Here we go again. I read Jim Fossel’s column on the Maine Senate Democratic primary (“Democratic Senate field isn’t waiting around for Janet Mills,” Sept. 28) with interest and then, growing astonishment — that he did not once even mention that we now have a semi-open primary system.  That is, independent voters, who are unenrolled […]

I was born, raised, educated and employed in Maine for most of my long life and have always been proud of that. However, having just returned from a “bucket-list” trip to Hawaii, I learned something that made me angry and very disappointed in our state. Hawaii’s plentiful and wondrous beaches are all open to the […]

The Sept. 28 op-ed on how Maine’s property taxes are choking residents was timely (“Maine is choking its future. It’s time to loosen the grip.”). National political developments suggest that the move to pass more responsibilities onto the states, while not equitably passing on the funding for these responsibilities, will only make local problems worse. […]

While on holiday in Spain, my daughter-in-law, my granddaughter, her friend and I hosted a farewell dinner for the friend’s partner, his mother and aunt. We had a bits and bobs feast: paella, empanadas, salad, sautéed vegetables, cheese, bread, wine. Lots of talk, exchange of family history, a touch on world affairs, opinions about people, […]