In November, 2016, 383,428 Mainers voted “yes” on Question 2 — a new law requiring the state to pay 55 percent of public education by adding a 3 percent surcharge on taxable incomes above $200,000 (the 3 percent does not apply to the first $200,000). Gov. Paul LePage believes that those 383,428 people did not […]
Crystal Ward
Posted inLetters
No need for a recount
Gov. Paul LePage and those who opposed referendum Question 2 (Stand up for students) came up short in the Nov. 8 balloting by more than 9,000 votes. Now the losers are saying that those who voted in favor of Question 2 — the winners — were confused, did not understand, did not know what they […]
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Posted inLetters
Fuller best for District 59
As a resident of House District 59 in Lewiston, I am supporting Roger Fuller for the Maine House of Representatives. Fuller is very hard-working, knowledgeable, caring, honest, a great listener and passionate about helping people. He has spent the past five months walking around District 59 meeting the people, listening to their concerns and introducing […]
Posted inLetters
Question 2 worth supporting
Question 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot says, “Do you want to add a 3 percent tax on individual Maine taxable income above $200,000 to create a state fund that would provide direct support for student learning in kindergarten through 12th grade public education.” If ballot questions were longer, voters would know that the surcharge […]
Posted inLetters
Poor management decision
The Lewiston School Committee unanimously voted to use $5,000 of taxpayer money, enabling Superintendent Bill Webster to take a three-month vacation — Oct. 24 to Jan.24, 2017 — when schools are in session. What a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money and a poor management decision. That use of money was not explained at the budget […]
Posted inLetters
Fuller believes in the four Es
I am writing in support of Roger Fuller for Maine House of Representatives District 59 (Lewiston) in the June 14 Democratic primary. I have known Fuller for more than 25 years. He is caring, enthusiastic, hardworking and knowledgeable. He and his wife, Gina, are both retired teachers, and his two children are in education. He […]
Posted inLetters
Lewiston taxpayers need answers
Using data provided by Lewiston School Superintendent Bill Webster, I submit the following money trail for the Lewiston School Department: • The 2014-2015 budget closed June 30 with a $2,000,000 surplus; • The Maine Legislature voted to send Lewiston $533,000 for schools; • A new audit requirement has $500,000 being paid to the city from […]
Posted inLetters
C. Ward: A costly reorganization
Superintendent Bill Webster, of the Lewiston School Department, recently reorganized the administration at the Dingley building. As part of this reorganization, one person will receive a $5,000 raise and another person a $10,000 raise. Upon learning about that, my reaction ranged from shock and disbelief to rage. The new salaries will be $98,000 and $96,000. […]
Posted inLetters
C. Ward: Flaws discovered in grading system
Lewiston High School is in the process of instituting proficiency-based learning for all ninth-graders. Substantial problems have already surfaced: The new grading system is not understood by anyone; student grading rubrics are not valid or reliable; not all subject curriculums/content have been completed; the athletic eligibility policy does not work with the grading system; there […]
Posted inLetters
C. Ward: Exceptional public servant
I have known Heidi Brooks for more than 10 years and she would be an outstanding, caring, hardworking and honest representative for District 61 in Lewiston. She is a strong supporter of public education and will work to ensure that the state pays its 55 percent of the costs, as voted by Maine people. She […]