Thumbs up to the initiative planned this fall at Biddeford High School to encourage a love of reading in students. Too many young people are getting by on Cliff Notes and anecdotes rather than actually reading assigned material, and today’s technology is only distracting them more. Changing the culture at the school to one that embraces reading is the right approach, and we’re glad to see the administrators and staff making an effort to move back toward this basic, core component of learning.
A person who is literate can learn anything, and the more proficient they become, the more material they can understand. For too long, schools have forced students to read books in which they are not interested, inadvertently teaching them that reading is a chore. If BHS has success with this alternative approach, students will enjoy reading, thereby reach higher levels of literacy, and will be more prepared for continuing their education, both formally and informally.
Thumbs down to the recent dramatics at the Statehouse as Gov. Paul LePage moved his office out of the building temporarily over a disagreement about a television. This was an embarrassing, ridiculous action to take over such a minor dispute and has only served to cause more divisiveness in Augusta. LePage had set up a television set on a rolling stand, displaying messages about taxes and his budget efforts, in the Hall of Flags. The Legislative Council, which includes members of both parties, objected to the TV in that location, saying it violated rules of decorum. LePage’s childish response was to claim censorship, storm out and operate out of the Blaine House until late last week. The TV is now located over the door to his office and its presence is not disputed. This compromise could have been reached without the drama, and we’re sorry to see that it rose to such a level.
Thumbs down to those residents who continue to register their vehicles over the state line instead of in Maine, in an effort to save a few bucks. These people are getting a free ride of some city and town services from those of us who follow the law. Excise tax is an important revenue source for municipalities, and it’s not fair to law-abiding citizens for others to scam the system by keeping their car registered in another state. It’s hard to say how many people are doing this, but it seems fairly prevalent in border areas, and we’re glad to see the Sanford Police and Town of Lebanon planning to crack down on it.
Thumbs down to the Biddeford City Council’s continued refusal to hire an engineering consulting firm for Biddeford Municipal Airport projects. All this vote would have done is choose the company to do any approved projects, while each project would still need to be approved by the council going forward. By rejecting the contract, the council continues to hold back the process of making the most of this city asset. We agree with Councilor Bob Mills that “it’s time to go forward.” Those who opposed the engineering contract say they want to hear back from a committee exploring what the costs would be to close the airport ”“ but voters said only five years ago that they don’t want to close it. It’s clear that the city needs a study of the airport’s current use and its potential for economic development. Why are we still waiting for such a study to be done?
Thumbs up to all of those who organized, participated in or attended area Memorial Day ceremonies and parades. With beautiful weather for the holiday, crowds were strong in most towns as people turned out to thank those who had fought for their freedom. The events were well-planned and included not only tributes to our fallen veterans but also enjoyable showings from community groups such as school bands, scouts and dancers. This year, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1044 even brought the “Fallen Warrior” ceremony to North Berwick ”“ a touching and special service that strikes at the true meaning of Memorial Day.
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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 email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford office.
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