The last time I looked at our nation’s Constitution it said that “we the people” were still in charge. I know and acknowledge that we as a society have been very remiss in holding the government’s feet to the fire over who is in charge. Until changed, the courts still say it is the people […]

As a retired, lifelong Mainer, I’m voting no on Question 3 because I believe it would increase our costs, not lower them. I am against any government takeover of our utilities, and that’s what this is — a seizure of private companies using eminent domain. And putting elected politicians in charge of our electric grid […]

As someone who grew up in Lewiston and graduated from Lewiston High School, I was proud to see that the city’s website lists Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on its mission statement at a time when right wingers call DEI as being “woke” as they try to rewrite history. I’m proudly 100% woke, then. Bob Mennealy, […]

Lifetime career politicians accepting bribes from special interests to enrich their lives need to be held responsible for their actions. Supreme Court judges included. Sending billions of dollars to Ukraine and borrowing from China with no end in sight is absurd. When we have migrants crossing our borders by the thousands, while the Mexican cartels […]

I was an elected official for four years on the Auburn City Council. I was privileged to work with many exemplary staff. Being a councilor allowed me to address issues important to our community. In the last few years, it has been encouraging and reassuring to see residents educate themselves and organize to make their […]

As a downtown Lewiston resident and member of Trinity Church, I witness daily the struggles of the unhoused. The causes are many and needs expanding, while responses are repeatedly stalled by a divided City Council. It is time for new leadership in Wards 4, 5 and 6. Billie Jayne Cooke is running for the Ward […]

Recently, I was disappointed to miss Auburn mayoral candidate Jeff Harmon as he was walking  in my neighborhood. After taking time to read the flyer he left, I noticed that he mentioned among his beliefs listening and treating everyone with respect and dignity. I compared that with experiences I had at recent City Council meetings. […]

That four of Lewiston’s city councilors seem to have been conducting city business outside of public meetings is, unfortunately, no longer a surprise to most people. Having already written about this issue twice before, in March 2022 and March 2023, I am frustrated that it continues to be a problem. Public representative bodies, including the […]

I am writing to endorse Matthew Agren for Lewiston School Committee representative at-large. I had one of the best conversations I’ve ever had with any School Committee candidate when he recently visited my home. Matt sincerely cares about the quality of education and the safety of students. Walker safety was a particular priority, made newly […]

Imagine what Auburn could be. Imagine us working together, all voices and concerns encouraged, welcomed and heard without contempt or bullying. Imagine us protecting our environment and natural resources, not by contesting a crucial watershed boundary, but instead by making our pole star of development generously, unambiguously protecting the watersheds of our two great ponds […]