One hears or reads it quite often: ” … our failing schools … .” Two things bother me about the brief generalization. First, seldom is there elaboration surrounding this stark assertion. The other is the implication that teachers and administrators are to blame for the acknowledged rather dismal state of public education. I think they […]

We, the board of directors of the First Universalist Church of Auburn, Unitarian Universalist, condemn the recent incidences of antisemitism and Islamophobia that have taken place across the country and around the world. We express solidarity with our Jewish and Muslim friends who are feeling especially vulnerable at this time. We reaffirm the hope and […]

We are deeply disappointed with U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s vote to censure fellow Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib. We support free speech, especially in the center of government, Congress. The censure of Ms. Tlaib is an effort to silence dissent and efforts to stifle speech prevent reform and progress. We also think the censure demonstrates an […]

I consider myself a fiscally conservative, compassionate Democrat. It was nice to see Lewiston/Auburn seemingly move in that direction on Nov. 7. Bob Mennealy, Lake Worth, Florida

We encourage School Administrative District 44 administrators and teachers to continue tackling the issue of bullying in schools. (And in other districts, too). One of the frustrating, and incendiary, aspects of school is bullying. Teachers, administrators, parents and students must resist bullying. But there seems to be no courses on the history of bullying. Here […]

Clem Bechard was right in writing that “the criminal will always find a way to get a gun” (“Can’t go along with the ‘blame the gun’ argument,” Nov. 4). Especially since it’s so easy to get one right now. Oh, and Robert Card wasn’t a criminal until he went on his shooting spree. So law-abiding […]

After the decisive vote for a new mayor and two new City Council members, we can look forward to a city government that is transparent and more receptive to the wishes of Auburn citizens. However, the results from Nov. 7 will not affect decisions that will be made at the upcoming Planning Board meeting on […]

My wife and I want to express our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost love ones in last month’s horrific Lewiston shootings. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We also want the people of Lewiston to know we are also with them. May each of you find strength from your beliefs, […]

As someone grieving the loss of two beloved family members and as a now-retired medical social worker, I would like to thank all of the community responders to the terrible events of Oct. 25. There are so many of you both on the frontlines and in the background. I cannot thank you enough for your […]

It really is a very simple problem: too many guns and not enough common sense. Does anyone truly believe the military-grade weapons, with high capacity magazines, are actually needed in every home? Or any home? The police certainly don’t. Would they like to respond to an emergency and be outgunned? People need to stop listening […]