Douglas Rooks’ recent column on school construction finance (“Time for a much bigger vision for Maine’s public schools,” Dec. 4) made an unsupported assumption. He said that improving finance for new construction would improve outcomes and reduce costs. While new construction might be more cost-effective, it has no demonstrated relationship to outcomes. In general, history […]

The Bangor Daily News and Portland Press Herald recently printed an op-ed by a writer claiming she favors enthusiasm over experience in her picks for employment. She extends her logic to include picking the completely inexperienced  Graham Platner over experienced Sen. Susan Collins for Senate. Heck’s practice in employment choices may seem to make perfect sense, but […]

I want to express my sincere appreciation for Sen. Susan Collins’ leadership in securing $38 million in federal home heating assistance for Maine families in need. As temperatures drop and energy costs continue to rise, this support is essential for seniors, low-income households and the many Mainers who rely on LIHEAP to keep their homes […]

The Budget Reconciliation Act (the “big, beautiful bill”), passed in July, called for some changes in health care educational student loan programs that will adversely affect the number of health care professionals in certain fields, some of which are already very short staffed, such as nursing.  It calls for the removal of a number of professions from […]

I was encouraged by Prof. Tom Bateman’s Dec. 9 op-ed, “The window of opportunity for productive climate action is still open.” As Bateman says, we have the technology to deal with the climate situation and need only the will to think long-term. Our government is the organization that should be leading us, not holding us […]

I just looked up last year’s totals for deaths related to fentanyl, which was, sadly, about 48,000.  Then I looked up tobacco-related deaths and that number was 480,000. I think we’re bombing the wrong “boats.” Jim KavanaghSouth Portland