On Nov. 4, Brewer residents will have the opportunity to elect Ruth-Marie Spellman as their House District 21 representative in Augusta. I initially met Ruth in the late 1970s when she and I served together on the Brewer School Committee. Since that time I have come to admire… Read More
Regarding the Oct. 6 BDN story, “Alaska governor defends linking Obama to terrorists”: It has been 58 years since McCarthyite tactics were first used in a national election campaign (the 1950 midterm elections). At that time Maine’s Republican Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, appalled at the direction the campaign… Read More
I write in response to the editorial, “Washington County Health,” (BDN, Oct. 6) and in keeping with Mental Illness Awareness Week. My career in community mental health spans two decades and five Maine counties. Washington County lags behind in delivery of mental health care for… Read More
Who is spending all the money to tell voters to “Vote yes on Question 1” on the Nov. 4 ballot? And just why do they want voters to reject the new tax on flavored water, juice drinks, soda, beer and wine? Voters need to know that the money… Read More
Reading the BDN’s recent article on the Pine Tree Landfill, one would think residents are now joyful to have such a wonderful neighbor in our town. What the article doesn’t mention about the landfill gas-to-energy plant is that by generating electricity, landfill gases and odors… Read More
Barack Obama’s proposed liberal policies, his personal and political associations and his life choices are the reasons I cannot vote for him. They go to his character, his lack of judgment and the absence of leadership skills. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Recently, The Associated Press reported that due to increased deregulation, the Federal Aviation Administration has allowed the repair and rebuilding of domestic aircraft frames and engines in foreign countries, with some repair facilities not being inspected for quality and performance in five years. This is… Read More
I am writing to ask people to vote for Sara Stevens as representative to the Maine Legislature. Sara Stevens is hardworking and understands the problems of all the people including senior citizens. She knows the struggles that our families experience and she works to help… Read More
I watched the ebb and flow of the vice presidential debate as closely as I could, looking for any gaffes or just plain mistakes on either Joe Biden’s or Sarah Palin’s part. In fact, neither stumbled. The only real difference between them as I saw it was this:… Read More
I have closely watched the District 32 House race, and the communities of eastern coastal Maine have a choice between two candidates who will work hard for the principles they believe in. If you think the answer to our woes is more government, you should vote for Katherine… Read More
Due to more difficult economic times, Augusta must be more accountable with fiscal matters and this is why I support Tom Sawyer for state Senate. Tom has been a great asset to the Bangor area, giving his time and resources to numerous organizations. In addition… Read More
I am writing in support of Katherine Cassidy, candidate for the House of Representatives District 32 seat. I first worked with Katherine professionally in 2006 when she was a Bangor Daily News reporter, and our community was facing a Rhode Island corporation’s plan to site… Read More
Like many other Americans, I am struggling financially. Billions of dollars are being sent overseas while we Americans are in need of medical support. I am a diabetic on insulin trying to reach a goal in life that I will be able to watch my nieces and nephews… Read More
I am writing in response to the letter by Sharon Bray (BDN, Sept. 29) urging people to vote No on 1. As is usual with the supporters of this tax, Ms. Bray neglects to mention that in addition to the tax on beer and soda, this measure also… Read More
As president, Sen. Barack Obama would just add more socialistic programs to the already overburdened taxpayer. Our great country was built on hard work and the free enterprise system. Let’s hope the voters in November recognize this continued shift to the left and put an end to it. Read More
We are writing to ask people to vote for Jim Glavine as state representative in District 27. Jim, a native Mainer, has a lifetime of experience that has made him the “go to” guy in our region. He is knowledgeable about the things that locals care about. He… Read More
Teresa Steele’s (BDN, Sept. 30) letter states that she will vote for Susan Collins as a reward for the senator’s support of funding for nursing education. I am shocked that health care providers would throw their support to any Republican. For eight years, Republicans have failed to reform… Read More
Everyone wants honesty and responsibility in our government officials. What I propose may be considered politically incorrect and the diversity crowd may panic. Everyone who expects to vote should be required to register at their voting precinct with photo identification a minimum of 30 days… Read More
Over the past several years I have had the privilege of working with Sen. Elizabeth Schneider on several Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, projects and initiatives. Sen. Schneider “gets” the long-term problems that are facing Maine’s and the nation’s economy. Many of these ultimately stem from… Read More
I have been watching and reading information about the election and trying to make the best choices I can. Susan Collins is my choice for the U.S. Senate. I have been reading about her accomplishments on her Web site, and I am so impressed with… Read More
