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
Jon St. Laurent: Where am I supposed to get my eggs?
As a Maine hospitality industry food service professional tasked with procurement of roughly 130,000 shell eggs this coming season, I am worried about two things: Will there be an adequate supply available from my sole vendor to accommodate our guests? And, how can I react to egg prices and other staples, with some egg prices […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Peter Watko: Trump administration’s dubious diplomacy
In the history of the Russian empire, the Soviet Union, or the current regime in Moscow, has there ever been a more helpful pair of “polezniye duraki” (useful idiots) than the current occupant of the White House and his sycophantic sidekick — who has stated “I don’t really care what happens in Ukraine.” Just last […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Neil Garston: ‘Hail and farewell, Thomas Moser’
Maine and the country are the poorer for the loss of Thomas Moser. He was not only a superb craftsman, he was a warm, open-hearted human being. Thirty odd years ago my wife and I visited his business and, when he learned my wife had a small wood-crafting business (Carol’s Woodcrafts) in Los Angeles, he […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Stephen Sokol: Americans must speak out before it’s too late
When I was drafted and served (unlike draft-dodging Donald Trump), we lived by the rule: if it’s working, improve it or leave it alone. Trump and his billionaire cronies have modified it: if it’s working, break it. We have seen USAID dismantled and people are dying, but that doesn’t matter, since they are in countries […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Gayle Johnson: Rep. Libby acted legally, but unkindly
I am writing as a constituent of Rep. Laurel Libby, one who does not support her actions or views. It may have been legal for her to post a student’s picture on her social media, but I do not think it was ethical or kind. I find it sad that the student’s family has to […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Ken Johnson: Is this what Trump voters wanted?
I ask those who voted for Donald Trump, is this what they voted for? Correct me if I am wrong, but most people I know voted for lower cost for food, housing and fuel. Trump does not have a clue how a government works. That also goes for Elon Musk and J.D. Vance. Trump’s mostly illegal […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Terence McManus: Democrats need to get serious about serious problems
The childish antics of the Democrats during President Trump’s speech last week reminded me of something. In 1995 there was a movie titled “The American President.” The title role was played admirably by Michael Douglas, and at the end of the movie he gave a speech in which he twice stated this phrase: “We have […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Peter Konieczko: Explaining community solar savings
Maine people were promised a 15% discount when they paid for community solar generation. Now, customers are complaining that the 15% savings isn’t happening. Community solar billing is a complicated process that is described in a 2019 law, and the billing process is the root cause of the difference between customer expectations and reality. This […]
Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
United Insurance acquires 6 Kimball Korp Agency offices, including Lewiston
PORTLAND — United Insurance has acquired Kimball Korp and its six offices in Lewiston, Rumford, Farmington, Livermore Falls, Turner and Sangerville. “Strategic, sustainable growth has been the foundation of United Insurance’s business strategy for over 156 years,” President and CEO Zack Frechette said in a United Insurance news release. “My partners and I are always […]