So, David Costello’s back. I left Washington, D.C., for Maine. I’ve found there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for my skills right here.  I wonder at those who leave Maine for Washington, make a bundle as Washington insiders, return to Maine — and then can’t wait to get back to Washington. Costello isn’t the first. […]

I am writing in support of raising taxes on the wealthiest Mainers and profitable corporations to fund vital public programs. As a social work student at the University of Southern Maine, I am trained to address social problems and support those in need. Every day, I see the consequences of underfunded systems: families forced to […]

There are a lot of things I don’t know. I don’t know why Donald Trump is unbothered by the fact that Russia provides Iran with satellite intelligence that allows Iran to target U.S. assets in the Middle East, including the recent destruction of an E-3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) plane on the […]

Max Cooper’s letter of March 3 (“Don’t allow Maine to be embarrassed by Platner”) expressed anxiety and embarrassment over Graham Platner’s “tattoo” and “posts.” I share in distaste for the Totenkopf, but the Reddit posts, authored anonymously over a period of years when Platner was far from politics, are some of the strongest evidence that […]

I’m enthusiastically voting for Troy Jackson for governor. Here’s why: I want the next governor to work to bring all of Maine together — we need job opportunities paying a living wage and affordable housing and child care in northern and interior Maine as well as in fast-growing coastal areas. I’m confident that Troy Jackson […]

A proposal approved by Maine Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee last week slightly shifts the tax burden from middle and lower income people to the wealthy. It proposes a wealth tax of 2% for individuals with incomes over $1 million and couples earning over $2 million. For example, an individual with a taxable income […]

This spring, there are a few things we can do to help the animals that are going to be on the move with warmer weather. Insects are hibernating under leaves and aren’t ready to come out until the nights are warmer. Wait to rake leaves and clean up the garden until the nighttime temperatures are […]

Maine’s domestic violence resource centers are no longer able to meet the demand for ourservices. At Through These Doors, Cumberland County’s only domestic violence resource center, we were forced to reduce staffing levels due to flat funding from the state of Maine and reduced federal funds. TTD employees provide advocacy through our 24-hour crisis helpline, emergency shelter, support groups, local courthouses and […]

“No taxation without representation” was one of the rallying cries of the American Revolution. It reflected a simple belief, if the government expected our money, our obedience and our trust, then it owes us accountability. Apparently, elected officials no longer agree. I have contacted my state representative seven separate times with a simple question. Seven […]