I argued in my last column that our government is becoming dangerously dysfunctional. The showdown over the debt ceiling is only the latest in a series of unnecessary and artificial crises caused by our political leaders, who have irresponsibly turned the ordinary disagreements that constitute democratic politics into occasions for total war. Instead of legislative debates and regular legislative processes that produce outcomes that all sides can live with, we have scorched earth campaigns that result in temporary victories, but inflict lasting damage on our institutions and undermine the public’s trust in government.
Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
Are Republican legislators really on our side?
The Maine Compass column, published on July 17, by Sen. David Trahan and Rep. L. Gary Knight, titled “Republican tax plan will generate jobs, benefit low-income families” is a column full of mathematical gymnastics. How is a tax plan giving 43 percent of the benefit to those making more than $100,000 going to help low- […]
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
OUR OPINION: Debt talks have already had effect on economy
We don’t need to wait until Aug. 2 to find out what effect a failure to agree on raising the debt ceiling will have — it’s already happening.
Posted inNews
Anson, Madison, Starks get new ambulance
The Anson-Madison-Starks Ambulance Service bought a new ambulance recently and decreased each town’s annual subsidy.
Posted inNews
Morning Sentinel police log: July 29, 2011
IN ANSON, Wednesday at 8:24 a.m., criminal mischief was reported on Ken Taylor Street.
Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
State workers do part to help balance budget
I’m proud to be one of the Maine people who work to protect public health and safety and our environment. I work at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, where I am joined by hundreds of hard-working men and women who make sure the quality of our state’s air, water and land are benefiting working […]
Posted inNews
Snowe bill would allow heavier trucks on interstate
Currently, trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds are restricted to secondary roads except for the Maine Turnpike from Kittery to Augusta.
Posted inNews
South Berwick man guilty in hit-and-run death
BANGOR — A 23-year-old man faces up to 30 years in prison after being convicted in the hit-and-run death of a University of Maine student. A Penobscot County Superior Court jury today found Garrett Cheney of South Berwick guilty of manslaughter, aggravated criminal operating under the influence and other charges in the Jan. 30, 2010, […]
Posted inNews, Sports
LEGION BASEBALL: Augusta wins again in state tournament
AUGUSTA — The offensive struggles are a thing of the past.
Augusta pounded out 17 more hits, including four home runs, to defeat previously unbeaten Gayton Post, 21-11, in American Legion Baseball state tournament action Thursday afternoon.
Posted inNews
Swan indicted in Chelsea corruption probe
AUGUSTA — A Kennebec County grand jury on Thursday indicted former Chelsea Board of Selectmen Chairman Carole Swan on four criminal charges alleging she solicited kickbacks from a snowplow contractor. A prosecutor says her actions remain under scrutiny. The indictment is the formal start of a criminal case against Swan, 53, and she will be […]