According to the Maine Business Journal, in 2024 Maine has the highest property tax burden in the U.S., with Androscoggin County topping the list within the state. Maine’s overall tax burden is 10.74% of personal income, the fourth highest nationwide — only New York, Hawaii, and Vermont are higher. Maine’s taxes are even greater than […]
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
Megan Parks: Shannon supports what’s best for Lewiston residents
Having served with Tom Shannon on the Lewiston School Committee for several years and working with him on various other projects, I have first-hand knowledge of his dedication to serving our community with integrity, and his willingness to be flexible to accommodate the ever-changing needs of our community. He has shown himself to be open-minded […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Edward Barrett: ‘Lewiston could have no stronger voice’ than Lajoie
Rep. Mike Lajoie has devoted his life to serving Lewiston — as a firefighter, fire chief, city councilor, community volunteer, and state legislator. He knows Lewiston, how to listen and work with others, and how to bring people together to find common ground. During part of my 10 years as a city employee, I worked […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Betty Marchesseault: Rep. Libby ‘a huge proponent of educational freedom’
As a mother of three, I was disheartened to hear that Maine has ranked dead last in the nation for student achievement. It isn’t for lack of funding, as Maine is one of highest taxed states, with a large percentage of our taxes going toward public education. It is more important now than ever for […]
Posted inBusiness
Farmington business becomes new U-Haul dealer
FARMINGTON — K & S Automotive has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer. The business at 313 Farmington Falls Road will offer services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Stanley Harmon: Rep. Libby keeps the ‘crazy’ in check in Augusta
I haven’t written to an editor with my opinion for a very long time. However, since I became a resident of Auburn a couple of years ago, I have been fortunate to have Laurel Libby as my representative. Over the last two years, I have seen a bit of “crazy” going on in Augusta, like […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Lori Moreau: Vote Pentheny for Androscoggin County commissioner
Jane Pentheny is a write-in candidate running for the position of Androscoggin County commissioner, representing Poland, Mechanic Falls and the New Auburn area to the Durham line. Jane is a resident of Poland and has been a taxpayer here for more than 15 years. She has been very involved in our community in various capacities, […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Elaine Makas: Write in Shannon for Androscoggin County Commission
I was sorry to hear that Ed Plourde was stepping down as one of Lewiston’s county commissioners, but delighted to learn that Tom Shannon had decided to run as a write-in candidate for that vacancy. Having once served as a commissioner myself, I know the importance of that role. County commissioners oversee many critical services, […]