Op-Eds - Centralmaine.com

Op-Eds, Opinion

Commentary: Together we must aspire to a more welcoming and safe Maine

by Sara Lennon Special to the Press Herald September 5, 2023September 4, 2023

Disarming intolerance and bigotry starts with education – this can be uncomfortable and scary, but it works.

Op-Eds, Opinion

Commentary: School bus drivers keep our kids safe. Showing them respect could help improve the shortage

by Jerald McNair September 5, 2023September 4, 2023

How many of us have seen a school bus come to a stop and activate its warning lights and stop arm, and yet a driver proceeds to pass the bus anyway? Imagine the fear that the bus driver must feel, as he or she is tasked with the responsibility of transporting children to and from […]

Op-Eds, Opinion

Sen. Brad Farrin: Permitting reform would maximize benefits of infrastructure investments

by Brad Farrin September 5, 2023September 4, 2023

The bipartisan infrastructure law that Sen. Susan Collins helped craft and pass in late 2021 makes several critical investments in Maine’s core transportation needs. If implemented in a timely manner, these infrastructure investments could help create jobs, strengthen local economies, improve Maine communities, and put us on the path to a cleaner, more sustainable future. […]

Op-Eds, Opinion

Commentary: Businesses need reform of asylum seeker work authorization

by Melissa Smith September 4, 2023September 1, 2023

Lots of red tape stands between new Mainers and the labor force. Fortunately, a common-sense solution is on the table.

Op-Eds, Opinion

Commentary: Nuclear power could save our air quality. At what cost to the water?

by LZ Granderson September 4, 2023September 1, 2023

You know it was a remarkable week when dumping tons of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean wasn’t even the lead story. That’s right: While much of the globe’s attention was on the former American president’s legal battles and the mug shot seen around the world, Japan started its 30-year plan to release the diluted […]

Op-Eds, Opinion

Commentary: Labor Day’s forgotten older workers

by Christopher D. Cook and Teresa Ghilarducci September 4, 2023September 3, 2023

When we think of workers on Labor Day, who comes to mind? Chances are, it’s not the millions of older workers still toiling in our nation’s home care and nursing facilities, cleaning our office buildings, hustling around carrying boxes in big corporate warehouses, driving long-haul trucks or sweating in the fields to produce our food. […]

Op-Eds, Opinion

Jim Fossel: Ignored special election typical of Maine Republican failure

by Jim Fossel September 3, 2023September 2, 2023

Writing off a district may make administrative sense at close range. Zoom out, though, and you see it’s the result of dangerous disorganization and disunity.