Thumbs up to two local companies, Black Fly Media and Northeast Media Associates, for working with FBI agents to create a 30-second public service announcement that helped lead to the arrest of former Massachusetts mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger.

The PSA focused on 60-year-old Catherine Greig, Bulger’s longtime girlfriend, who was wanted for harboring a fugitive. Bulger, 81, was on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list for his alleged role in 19 murders. The two had been on the run for 16 years. Both were arrested on June 22, a few days after the video campaign was launched, where they were living in Santa Monica, Calif. Charlie Berg, of Saco, is an owner of Black Fly Media and worked on the PSA.

Thumbs up to Maine legislators for sending the racino proposal for Biddeford to a statewide referendum. Supporters argued the racino was approved by Biddeford residents and a law authorizing Hollywood Slots in Bangor allowed for a second such facility, but legislators saw that was a stretch. Ocean Properties and Scarborough Downs stand to make a lot of money off of the Biddeford Downs racino. The cost to campaign for November’s vote would be a drop in the bucket compared to the profits the groups could make. We’re pleased all Maine voters will get their say on the racino ”“ especially abutters in York County.

Thumbs up to officials in Sanford and to Rex Bell, principal of Northland Enterprises LLC, for moving forward plans to refurbish the Sanford Mill on Washington Street. They say the plan is likely to come to fruition later this year. Northland Enterprises is looking at taking possession of the mill from the town in September, with a view to start construction in early 2012. This re-use of a Sanford mill will provide quality housing and new retail space in town. It will also put the property back on the tax rolls ”“ where it should be.

Thumbs up to Sam Glueckert and his wife, Kristen Tate, and mother-in-law, Nancy Tate, for assisting Saco resident MaryAnn Caret in finding her 2-year-old German shepherd, Saydie, recently. The dog was missing for three months and lost a lot of weight, but thanks to an alert Glueckert, Saydie was safely returned home.

Thumbs up to Kennebunk selectmen for approving the installation of free solar panels on the roofs of four municipal buildings. Although some selectmen voiced concerns earlier that the company installing the panels ”“ DataComm Services Energy ”“ will receive payment for the panels through tax credits, the town still stands to realize savings of approximately $11,000 in electrical costs. Also, the panels are free of charge with the exception of insurance the town will carry at a cost of $250 per panel.

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Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.



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