Letters

Published
February 19, 2015

Letter to the editor: Rail authority needs better plan for when Downeaster train breaks down

Re: “Downeaster train arrives in Boston 6 hours late after breakdown in Maine” (Feb. 12): Patricia Quinn of the Northern New England Rail Passenger Authority blames last Thursday’s Downeaster delay on the lack of a layover barn at Brunswick. This kept car men from removing ice to do maintenance, she said, claiming that “these situations […]
Published
February 19, 2015

Letter to the editor: Drop excuses, find solutions for Portland’s General Assistance costs

As a Portland taxpayer, it bothers me to see our city’s leaders respond with excuses to news of our outlier-status General Assistance welfare spending. To me, no amount of excuses can justify the fact that we spend more than 10 times what Lewiston-Auburn spends. Lewiston has audited its General Assistance rolls and found that many […]
Published
February 19, 2015

Letter to the editor: Portland has to stop overspending on General Assistance for needy

Why is it that the city of Portland is spending 50 percent more on General Assistance welfare than it was during the height of the recession? Why does Portland account for 5 percent of the state’s population but 63 percent of all General Assistance spending in Maine? These are some very inconvenient questions for Mayor […]
Published
February 19, 2015

Letter to the editor: Here’s how those who opt out of vaccinations put many at risk

On Feb. 4, Seth Johnson asked how an unvaccinated individual is a threat to the vaccinated (“Letter to the editor: Questions remain despite reporting on vaccination”). Let me take a shot at that. To answer, I’ll have to use math – sorry! Imagine 1,000 people in a room with a person infected with measles. Ninety […]
Published
February 18, 2015

Letter to the editor: Let Maine’s math and science experts help guide public policy

I was delighted to read the timely letter by Dudley Greely of Cumberland (“Our politicians should heed credible scientific advice on vaccines, environment,” Feb. 7). It was gratifying that others are concerned about the need for legitimate science to play a more substantive role in the development of public policy. I enthusiastically support Mr. Greely’s […]

Published
February 18, 2015

Letter to the editor: Republicans create prosperity for all? Yeah, when elephants fly

Here’s my response to Gov. LePage and the other Republican governors (and their lavishly paid strategists) around the country who claim that their economic plan is going to result in “prosperity” for all: Ha ha ha ha ha ha! What a load of baloney. It’s 2015 and we’re still waiting for “trickle-down” economics to bring […]
Published
February 18, 2015

Letter to the editor: Maine should legalize assisted suicide

A dear friend died. He took his own life. He was terminally ill with ALS. His mind was crisp, logical, thoughtful and analytical as he dealt with his own demise. He had two unpleasant and final choices: n To suffer slow, painful, terminal neuromuscular immobilization while bedridden and being unable to do nearly anything except […]
Published
February 18, 2015

Letter to the editor: Story on salute to aging police dog was both sad and touching

Re:“Maine’s K-9 community bids adieu to loyal friend,” Feb. 14: Adieu, Sultan. I loved this beautiful story. I shed many tears as I read this article. Seeing the photo of the officers saluting their fellow “officer” was so incredibly heartwarming and heartbreaking. I’m so impressed that you all cared enough to be there for Sultan’s […]
Published
February 18, 2015

Letter to the editor: Government’s of two minds on card Social Security data

Your Feb. 14 editorial (“Our View: Anthem must be held accountable for lost data”) points out that the Social Security Administration cautions people not to carry their Social Security cards routinely, but to leave them in a safe place at home. Probably your editorial writers don’t qualify for Medicare. The first instruction on the back […]
Published
February 17, 2015

Letter to the editor: Cummings merits USM’s long-lasting leadership

Glenn Cummings would be an excellent choice for the next leader of the University of Southern Maine. For a number of years, I worked and taught with Glenn at Southern Maine Community College, so I know he relates to Maine students and he understands the issues with seamlessly transferring from SMCC to USM and other […]

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Letters