To the editor,
After watching the South Portland city council candidates forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, I feel confident in casting my vote for Natalie West as one of our at-large South Portland city councilors. Natalie displayed equanimity and thoughtfulness in her demeanor and in her responses.
Natalie has been active in the community and involved in diverse issues for many years. She has maintained positive and friendly relationships, even in the face of differing points of view. She has a proven history of working well with city staff and other officials in addressing pressing issues and helping to draft critical policy.
Natalie understands the need for climate crisis response and has a deep understanding of the impact that local policy can have in making change. Stepping into the role of city councilor in South Portland will be an easy transition for Natalie, as she has demonstrated care and commitment to our South Portland community in all of my interactions with her over the years.
I hope my South Portland friends and neighbors will join me in voting for Natalie West, who will represent with discernment and a balanced approach to local government.
April Caricchio
South Portland
To the editor,
I am writing in support of South Portland City Council candidate Richard Matthews. He is a lifelong South Portland resident who has dedicated so much time and effort to our city. Mr. Matthews is even tempered and honest, and takes the time to listen to, and consider, what others have to say — whether he may agree with their viewpoint or not.
I have known Mr. Matthews for about eight years, mostly through his hard work and diligence while seated on the South Portland School Board. My oldest child has Down syndrome, and Mr. Matthews was always one of his biggest cheerleaders, both on and off of the board. He always considered my thoughts on special education policy and procedures, and made sure that students like my son had a voice. Our city’s students will benefit from his years of service for a long time to come.
Now we have the opportunity to elect Mr. Matthews to our city council. South Portland will be well served by his expertise and care, and is the ideal candidate to move our city forward.
Jennifer Christensen
South Portland
To the editor,
As I think about the upcoming elections, I believe the world and the city are at a critical juncture re climate, the economy and social justice. To address these difficult issues, we will need a profound willingness to accurately identify problems, consider all our options and work together. If we over-simplify complex problems or blame others, we will fail to accurately identify problems.
We need to look at issues as part of a big picture and appreciate deeply held values and beliefs as integral to decision making. Everyone needs to be able to at least live with solutions, know their voices were respected and understand the rationale for decisions. The opportunity to correct for errors needs be built into planning.
It is hard to commit to a decision and at the same time know that the course might need correction; we need to be both courageous and humble. We have made mistakes in the past, we will make mistakes again and yet we have to move forward. This requires some level of trust and belief in a common good. This is what I believe is required of all of us.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve six years on the South Portland City Council. When I chose not to run for re-election, I wanted to have someone I respect be elected in my place. I believe Natalie West would be an excellent council member because of her integrity, knowledge, skill and compassion.
Susan Henderson
South Portland
To the editor,
I am writing in support of Natalie West, who is running for one of the at-large seats on the South Portland City Council. Natalie has been my neighbor for many years and I have observed her to be open, caring, and fair. She is a good communicator, whether discussing politics or the repair of a fence that runs along our properties.
Natalie has a measured approach and explores all sides of an issue. In addition, her legal background and understanding of city ordinances provide a wide knowledge base to bring to the table.
If you want a strong leader who will contribute to the quality of our community, vote for Natalie West.
Paula Costin
South Portland
To the editor,
Proven principled leadership goes beyond slogans and the advancement of personal wish lists. It is grounded in reality and works tirelessly to meet the needs of the members of a community beyond election cycles. It carefully listens to the voices of the community and recognizes the importance of a larger perspective and world view.
Anne Carney has embraced these principles and continues to show up on our behalf in Augusta. Her work in the halls of power guides us toward a better future. Common themes connect her legislative priorities and accomplishments. Among these are significant improvements to our judiciary, increased access to healthcare, and fierce protection of the environment.
In a climate where we face increasingly difficult choices, it is a great comfort to have an uncomplicated one in voting for Anne to represent us in Senate District 29 at the Maine Legislature.
Pedro A. Vazquez
South Portland
To the editor,
Anne Carney, candidate for re-election to the Maine Senate in South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough, has represented her district with real distinction. As senate chair of the Judiciary Committee she has focused on the need to increase funding for civil legal services and restructuring Maine’s system for providing criminal defense for those unable to afford it.
