Our View: Yes on Question 4 to preserve Maine’s right to repair our vehicles

Ben Bragdon Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel

Ben Bragdon is deputy managing editor for local news, overseeing enterprise reporting projects for the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. Ben was previously editorial page editor for those newspapers and Central Maine Sunday for more than 10 years. Before that, he was managing editor for weekly newspapers at Current Publishing in Westbrook. He began his career as a reporter at the Piscataquis Observer in Dover-Foxcroft and editor at the Moosehead Messenger in Greenville. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from Boston University.

Latest

Published
October 22, 2023

Our View: Yes on Question 4 to preserve Maine’s right to repair our vehicles

Residents across the state rely on Maine’s 700 or so independent auto repair shops to keep their cars on the road, year after year, without busting their wallets or opening themselves to risk. However, rapid changes in the automotive world are putting that most important relationship – the one between a Mainer and their mechanic […]
Published
October 17, 2023

Commentary: Through the generations

A lot of folks have deeply held opinions about Gen Z. Some say they lack initiative — how else could they spend that much time on TikTok? Some question their maturity—it’s not possible to be independent while still being on your parents’ phone plan, right? A lot like judges at the Westminster Dog Show, these […]
Published
October 16, 2023

Andreas Kluth: Israel and Ukraine are linked, and the US must stand with both

Almost without exception, lawmakers from both parties in Congress are eager to give Israel whatever it asks, from missiles to dollars. And that is as it should be, for Israel just became the victim of unspeakable barbarity and now needs stalwart support. But in the very next breath, some of those same U.S. legislators, mainly […]
Published
October 16, 2023

View from Away: Don’t believe the naysayers. We can electrify the economy without leaving workers behind

The U.S. economy is in the early stages of an once-in-a-lifetime shift from an economy powered by fossil fuels. To prevent catastrophic climate change we have to switch quickly to electric vehicles and appliances fueled by renewable energy. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of good-paying jobs — and it doesn’t have to. Now […]
Published
October 13, 2023

Rabbi Rachel Isaacs: Our Jewish community is in mourning

Pray for justice and peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, writes a local faith leader.
Published
October 13, 2023

Sen. Marianne Moore: For our coastal counties, Maine’s working waterfront is crucial to our economic prosperity

Rockweed can be sustainably harvested and provide a solid income in parts of the state where economic opportunity is much needed, the Calais Republican writes.
Published
October 11, 2023

Tom Waddell: Fight over abortion is far from over

Abortion is essential to women’s reproductive health care. Some conditions that make abortion necessary include the criminal or medical ills of rape, incest, intimate partner violence, illness or illegal drug use during pregnancy that affects the fetus, and life-threatening fetal abnormalities. Where abortion is illegal, women often resort to unsafe means to end unwanted pregnancies, […]
Published
October 9, 2023

Commentary: With MAGA-led chaos in Congress, Gen. Milley’s warning rings loud and clear

In recent days, the country has been subjected to a chilling preview of what MAGA rule would look like if Donald Trump returns to power, as America’s allies looked on in shock while its enemies had good reason to cheer. Having failed to shut down the government, but succeeded in axing Ukraine aid, a handful […]
Published
October 8, 2023

Our View: Communities must step up on housing – or step aside

Local control of housing in Maine has resulted in high costs and low supply. Something has to change.
Published
October 8, 2023

Commentary: People think drug use causes homelessness. It’s usually the other way around

A common perception among many Americans is that substance abuse is a chief cause of people losing their housing and living on the streets. But research debunks this myth. Findings from the recent California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness encompassing more than 3,200 adults — the largest and most representative sample of homeless individuals […]