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.
Bryce Bilodeau: Local logger questions CMP corridor
When managed properly, trees are a renewable resource. Is CMP managing the forest they “own” sustainably? Is the power line really “green?”
Leonard Pitts Jr.: Black history is America’s history, will not be erased
African-American history is the only history – indeed, one of the few fields in all human knowledge – whose teaching routinely causes the sort of agita we have seen yet again this year. Does anyone feel the need to rebut Shakespeare? Does any school let kids opt out of algebra?
Treat Memorial Library to offer ‘March Music Madness’
LIVERMORE FALLS — Treat Memorial Library has added the following to its shelves: the picture book, “Milo Imagines the World” by Matt de la Pena, the romantic novel, “Much Ado about You” by Samantha Young, and the fantasy, “The Witch’s Heart” by Genevieve Gornichec. For more recommendations, tune in at noon Saturdays, March 13 and […]
Ben Gilman: Tapping into spirit of American innovation, collaboration to tackle climate change
Climate change is one of our most pressing issues, and we must approach it in a constructive way that takes into account the broader implications on our economy and way of life. Let’s tap into the American spirit of innovation and collaboration, and meet this challenge head on.
Cal Thomas: What to cut from relief bill? Plenty
With COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions and deaths decreasing, with vaccines promised to be widely available to the general public by July, and with possible herd immunity coming soon, the best stimulus to the economy would be to open up businesses, allowing people to return to work while practicing health and safety measures.
Pete Laverdiere: Reject Oxford marijuana ordinance change
I ask that Oxford residents vote to reject a change to the marijuana ordinance at a special town meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at Oxford Elementary School on Pleasant Street. As a former selectman and a backer of a very limited marijuana ordinance for our town, I am of the opinion […]
Froma Harrop: Free us from Britney Spears
Britney’s fans have their own lives, and their trials and heartbreak are as real as hers. But the celebrity machine demands that the public cheer and cry over strangers who are famous. Perhaps the public has a right to be freed from Britney Spears.
Jane Traill: Toohey is good for Waterford
When I found out my friend Jamie Toohey was running for selectperson in my town of Waterford, I thought that was great. She will do a wonderful job for our community. I then started to think what it was about Jamie that made me say “great.” Certainly her background in finance and education as well […]
Bob Neal: The Countryman: They messed with Texas
Fortunately, Texans responded when their “leaders” didn’t. In Austin, a grocery driver got stuck in a dooryard. The homeowners put her up for five days in a spare bedroom until she could get her SUV towed out of their flower bed. In Houston, homeowners stop plumbers on the street and asked to hire them. Plumbers are hailed as heroes.