Letters

Published
June 26, 2014

Letter to the editor: Dispatch article could be more complete, less partisan

The June 12 edition contained a wire service dispatch from Washington, headlined “Senate Republicans block student loan refinancing bill.” The vote was 56-38, not meeting the 60 votes needed to advance the bill to debate. The bill would allow student loans to be refinanced at lower rates. Were the conservatives expected to support another spending […]
Published
June 26, 2014

Letter to the editor: Characterization of Maine People’s Alliance adds nothing of substance

In the article “Cutoff of state funds for ‘illegals’ creates turmoil” (June 13), there are several agencies mentioned, from Gov. LePage’s office to the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine to the Maine Municipal Association. When the article referred to the Maine People’s Alliance, however, the paper felt the need to clarify that it is […]
Published
June 25, 2014

Letter to the editor: Do something positive with bag and foam fee revenues

The Portland City Council left one important piece of unfinished business when it enacted the 5-cent fee on plastic bags: what do to with the revenue created by this new fee? The bill as passed simply allows the big grocery store chains to pocket the money. That’s just not fair. Sacrifice should be shared. If […]
Published
June 25, 2014

Letter to the editor: Try a different kind of question about helping immigrants

Re: “Wide gap in views after Maine’s decision to halt aid to undocumented immigrants” (June 19): The Press Herald missed the opportunity to ask a more important question of our citizens about undocumented immigrants. Instead of asking people whether they thought that undocumented immigrants should be eligible for public assistance, the question should have been: […]
Published
June 25, 2014

Letter to the editor: Unemployment, culture face impact from immigrants

Cushman D. Anthony of Falmouth makes the argument that those who come here illegally should be treated “with fairness and dignity” (“Letter to the editor: Obligation to immigrants began with our own ancestors,” June 19). His argument rests on two facts: Each of us, or our families, originally came here as immigrants, and those here […]

Published
June 25, 2014

Letter to the editor: Payment to consultant puts LePage priorities in question

If your June 14 story about the payment to the Alexander Group was true (“Maine revokes contract with embattled welfare consultant”), then how can any caring Mainer support Gov. LePage for paying off an out-of-state consultant for subpar work, yet turning his back on a host of hardworking Maine citizens needing health coverage by refusing […]
Published
June 25, 2014

Letter to the editor: Rise in meal prices exceeds cost of mandated containers

Regarding the article “Portland businesses make plans to comply with bag fee, foam ban” on Page 1 of the June 18 Portland Press Herald: Based on the information provided by Steve Goodman of Goodman Wiper and Paper, the current cost of polystyrene containers is 10 cents each, while that of wheat straw/sugar cane containers is […]
Published
June 24, 2014

Letter to the editor: NAACP Portland branch dismayed by change in rule on immigrant aid reimbursement

On behalf of the NAACP Portland Branch, I want to express our sincere dismay at the recent announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services that the state of Maine will no longer provide reimbursement to municipalities for General Assistance to immigrants and asylum seekers without documents. We support Attorney General Janet Mills’ statement […]
Published
June 24, 2014

Letter to the editor: Clarifying Ogunquit pesticide issue

The article “Gaffe by Ogunquit voids its new pesticide ordinance” (June 18) contained heaps of wrong information. The most egregious was labeling the ordinance a “ban,” when, in fact, it limits pesticide use to protect our town’s waters and health. Only wholesale, routine pesticide applications are banned. Six categories of outright exemptions and three waiver […]
Published
June 24, 2014

Letter to the editor: DEP urged to take action on dangerous phthalates

I recently learned about a study that found detectable and in some cases, high levels of a dangerous chemical called phthalates in the bodies of 25 Mainers. Phthalates are often called “the everywhere chemical” because they are found in so many products. They are used to soften plastics for things like shower curtains, food packaging […]

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Letters