I am supporting John Cashwell for Legislature in District 117. While on the Bangor City Council, John’s strong commitment to public service was obvious. He was fair and thoughtful when listening to and debating issues. John worked under Govs. Mc-Kernan, King and Baldacci in various… Read More
As a former 27-year resident of Washington County, I know Susan Collins, and I know she will continue to serve Maine effectively and with the caliber of excellence Mainers have come to expect from her. Her accomplishments in Washington, D.C., are second to none. Not only has she… Read More
Hope for Americans and Mainers is offered by presidential candidate Barack Obama and senatorial candidate Tom Allen. Here is our chance to turn this ship around, remove and replace the people who are in power who do not have our best interests at the core of their policies,… Read More
The financial crises in our country is biting all of us. It is affecting us locally, and for this reason, especially now, we should choose people with experience and the smarts to lead our community in the right direction. I personally have confidence in David Nealley on our… Read More
In his Sept. 29 column, David Broder claims that Barack Obama’s “deference” to John McCain in the Sept. 26 debate, his several acknowledgements of agreement with McCain, and his frequent glances at McCain (despite McCain’s refusal to meet his eye) indicated that “Obama seemed to accept McCain as… Read More
Let’s be clear: We do not have two moderate Republican Senators. We have one, Olympia Snowe. At nearly every turn Susan Collins as a Bush Republican has rubber-stamped all of the president’s tax plans – in 2001, 2003 and 2006. Maine’s Sen. Snowe objected that the Bush tax… Read More
Is anyone happy with the state of the economy today, with the prices of everything going up and the wages of average Americans going down? With a 90 percent voting record with George Bush, John McCain’s policies have done nothing to help out the people of Maine, but… Read More
The present market turbulence is refocusing public attention on what matters. Yes, the Alaska governor’s inability to discuss anything of significance coherently and truthfully is significant. But her family tribulations, and her running mate’s proclaiming we are all Georgians, are mere side shows, no more real than “reality… Read More
From the Oct. 6 issue of Time Magazine: John McCain observed, “Ireland now has an 11 percent business tax. The U.S. has a 35 percent business tax. Where are the businesses going to go?” From the BDN, Sept. 27-28, “It’s official in Ireland: Economy in… Read More
As I recall, the public hearing on the proposed Presque Isle Bypass, conducted by the state Department of Transportation on Aug. 14, 2006, at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center, was standing room only. Attendance was about 300. The overwhelming sentiment in comments that evening… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Natanis GC, Vassalboro googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Baring, 2.7 miles googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
The “bailout” of certain financial institutions, passed by Congress betrays our free market system. In a free market, greatness thrives. Greed and risk-taking have guided those awaiting the next handout from our government. In my life, I must live within my means. Otherwise I go… Read More
While reading the Sept. 24 edition of the Bangor Daily News I saw on the Business page a picture headlined “For the girls,” with the caption of a 604-foot Hong Kong oil tanker offloading its cargo of oil at Portland Harbor, Maine in which the oil will then… Read More
Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is an extremist with an appalling environmental record. In the Arctic, glaciers are receding at an alarming rate, huge sections of the ice shelf are falling into the ocean and it continues to experience the lowest levels of returning sea ice ever recorded. Read More
In response to Rosalie Johnson’s Sept. 25th Letter to the Editor, I was offended by her comments that women who will not vote for Sarah Palin are doing so because they are envious of her family life, beauty and religious beliefs. I am a well-educated working mother who… Read More
Regarding the first McCain-Obama debate, David Broder says there were no knockouts (BDN, Sept. 29). Other news commentators said there were no memorable moments or phrases. Broder gives McCain higher points than Obama in that he was more aggressive, appeared to be the alpha male… Read More
If the residents of the town of Hermon needed another reason to go to the polls in November, Sharon Nickerson and the recreation committee have just given them one. It is unimaginable that in this time of financial uncertainty, high gas and fuel prices, declining… Read More
I wonder if the good people of Illinois are feeling particularly well-served these days. Sen. John McCain is, in a radical act of conscience and adult responsibility, actually doing the job for which he was elected by the farsighted people of Arizona. He is trying to save our… Read More
Of all the projects to come out of an imprudent administration, the $700 billion bailout takes the cake. It would exhaust the nation’s credit for a pile of questionable loans. The nation has far more pressing needs to address, neglected for years in energy and… Read More
Jonathan Worthley seems to be out of touch with reality when he claims George Bush has made this country safe since 9-11. (BDN Sept. 17) We are no more safe today than we were before 9-11. For Bush and Cheney, Homeland Security existed only as an occasion for… Read More
