A. Elze: Take back what is ours

“That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.” — Thomas Jefferson "Government, even in the best state, is but a necessary evil, in its worst state, an intolerable one.” — Thomas Jefferson The situation this ...

R. Fournier: K of C very much alive

In the editorial May 12, Rex Rhodes wrote "The places where people used to regularly meet face to face and form lasting friendships have been disappearing for the past 20 years and are going fast." He also wrote, "Last year, the Knights of Columbus Council 106, associated with Basilica of Saints ...

P. Crowell: Saving a life is a 'snap'

Seat belts are the most effective lifesaving feature in a vehicle. However, they only work if you use them and use them correctly. Nearly one in five Americans still fails to buckle up regularly and too many children still don’t use their seat belts or child safety seats.

N. Willard: Obstruction is waste of money

I have an email from Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado. It reads, in part, “This time it’s the confirmation of Gina McCarthy —  the president’s well-qualified nominee for Environmental Protection Agency administrator. ... Last week all eight Republican members of the Senate...

T. Mogul: School Department cannot be blamed

When will it end, the underlying current of hatred toward all things education in Auburn? I moved back to Maine. This is where meaningful education is afoot. I dropped anchor here instead of Portland. I arrived when No Child Left Behind was wrapping its fingers around the collective throat...

N. Stevens: He asks tough questions

Three years ago, New Gloucester elected newcomer Josh McHenry to the board of selectmen. In just three years, he has really dug in by asking a lot of questions, as any newcomer should. He has demonstrated a genuine desire to serve his town by voicing his concerns and conducting a thorough review ...

Rebuttal, D. Dubuc: It all comes out of the same place

This is in response to the guest column by Rep. Michel Lajoie, printed May 12. His column ties nicely into an incident that happened just a couple of days later, on May 15, at the Poland High School budget meeting and explains why this country is $17 trillion in debt and counting. Lajoie's...

S. Gallant: Crossing the tracks a threat?

My husband and I have lived in River Valley Village for 14 years, right by the train tracks. Being visually impaired and not able to drive, we have walked across the tracks to go to stores, doctor appointments, etc. Recently, my husband was stopped by a policeman saying the tracks are priv...

M. Baxter: Praising the YWCA

I want to offer a public "thank you" to the YWCA of Central Maine for immediately responding to assist the homeless after Lewiston’s recent fires. The YW offered space for donations of clothes and household items and also provided a place for showers to those in temporary shelters. A...

W. Van Dehey: Teachers can be trained

Well, the gun-haters have scored another one for chaos. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee has just all but guaranteed that if there is a "crazy" out and about in Maine, he/she can pull a "Newtown" or "Columbine" with probable safety. The Newtown shooting took about five minu...