Bettyann Sheats, our second-term House District 64 representative, deserves to be reelected. As an educator, when casting my vote I examine a person’s stand on education. Bettyann has helped teachers and schools by increasing spending at the state level, bringing the state’s share of spending closer to 55%. She has also helped in restoring revenue […]
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.
Albert Sargent: A lesson not learned
On June 1, 1950, freshman Republican Sen. Margaret Chase Smith clearly denounced the tactics that were to become known as McCarthyism. For the next four years she opposed Joseph McCarthy at great personal cost until McCarthy was censured by the Senate in a belated act of courage. On Feb. 4, Susan Collins did the opposite. […]
Colleen Quint: Sheats offers integrity, common sense
Bettyann Sheats has served this country and our community for decades. From graduating from West Point and piloting helicopters to running her own small business in Auburn, raising a family and, for the last four years, serving as our representative in the Maine Legislature (House District 64), Bettyann’s record is impressive, and she has made […]
Community briefs for Saturday, Oct. 24
United Way seeking applications from nonprofits FARMINGTON — The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is looking to help with the ongoing basic needs of Greater Franklin County residents. United Way is seeking applications to its Very Basics Fund. Applications are due Saturday, Oct. 31. The next opportunity for applications will be in April 2021. […]
Michael McClure: Be cautious about poll data
For those who rely on polls to decide which candidate they will vote for in any election, just remember that polls are 100% right, 1% of the time. Michael McClure, Lewiston
Noel Smith: Reelect Claxton to state Senate
I have known Ned Claxton for many years, as my physician and friend. I have seen his caring nature, his humanity and his diligence when searching for the right answer to improve my quality of life. As my state senator (District 20), I know he treats all his constituents with the same concern and respect […]
Candy Gleason: Sheats needs to remain ‘people’s champion’
How ironic that in her recent flier, Laurel Libby states that “unlike others” she will work to increase health care benefits. Ha. As a Republican whose party has opposed health care initiatives, she would now like to hijack the work of Democrats like Bettyann Sheats, our current state representative, who has already fought that fight […]
Cynthia Sheeks: Keep non-service animals out of businesses
Increasingly, I see more dogs being allowed into places of business. Specifically, I would like to call attention to grocery stores. I have seen many people strolling into stores with a dog which is untrained and uncontrolled. I have witnessed owners put their small dog in the child seat of a grocery cart, allow a […]