She has introduced new and better environmental laws. She favors stronger human rights laws including protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. She supported the expansion of Maine’s CHIP program providing health insurance to children that is not dependent on their parents’ jobs. She supports Maine’s new program offering two years of free community college.
Anne Carney deserves re-election in order to continue her service to this state, and to the residents of the communities she so ably represents.
David Platt, Janice Drinan
Scarborough
To the editor,
There are a number of reasons to seek involvement in local politics. Some candidates seek overall change. Some have a specific issue – a new civic building, dogs on the beach. The very best candidates, however, simply want to be of service to their community.
Dick Mathews is such a candidate. He has a long record of service here. He is a native South Portlander. He served for years on our school board. He currently serves on our city’s Civil Service Committee. Personally, I had the privilege of working with him when he proved himself a key part of ensuring the future of our high school when that building was falling apart.
A huge part of our city budget is funding our schools (65 percent). Dick understands that process. He possesses a compassionate and practical leadership style that our community needs after years of city councilors lining up against each other over very specific issues. Let’s pass up the politically motivated candidates and elect Dick. It should be about service, not getting your way. Dick gets that.
He is smart and compassionate. He wants to take this community forward and ensure that every voice is heard, and that all the challenges we face as a community are duly considered. I’m voting for Dick because he believes, in action and in word, that the underlying strength of this community is that this city is for everyone. In November, I urge your readers to vote for Richard Mathews for city council.
Ross Little
South Portland
To the editor,
I am writing to urge my fellow citizens to vote for Steve Silver for city council. I have lived in South Portland for over 20 years and I can assure you that Steve will be one of the hardest working and most transparent councilors this city has ever had.
Unfortunately, the current council has adopted a uniform mindset that not only discourages opposing viewpoints, but openly attacks them. When Steve voiced his support for keeping Willard Beach open to all and not just a privileged few beachfront property owners, councilor Leighton posted on Instagram attacking Steve’s character. This is not the type of leadership this city needs. It is no surprise that councilor Leighton and her radical cohort have backed Steve’s opponents in this race. Those in power want to keep their power.
So why are they afraid of Steve? Because Steve will actually stand up to support our small businesses. This current council has enacted numerous bans and mandates over the past year harming our small businesses and their employees. Steve will also fight to make sure city council doesn’t treat property owners like ATMs. If it wasn’t bad enough that the 2021 property revaluation raised the average homeowner’s property taxes 20 percent, this council voted just a few months ago in June to hike taxes another 6 percent. Unlike the California millionaire running against Steve, he understands the struggle of rising grocery and fuel prices and will force our council to get serious about budgeting.
Steve will bring his experience as a lawyer, professor, and father of twins to bridge the divide this council has created. He has years of civil service experience too. Steve served two years on the Maine State Board of Property Tax Review and since 2020 has served as the chair of the Maine Gambling Control Board. If you, like me, want to see more common sense in our city government, vote Steve Silver.
Tracy Cardelli
South Portland
To the editor,
Like many South Portland residents, I care deeply about our public schools and that‘s why I offer my full personal endorsement of Marty (Martha) Riehle as an important voice who needs to be included on the South Portland School Board
Our students, families, and educators are looking for leaders to unite us around a shared vision of high-quality neighborhood schools for every student in South Portland.
As our schools struggle with growing enrollment (over 20 percent of whom are multi-lingual learners and many lack a permanent residence) as well as budget issues, our board members will carefully consider the coming decisions necessary to address those issues. And many others.
Marty is dedicated, level-headed and works well with a wide variety of people. She takes the time to do her homework and fully understand the issues she’s working on. She’ll bring valuable experience to the board and wants to expand opportunity for all; she’ll do what’s best for all of our students as well as for our teachers.
She wants to help raise student achievement, build relationships between families and educators, help develop and retain teachers and staff and stabilize our schools.
South Portland deserves a school board that will be a champion for our public schools, our collective vision and that gets education right. Marty Riehle would be the best addition to the board.
Laurie Kahn
South Portland
To the editor,
I am giving Dick Matthews my full support for South Portland City Council. Dick is dedicated to this community and, like me, has lived here all his life.
