Thumbs up to Operation Blessing International and General Marine in Biddeford for taking on the project of building new fishing boats for fishermen in Japan whose fleets were decimated by the earthquake and tsunami in March. This aid effort is very important, as it is a means of getting people back to work to rebuild their livelihoods and the economy in Japan.
The devastation that followed the triple-level disaster of earthquake/tsunami/nuclear reactor meltdown was considerable, and it’s heartening to know that a small Biddeford company is going to have a hand in helping the Japanese get back on their feet ”“ and back on the water.
Thumbs up to all of those who contributed to the effort to open a new walking trail in Sanford. The Sanford Trails Committee and Sanford Kiwanis Club dedicated the new trail, which has its trailhead on Emery Street, this past Saturday. It was made possible by an inspiring collection of supporters: The Mousam Way Committee, a state grant given to the Kiwanis club, the efforts of the town trails committee, and volunteers from AmeriCorps and local construction companies.
Thumbs down to Biddeford Planning Board member Matthew Hight’s refusal to sign a Rules of Procedures and Code of Ethics document. Like the city council, the planning board has significant powers over developers and homeowners alike and it makes sense to have them formally agree to conduct business in a uniform, ethical way. Unfortunately, this has turned into a political contest, with the planning board rejecting the code simply because the city’s planning office staff is suggesting that it be signed. We agree with former board member Roch Angers, who wondered last week, “What the beef is?” Signing an ethics agreement should not be a political power struggle. It should be a simple, peace-of-mind document for anyone who has to go before either board and for anyone who is represented by board members.
Thumbs up to the National Correctional Employees Union for approving a contract that includes a 15 percent contribution to their health insurance costs. The County Patrol Association should also be applauded for coming forward to say that its union members are willing to take on some of this cost as well, to help the county avoid layoffs. York County commissioners recently approved a county budget for 2012 that would result in a layoff of about five county workers. The cuts could be avoided, say commissioners, if all county workers contribute 15 percent of the cost to their own health insurance. Right now, current union contracts were negotiated so the county picks up the tab for 100 percent of employee health insurance coverage and 50 percent of family coverage. It’s rare to find a private company that provides that kind of coverage, and those who pay a big chunk of their health insurance costs find it hard to understand why taxpayers are on the hook for the full tab for these workers. Stepping up to take on some of the burden is the right thing to do, particularly if it keeps your peers employed. We hope the CPA follows through with its plans to take on some of this expense and the Maine State Employees Association ”“ representing clerical and custodial workers ”“ does the same.
Thumbs down to the abrupt closure of the Lowe’s home improvement store in Biddeford on Sunday, Oct. 16. It’s understandable that the business chose to close down 20 of its underperforming stores, but the way the corporate headquarters went about the closure was beyond inconsiderate. Employees have a right to know that the business is in danger of shutting down and if a closure is planned ”“ as this one must have been ”“ they should have been made aware. Customers, too, deserve the courtesy of a heads-up instead of simply finding the doors locked when they go to shop there. The loss of 102 jobs in Biddeford is a blow we didn’t need during this struggling economy, but perhaps more disturbing is the way it went down.
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Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you want to respond, feel free to write to the Readers’ Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.
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