Local State Rep. upset with LePage
I was very disappointed in Governor LePage’s comments disparaging the Franco community.
I wish he would remember how hard so many members of our community have worked over the years to stamp out negative stereotypes. At one time they were commonly repeated throughout the state, and we still hear them far too frequently.
We are a proud people, and we can point to a long history of accomplishments, hard work and rich contributions to Maine’s culture. Our success has not come easily, and it has often been a struggle to achieve equal standing with our fellow Mainers.
I believe ”“ and many of my constituents have told me they agree ”“ that Maine’s Franco governor ought to be a source of pride for our community. Rather than contribute to false stereotypes that give us a bad name, he should be speaking of his heritage with the respect it deserves and setting a better example for the Franco community.
Rep. Ryan Fecteau
Biddeford
City, union needs to negotiate in good faith
At the Biddeford City Council meeting on July 7, labor unions protested, claiming “City of Biddeford unfair to Teamsters.” A dense crowd violated the building’s fire code and refused to move into a hallway adjacent to the Biddeford City Council Chambers, forcing the City Council to adjourn before any city business could be conducted. Since I am a taxpaying Biddeford resident, I am compelled to speak up, and inform both the Teamsters and the Biddeford negotiating committee, how we taxpayers think/feel.
Solidarity is an old-fashion virtue that is frequently invoked for those of us lucky enough to belong to a union. We know it’s power first hand ”“ not just from the livable wages and decent benefits it delivers through collective bargaining ”“ but also from the voice it gives each of us every day on the job.
I was very disappointed with:
Ӣ Public safety union leaders/members for ignoring safety rules.
Ӣ Mayor for losing control of the situation. Civility must be maintained even when emotions run high.
”¢ Firefighters decline to even meet with the city, regarding Firefighters contract, anticipating “Bad Faith” negotiations.
Contracts should remain in effect until a new agreement is reached through collective bargaining, arbitration or mediation. Nobody wants to see anybody lose their job. Like you, taxpayers also have to feed their families, make mortgage payments, have kids in school, health insurance payments, save for kids college, save for retirement, etc. In addition, the Biddeford School Superintendent recently stated that nearly two thirds of our school kids are on free/reduced lunch. We are working harder, but we keep falling behind.
Contract negotiations crucial issues:
”¢ Negotiate contracts that are fair to both ”“ the employees, and the taxpayers. Present/current benefits exceed the industry standard. This is unfair to taxpayers.
”¢ Injured workers ”“ should be no better off/no worse off as a result of suffering an on-the-job injury.
”¢ Salary ”“ cost of living increases.
”¢ Benefits ”“ currently very generous.
”¢ Accrued unused sick leave ”“ cash payout for half of unused sick leave. You are allowed to accrue it in case you may need it. Taxpayers should not be penalized because you did not get sick.
”¢ Health insurance for retired employees ”“ tax payers cannot afford to pay for retirees health insurance from age 55 till they reach 65 or Medicare eligibility. Currently we pay for the retiree and his/her replacement.
Yes, your work is dangerous ”“ it was stated that Biddeford is Maine’s most dangerous city to live in. Here is a list of Maine’s top ten most dangerous cities to live in according to FBI 2013 Uniform Crime Report.
1. Augusta (our state capital)
2. Biddeford (Population 21,324; crimes 1,258; chance of being a victim 1 in 17).
3. Bangor
4. Waterville
5. Skowhegan
6. Portland
7. Sanford
8. Auburn
9. South Portland
10. Lewiston
Methodology used: Murder; Rape; Robbery; Assault; Burglary; theft; Vehicle theft.
I sincerely hope union leaders can and will negotiate in good faith with city officials on behalf of their members and those responsible to pay the bills ”“ the taxpayers.
Paul Therrien
Biddeford
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