Letters

Published
January 18, 2015

Letter to the editor: Teachers were not seriously involved in Common Core

Thomas Wolf perpetuates the false claims of teacher “inclusion” in the Common Core state standards (“Another View: Teachers were not excluded from the development of Common Core,” Jan. 11). Teacher participation was never seriously considered by the standards’ drafters. The standards were drafted by a private group headed by David Coleman, who bragged about having […]
Published
January 18, 2015

Letter to the editor: Highway Trust Fund doesn’t need more taxes

With regular gas prices down to a national average of around $2.13 per gallon, many of the more-tax-is-good persuasion are suggesting we increase the federal and state taxes on this as-necessary-as-air energy source. Do they remember that this price was around $1.60 on Election Day in 2008? Do they recall it ranged from around $3.20 […]
Published
January 17, 2015

Letter to the editor: Economic realities belie argument against wage rise

In his Jan. 9 letter to the editor (“Mayor’s minimum-wage idea ignores laws of economics”), Porter D. Leighton demonstrates an ample knowledge of economic theory, but his conclusions are unrealistic. He challenges Portland Mayor Michael Brennan’s proposal that the city establish a minimum-wage ordinance and asks, “Can it be that ‘Hizzoner’ has never taken Economics […]
Published
January 17, 2015

Letter to the editor: Set aside tortured logic  to see merits of tax on gas

Nothing frustrates me more than people who manipulate data to make it say something different from the truth, and then use that flawed conclusion to make a bad policy decision. This is exactly what letter writer John Roberts does in “Raising state tax because gas is cheaper isn’t necessary” (Jan. 8). Using tortured logic, Mr. […]
Published
January 17, 2015

Letter to the editor: LePage’s views on community college system discourage educator

As a longtime member of the faculty at Southern Maine Community College, I was stunned by Gov. LePage’s remarks regarding the tenure of John Fitzsimmons as president of the Maine Community College System. I did not always agree with President Fitzsimmons, but I have always known him to be thoughtful and frugal – exactly the […]

Published
January 17, 2015

Letter to the editor: Not all domestic abuse involves physical violence

Re: “New tool used in Maine assesses domestic assault risk” (Jan. 12): The 13-question assessment discussed in the article is welcome news, but it is important to remember that not all domestic abuse involves physical assault, and there can be collateral victims, including children. The evidence lies not in black eyes or cracked ribs, but […]
Published
January 16, 2015

Letter to the editor: King Middle School students put on a wonderful show of sustainability

On Wednesday, the students of King Middle School put on a splendid show titled “Smart City Project, Portland, Maine.” The focus was on the sustainability of our city. The presentation took place in City Council Chambers at City Hall. The subjects discussed ranged from putting solar panels on all city buildings to citywide Wi-Fi and […]
Published
January 16, 2015

Letter to the editor: Tax plan could inject chaos into fine hospitals, colleges

Excellent article on the possible effects of the new tax proposals (“LePage’s tax reform plan rattles Maine towns, nonprofits,” Jan. 13). Gov. LePage should calm down and think things through. His latest proposal to revamp revenue sharing is neither well-thought-out nor practical. While the governor was re-elected and we all wish him success for Maine, […]
Published
January 16, 2015

Letter to the editor: Can’t we find a way to rid Portland of icy sidewalks?

A visiting friend exclaimed that the icy Portland sidewalks are a lawsuit waiting to happen. When I moved to Portland over a year ago, I was shocked at the sidewalks, too. I have had to quit daily walks during winter now. I wonder how many others need that walk and sunshine, too. Surely Portland businesses […]
Published
January 16, 2015

Letter to the editor: Maine’s Konbit Sante is a model for philanthropy work in Haiti

It was such a pleasure to open Monday’s e-edition of the Portland Press Herald to find the front-page focus on Konbit Sante (“Maine volunteers haven’t given up on Haiti”). This nonprofit’s mission and actions epitomize the most effective kind of philanthropy now working for and in Haiti. Malfeasance, history, natural disaster, thoughtless intervention and broken […]

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