitalism raises boats for those who play by its rules, accompanied by shared moral values, while socialism, especially when paired with communism, sinks too many boats and hopes.