Unfair to LePage
I like what Gov. Paul LePage is doing in Augusta. All I read is a litany of disparaging remarks from the BDN, the “liberal” Courier Gazette and the Portland Press Herald. Media have been bullying LePage insidiously and outwardly for years, the latest being the unfair accusation that he has bashed his beloved French culture of which he is so proud.
For the media to jump on his off-hand attempt to be funny and self-effacing is silly, and to blow it way out of proportion and carry on about it, only to ruffle feathers and stir up trouble, is mean spirited.
How about a more balanced approach from the press? Perhaps tell about some of the wonderful things he’s done for our state?
I learned long ago not to believe anything, except from the horse’s mouth; no gossip, no hearsay or secondhand stories. I challenge the press to attempt to hear LePage speak, perhaps at a meeting or on the radio.
I understand his heart, and he cares for the whole state. LePage has the ability to get things done, looks to the future of Maine and keeps plugging away, despite the constant barrage of negative comments from the media.
Our so-called “wild and out of control governor” is so much more than we read about. I challenge the press to get the whole story.
Jane Newcomb
Owls Head
LePage’s mistaken policy
Unfortunately, it is apparent to me Gov. Paul LePage is mistaken on one central point of his administration’s public policy. Just one.
According to news reports, LePage has made it clear he would not support members of his own party in their re-election bid if they do not support his position on eliminating state income taxes. What a devastating loss. The good governor seems to say, in effect, it’s my way or the highway.
Even if we disregard this blatant attempt to widen the political gulf among Maine voters, we must ask ourselves what it is that motivates a legislator’s votes — that is, is it his or her personal belief, his or her constituents’ wishes or blind adherence to party doctrine?
There can be no doubt that representatives in Augusta are more in touch with how the constituents in their districts feel, so their votes ought to reflect their conscience, which is a manner of their neighbors’ faith in them. That is the basic nature of democracy.
Maine is not a dictatorship in which the man at the top tells everyone not only how they must act and vote but what they should believe, the will of the people be damned.
Steve Colhoun
Addison
Support the park
I am a native of Millinocket and have lived in East Millinocket for the last 37 years. I’m afraid that my communities are turning into ghost towns. I have taught school in East Millinocket for 40 years, and when my students march out the door after graduation they do not return to their hometown.
People are leaving because there are very few jobs for young people. Local libraries struggle to stay open. The schools are under constant budget pressure, even as they serve fewer and fewer students.
Something has to change or the Katahdin region is simply going to wither away.
I know the first step is for the people who live here to stand up and take charge of building a stronger economy. We all have to do our part because the economy is not going to revitalize itself. But the job is too big for us to do alone, and we need help, particularly from our political leaders in Washington.
I urge U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin to join Rep. Chellie Pingree in supporting the creation of a national park and recreation area. This would mean jobs, new economic activity and new energy for our communities.
A park and recreation area won’t solve all of our problems. We will need to make tough decisions and smart investments. But a national park and recreation area would be a cornerstone investment and something to build upon.
We can’t wait. Time is running out.
Nancy A. Moscone
East Millinocket