Rosalie Johnson’s comments [Sept. 25 BDN] would be all well and good if Sarah Palin were going to be responsible for White House day care, or if she were coming to the White House to bake cookies. However, her position requires her to travel the world talking about… Read More
John McCain has more gimmicks than a bad sales pitch. After picking Sarah Palin in a move that was as purely political as possible, McCain decided to “suspend” his campaign to work with Congress on the bailout plan. Is this the same McCain who just months ago told… Read More
Our state senator Elizabeth M. Schneider not only shows up to help out at events like the fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus Hall for the food cupboard, she also jumps into action when asked to solve problems. There were some rules which hurt nonprofit… Read More
Did we really have to have that disturbing photo in Tuesday’s [Sept. 23] of the dead cow moose being elevated by a rope to be weighed in Houlton? And that upsetting photo appeared next to a column with the headline “Pit bulls maul dog in Carmel.” Both the… Read More
The three young people who scrambled buck naked into Moosehead Lake for a free roast beef sandwich should have been given mugs of cold beer and blueberry pie with ice cream for dessert – all free. They remind me of my crazy friends from that wonderful carefree time… Read More
An article concerning the Calais City Council and the Downeast EMS ambulance service appeared in the Sept. 16 issue of the Bangor Daily News. There wasn’t enough information to understand the financial issues involved. Downeast EMS requires contributions by the communities to break even, called… Read More
While I agree with Renee Ordway’s praise of Jeff Wahlstrom as an effective member of the Bangor School Committee who is “thoughtful, energetic and innovative,” “‘Cranky guy’ ready to exit school panel’ (BDN, Sept. 20-21), I feel it is necessary to add to the list of accomplishments gained… Read More
The current “crisis” reminds us that the last time the Bush-Cheney administration insisted that Congress needed to take emergency action, the result was an unwarranted invasion of Iraq that has cost thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars. Has anybody, other than Halliburton or Blackwater, benefited… Read More
The proposed bank bailout of $700 billion is probably an underestimate, but even then, it will cost every person in Maine more than $2,000. Can you afford to lose that much money? If you can’t, then you need a bailout, too. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
I support Barack Obama and Joe Biden to lead our nation for the next four years because of the problems facing our country today: the economy, health care, education, jobs, energy, and how to bring our troops home from Iraq in a safe and responsible manner. These are… Read More
I have the utmost respect for veterans. Many put their lives on hold here in the United States to serve their country. John McCain served above and beyond the call of duty for his country. He endured torture for six years in the infamous “Hanoie Hilton” POW camp. Read More
I am very concerned about the bailout of the banking industry that is being shoved down our throats. It seems that the people who just a short time ago were assuring us of the stability of the banking industry are the same ones that are insisting we have… Read More
Eight vice presidents have gone on to be president because of the death of the president, and one became president after the resignation of the president. John McCain is 72 years old and has been diagnosed with invasive melanoma. If McCain wins this presidential contest, there is a… Read More
It is clear why John McCain chose Sarah Palin: He hoped that Palin would give him the Clinton voters because she is a white woman. If voters are voting according to gender and race instead of according to issues, then, yes, Palin was a good choice. Gender and… Read More
The greatest conservative minds, William F. Buckley, Milton Friedman, Henry Hyde, figured out long ago that the government’s War on Drugs was lost. Their conclusion was that replacing one scourge – private drug-alcohol abuse – with another scourge – a vast and unconstitutional government pogrom that imprisoned millions,… Read More
Mr. Gratwick is dead-on when he says, “Change is best effected by many people speaking with one voice …”(BDN 9/22/08). I too am passionate about speaking out regarding injustices and the “larger issues” facing us. That is why three years ago I joined the ONE Campaign – The… Read More
This is one of the few times that I wish I lived in two districts in Washington County. I am eager to vote for Marie Emerson for our state representative. I have firsthand knowledge that Marie has been extremely involved and influential in education and an aggressive advocate… Read More
As free market devotees, Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snow endorse fiscal responsibility and minimal governmental intervention in our greatest of all economic systems. Consistent with their espoused belief of unregulated capitalism is the reality of risk and the Darwinian notion of free market natural selection. Read More
I cannot believe that some of my fellow Mainers are trying to support the belief that Sarah Palin is the best choice that could have been made by their fellow Republicans as the VP choice. How bizarre it is that Mainers have a sitting senator with over 30… Read More
