My main concern for what’s happening in our state is around education. I want my children and grandkids to remain in this state long-term. Currently, I see no options beyond homeschooling and commonsense private schools. My goal isn’t to denigrate public school teachers. I believe there are many excellent and committed teachers. But they are […]
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.
Norm Gellatly: Trump’s rants are disturbingly critical
Donald Trump seems to be currently scheming about anticipating either an election win or a loss. His recent nauseating rants are increasingly targeting the functions of government and are very disturbingly critical. If he converts some independent voters or indifferent potential voters, he might regain the presidency. If he has insufficient success in changing their […]
Thomas Shields: Rep. Libby is ‘one of the stalwarts in our Legislature’
I am writing to recognize Rep. Laurel Libby, my legislative district representative, as one of the stalwarts in our Legislature. She clearly states her opinions on the bills being presented and has analyzed the bills accurately. Opposition opinions are present. Rep. Libby has the ability to clearly understand a bill for its value to our […]
Sandra Doctoroff: Trump disregarded humane immigration policies
U.S. immigration policies are the focus of considerable debate in the upcoming presidential election. During the Trump administration thousands of child emigres (including infants and very young children) were treated in cruel and inhumane ways due to administration policies that separated them from their families. Many children still have not been located and/or reunited with […]
Richard Fortier: Voters shouldn’t believe ‘dismal economy’ narrative
There is a big lie about the U.S. economy being promoted in the right-wing media bubble — that our economy is terrible; in the tank. The reality is that the American economy is the strongest in the world. Employers added 254,000 jobs in September, blowing away forecasts. More than 15 million jobs have been added […]
Marti Chabot: ‘Never forget, be strong’ one year after Lewiston shootings
What is history? My definition: Anything that happened before a blink of your eye. It can’t be changed as it’s already cast in stone. Some histories are just for one person — you stepped on a nail, and you’ll never forget. But man’s first landing on the moon in 1969 is shared history. So are […]
Shirley Davis: Rep. Libby ‘will bring sanity back to our state’
It seems like the world is getting more chaotic every day. Taxes are going up; the price of food and the overall cost of living is making it harder for families to make ends meet. We need someone who can stay calm and carry on. Someone who can see through the noise and chaos that […]
Carol Bailey: Rep. Libby has shown decisive leadership
I recently received a legislative guide for House District 90 comparing Laurel Libby’s and Dan Campbell’s positions on major issues. Dan Campbell’s position was listed on one issue. Rep. Libby, on the other hand, made clear where she stands on eight of the 10 issues — that is decisive leadership. That is what is needed […]