Dick Matthews’ volunteer work with children and the elderly, his years on the board of education during which he exhibited fiscal responsibility and his lifelong residency contribute to understanding the true fabric of our community unlike any other candidate. Please vote to elect Dick Matthews to the South Portland City Council.
Kathleen Hanson
South Portland
Portland ship chandlery
To the editor,
The oldest continuous ship chandlery in the 1960s was Sargent Lord & Company. Founded in 1878, the store and
warehouse was located on Portland Pier. For over 30 years, my father, Ralph A. MacLean, Jr, worked in the grocery section. He developed a lasting circle of friends when Portland was mostly a working waterfront.
The company supplied every type of vessel with provisions and marine hardware. Prior to World War II, the company
supplied some of the first “ocean ships” built at the South Portland Shipyard. Large port and starboard steamship lanterns hung over the front door of the store as the mark of a ship chandlery.
Ralph A. MacLean III
South Portland
Writing to persuade
I am an adjunct professor at Southern Maine Community College teaching preparatory reading and writing. My students are learning how to write letters to the editor as part of their instruction in Writing to Persuade. This is the third installment, and we hope you will read and enjoy their viewpoints.
Rosemarie De Angelis
SMCC Professor
To the editor,
The cartoon of Simba is the scene that represents Africa; many people are raised with the belief that Africa is a country in a forest. Africa is a continent that has 54 countries, many cultures, languages, religions, politics, agriculture and cuisine.
Today we don’t all have the capacity to travel, but we have television, internet and books. Africa is the second largest continent. The USA, China, India, Europe and Japan could all fit inside its geographic border.
I would like the education system of colonizing countries to introduce the study of the African continent, and the writers have to cancel the word territory in their books.
Africa is not a country. Try to cultivate ourselves with the internet every day. Yes. We can’t know everything, but knowing that Africa is a continent is the minimum we should know.
Jandia Sonia B. Macosso
Angola
To the editor,
A gym is a place where people go to train and exercise but also to unwind and socialize. Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.
You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? Exercise helps to prevent excess weight gain and maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. It combats stress and disease, improves mood, boosts energy and promotes better sleep. It improves the ability of doing everyday activities like going to work or school.
People often go to the gym in order to lose weight. Many machines such as treadmills show the number of calories you have used during your exercise.
People who exercise regularly tend to live healthier and longer lives. You should definitely exercise often to remain healthy. Don’t be lazy. Go to the gym today.
Moise Armel Kanga Mbella
Congo Brazzaville
To the editor,
Doing your work on time and planning your day will make your day help you focus and feel better. It’s important to do homework or other daily work, but the most important thing is to do it on time.
The benefits are decreased stress, more energy, and a comfortable day and clear goals. Also doing work on time will make you feel successful. When I delay my work I feel confused, nervous, disorganized and the work will pile up on me. That’s why I learned to do it on time.
Most people delay their homework and daily work in life, so I advise everyone to commit to doing your work on time to live comfortably.
Teba Alsalihi
Iraq, Baghdad
To the editor,
Music is very important in my life. It accompanies me in all stages of life. This can be traditional, religious, urban, classic or modern music. Music brings a good feeling. I first learned music when I was 9 years old, going to church with my parents.
In achievements, we celebrate with music and everything gets even better. Music also brings nostalgia. Listening makes you remember someone, food or other moments already lived. In 2014, I decided music would be my life, my career, my passion.
Reader, when you can listen to good music, it will bring you many benefits. Try listening in your day, when you are going to work or when you are free at home. Music will make your day lively, make your heart full of love and will make you excited. Listen today.
Gloire Ilonde Eale Bolele
Democratic Republic of the Congo
To the editor,
Learning another language is helpful, because a person with this capacity can communicate with other nationalities without problem. Today there is an urgent need for increased cultural understanding than ever before.
First, if we learn how to speak a new language, we are able to share and express our thinking with more people. Next, we have many people who are migrating from their native land to developed countries in search of greener pastures. Speaking a new language helps people to settle at other places and achieve their goals. We can feel isolated when we are not able to understand others.
All schools should teach more than one language. I advise people who don’t have time to learn new languages at school, to install the application in their phone and spend one hour every day to learn. I would like you to go to adult education and start your free basic English class to be ready for college.
Anne Koumissi
Cameroon
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