Not long ago I saw Sen. Elizabeth M. Schneider at an Eagle Scout ceremony, then she was at the Howland town office and just yesterday she popped by my house to ask if I have questions and to talk with me. I have never seen a state senator… Read More
Who are the geniuses who have created the current financial disaster? One can only hope that the American people remember the past week when talk of privatizing Social Security emerges once again. Just imagine what creative ways the Wall Street gang could find to drive that program to… Read More
Once again the buck is passed: “Offshore oil drilling nears vote in House” (BDN, Sept. 17). I am frustrated and find it unbelievable that the two parties, once again, pull the old bait and switch. And even more unbelievable is that we are buying it. I cannot imagine… Read More
While Sara Palin’s beliefs regarding abortion, birth control, conservation (or lack of it), gun control and religion are shared by many – Democrats as well as Republicans – they do not automatically become the law(s) of the land if she becomes our vice president-elect. Any changes she may… Read More
The city of Bangor has seen major improvements to many of its architecturally significant buildings in recent years. There is a renewed appreciation for historic buildings, complemented by streetscape projects undertaken by the city. Residents can look with pride at the restored Opera House, the Vestry building now… Read More
I am responding to the letter written by Andrea Maberry of Deer Isle in which she implies that Sarah Smiley is “grumping” about her move to Maine. Maberry needs to take a more objective look at Smiley’s writing. Smiley is not making light of Maine’s… Read More
I received a call from a paid telemarketer today on behalf of Fed Up with Taxes. This use of a citizens veto is problematic given the amount of outside industry funding involved attempting to defeat a law that will harm no one and help many. Read More
During this hectic election season, one is faced with a wide range of opinions, half-truths, and wildly erroneous statements that paint a very misleading picture of certain candidates. Although most writers are sincere in their support of a candidate, they often resort to inaccurate characterizations of others. This… Read More
Renee Ordway has written that she would vote for Obama, not because he was African-American, “and certainly not because I’m certain he’ll do everything right,” but because she has a choice, and she wishes to fulfill her right to choose. I would disagree with that… Read More
We must pass a law concerning talking on a cell phone while driving. When someone has one hand on the wheel and the other on a cell phone, their focus is on the phone call. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
Eight hundred years ago, Francis of Assisi began to live a life in which he embraced poverty and selflessness to take up the cross and proclaim love as the way. He lived in a time of great violence in which his church and society were waging war against… Read More
Though I’d hoped the sleepless nights from worrying about Bush’s trashing of the country were finally over, it does seem kind of fitting that his terrorist administration should end with one final, gargantuan assault (adding further insult to countless prior injuries) against his own people. Read More
Two things about Seamore. One, where most of the news we read these days is bad or sad, it was refreshing to have a little miniseries on the abduction and recovery of Seamore the gorilla. Cute story. Happy ending. Two , the photo of the… Read More
Many of you will vote for Obama because you want “change,” because he is young and speaks well to a crowd, or because for some reason you see it as a vote against Bush. Don’t be sheep. Actually listen to what the man does and doesn’t say. Pay… Read More
On Sept. 19, “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer” showed a clip of a speech by John McCain in which he castigated Barack Obama for taking more than $100,000 in campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. After the clip, the TV reporter said that actually McCain… Read More
While couching his platitudes about reproductive responsibility in an encomium to Mark Steyn, Hayes Gahagan may have lulled readers into thinking he was being a reasonable political moderate. However, buried in his OpEd piece, “Reproduction and responsibility vital to U.S.” (BDN, Sept. 11), is his major point: We… Read More
Nurses are the single largest group of health care providers in Maine and the nation. There is a severe shortage of registered nurses looming as baby boomer nurses retire. This retiring further magnifies the shortage of teaching faculty, who educate the next generation of nurses. As a nurse… Read More
I am writing in response to Sherry Huber’s OpEd in the BDN endorsing Barack Obama. Huber is absolutely wrong when she says Obama has the vision to lead our country in the right direction when it comes to the economy and energy. Looking strictly at the facts, it… Read More
I am proudly voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. They are correct on our nation’s priorities: we need to spend taxpayer dollars here in the United States to start to rebuild our fragile economy for our unmet industrial, education, health, energy and infrastructure needs; and carefully withdraw… Read More
In a Sept. 18 letter to the editor, William Babson Jr. criticized Hayes Gahagan for his stand on the right-to-life issue. While I am firmly in the anti-abortion camp, my concern with Babson’s letter is that he slides over another extremely significant issue, the threat of “Islamofascists.”… Read More
I am a practicing neurologist and I am an independent voter. Services provided through numerous federal programs are important to my patients with problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. I have visited our representatives in Washington to encourage them to support legislation important to my patients. Read More
I find it interesting that only a few weeks ago the Republicans were criticizing Barack Obama for his “rock star status” because of drawing large, enthusiastic crowds. Now Sen. John McCain is using Sarah Palin in the same manner in order to bolster his lackluster campaign. Read More
An extra tax on soda pop and beer will not hurt us. People who buy those items at local stores will still do so with hardly a blink at an extra 5 cents or so. Both drinks may make us happy for a short time. But soda makes… Read More
Sharon Rideout’s letter, “Palin has strong values” (BDN, Sept. 15), impels me to respond. I am appalled at how often people will vote for a candidate based on one issue (in this case, pro-life) while ignoring some glaring drawbacks. I too am pro-life. However, there is much to… Read More
The Sept. 17 BDN editorial, “Contracting Improvements,” was correct when it claimed that “the overriding problem is that government oversight hasn’t kept pace with the rapid growth in government contracts,” and this is especially so in the case of U.S. government no-bid contracts to American corporations operating in… Read More
My hope for this coming election is for a very large voter turnout. I don’t think we can afford another election where only 40 percent or 50 percent of the electorate decides who is to be elected. People need to use the power of the ballot to let… Read More
Without casting an opinion as to how I personally stand on the question of Sarah Palin, I would, however, like to share what my oldest daughter said to me Sept. 8 in a phone conversation. My 30-year-old daughter lives in Baltimore. She became pregnant at… Read More
With all due respect, Sherry Huber’s op-ed, “Obama’s vision, commitment right for Maine” (BDN, Sept. 13-14) is dead wrong. Her support for Barack Obama is misguided. First, it must be pointed out that Sherry Huber ran for governor as an independent in 1986, so why… Read More
I’m pretty certain that we’ve seen this movie before. You know, the one where the loveable scamp of a burglar arrives at the realization that the law is getting too close, the risks too great and it’s time to finally retire, but not before one last big score. Read More
Setting aside the notion that Hayes Gahagan’s opinion piece “Reproduction and responsibility vital to U.S.” (BDN, Sept. 11) comes uncomfortably close to echoing Adolf Hitler’s fantasy of an Aryan nation, his article is so full of lapses of logic and unsupported statements masquerading as facts that it is… Read More
To solve the financial crisis, go to the root of it – the insecurity of homeowners’ mortgages. Secure their loans and the complex maze of financial instruments holding them will be secured. This can be done through a federal home mortgage insurance analogous to the… Read More
Big government is doing a great job at working to bail out Wall Street and big business. When is big government going to work to help bailout Main Street people when it comes to everyday gas prices and oil to heat our homes? Why can’t the Feds give… Read More
If the governors and premiers are indeed proposing a better and cleaner transportation for the region, then it is finally time to dump the antiquated “East-West Highway” concept. Born of thinking from a time when everyone liked Ike, tail fins were king, transport fuel was 25 cents a… Read More
I was shocked to see a reputable organization like the National Federation of Independent Business’ misleading and incorrect full-page ad in the Bangor Daily News about Rep. Tom Allen’s tax record. To the contrary, as a small business and farm owner in northern Maine, I know that Rep. Read More
Wednesday’s evening news included John McCain’s choice not to engage in a debate with Barack Obama this Friday. He asserts he does not want to divert attention from the task of Congress to create some program to end our economic problems. Regrettably, Mr. McCain’s logic and judgment is… Read More
The word anger is insufficient to the moment. This bailout proposed by the Bush administration is beyond the pale. The people they are “rescuing” can make more in a day than I have made in my whole life. After the Great Depression, safeguards were put… Read More
How can we ever trust Sen. Susan Collins again? If you recall, when she first announced that she was running for the U.S. Senate, she announced publicly and in the newspapers that if she is elected she will serve two terms and retire. Well, her… Read More
Apparently, women either love or hate Sarah Palin, with no middle ground. Those who love her rejoice in the fact that a conservative woman with great family values has the opportunity to serve our country as the most powerful woman in the world. We love her because she… Read More
I’m watching what is going on with the Wall Street bailout. It is not nice, nor is it wise to continue down that road. Welfare for the rich is worse than for the poor. Investors, banks, etc. who saw the housing market as fruit ripe for the picking… Read More
Six years ago, right before an important election, the Bush Administration suddenly decided that authorization for the Iraq War was so important that it couldn’t wait. Accusations and threats greeted any senators and legislators who balked at abdicating Congress’ constitutional duty to decide when wars are declared. History… Read More