LETTERS: We Need Permitting Reform

/0 Comments/in /by

To the editor:

We’ve read about the rapid growth of data centers supporting artificial intelligence and requiring vast amounts of electricity, which strain electrical grids and increase our bills. We need to add more supply to the grid, and to fight climate change those sources should be clean energy–primarily solar and wind power. Unfortunately, the permitting process for such projects is slowed by cumbersome requirements, interagency coordination issues, and litigation risks.

The vast majority of proposed energy projects will provide clean energy because they’re cheaper. In 2025 nearly 90 percent of newly-developed energy projects were solar or wind. We need to build clean energy projects more quickly for our health and to reduce blackouts, make energy more affordable, and help stop climate change.

Email your senators and representative in Congress (or call them at 202-224-3121) to support common-sense permitting reform that protects the public and the environment.

Gary Jump, volunteer,
Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Itasca, Illinois

LETTERS: Act upon your faith for peace

/0 Comments/in , /by

To our neighbors:

The Vassalboro Friends Meeting (Quakers) has been, like many faith communities, holding prayer and offering support for people who are stressed by the US government behaviors toward immigrants and foreign countries.

Our trust in the goodness of God tells us that it is our moral and spiritual responsibility to adhere to the truth. It is our witness that we are being lied to by our federal government. We testify to this by the evidence of our own eyes.

The violence demonstrated by the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, is unacceptable to people of our faith. We recognize our immigration system is bogged down, confusing and not always fair. That truth does not permit us to accept chaotic and violent action on the part of our government. Violence in our streets must be rejected by all of us.

Aggression against the population of Venezuela and asserting control over a foreign government is not consistent with peace loving people. Countries who have been allies of the United Stated since World War II are speaking out against the US in reaction to aggressive language directed towards Greenland. This will lead to more violence unless we all insist on a different path.

The rapid escalation of violence has moved us beyond prayer. We hope to inspire our friends, neighbors, government and service organizations to seek justice to assure the building of peace.

Quakers are peace seeking people and our faith requires us, even when fearful, to stand in witness for peace at home and across the world.

We ask that you act upon your faith or your values to take all peaceful actions to insist on a return to civility and safety.

This message faithfully approved by Vassalboro Friends Meeting

LETTERS: Kindness is alive

/0 Comments/in /by

To the editor:

Kindness is alive and well in Central Maine as evidenced in the heroic stories of Finn and Spencer, of China Middle School, and the Albert S. Hall School Civil Rights Team, in Waterville. Let this be the spirit of 2026 shown in living color by the children in our Maine communities.

A vision in action of a better tomorrow:

Instead of apathy, involvement
Instead of fear, bravery
Instead of hate, kindness
Instead of division, cooperation
Instead of enemies, friends
Instead of ignoring, caring
Instead of coldness, warmth
Instead of loneliness, togetherness

Ann Austin
China

LETTERS: Thanks to CPS teacher

/0 Comments/in /by

To the editor:

Nugget and I would like to thank Mrs. Britten and the China Primary School library classes that signed Christmas cards and created artwork for us to deliver to the veterans at VA Togus during the Christmas puppy parade. We also delivered cards to the Veterans’ Home. The cards and artwork brought many smiles during our visits. Some of the artwork you drew last year is still proudly hanging in their rooms.

Nugget looks forward to visiting his friends after the holidays.

Nugget and his handler Teanna are a certified Advanced Pet Therapy team. Together they visit China Primary School, VA Togus, the Veterans’ Home, Lithgow Library, and other places that need cheer from a Golden Retriever.

Teenna Spencer
China

LETTERS: Looking into rural postal delivery dilemma

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Dear Postmaster General Steiner,

I am writing to you today as a State Representative of District #62, Palermo, China, Somerville, Windsor, and Hibberts Gore, to express deep concern over the ongoing challenges faced by the United States Postal Service in delivering reliable mail service not only in my district but throughout rural areas of Maine. As a State Representative, I have received numerous complaints from constituents highlighting systemic issues that are severely impacting their daily lives, access to essential services, and overall well-being. The problems in our state have reached a crisis level, and they demand urgent attention and action from USPS leadership to restore the dependable service that rural Americans deserve.

In rural Maine, residents are experiencing prolonged periods – often multiple days at a time – without any mailbox deliveries. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of critical correspondence and parcels, leaving families isolated from important communications. Of particular alarm is the delay in delivering time-sensitive items such as prescription medications. Many elderly and medically vulnerable individuals rely on the USPS for their life-sustaining drugs, and these delays have led to health risks, including missed doses and exacerbated medical conditions. Similarly, retirement checks, including Social Security payments, are arriving late or not at all on scheduled days, causing financial hardship for retirees who depend on these funds for necessities like food, utilities, and housing.

These delivery failures seem to stem from several interconnected issues within the USPS operations in our region. First and foremost is a chronic lack of staffing. Post offices in rural Maine are understaffed, with carriers overburdened and unable to cover routes efficiently. This shortage is compounded by the expectation that postal workers use their own personal vehicles for deliveries, which places an unfair financial and logistical burden on employees. Many staff members report that vehicle maintenance costs, fuel expenses, and the wear and tear from navigating remote, rugged terrain are not adequately compensated, leading to high turnover rates and further exacerbating the staffing crisis.

Additionally, the influx of Amazon packages under last-mile delivery contracts has overwhelmed local post offices. While these partnerships may benefit urban areas, in rural Maine, they flood already strained facilities with high volumes of e-commerce shipments, diverting resources away from traditional mail services. Carriers are forced to prioritize these packages, often at the expense of essential mail like prescriptions and checks, resulting in a backlog that perpetuates the cycle of delays.

The people of rural Maine have long valued the USPS as a lifeline connecting them to the rest of the country. However, these persistent issues erode public trust in the service and threaten the economic and social fabric of our communities. I urge you to take immediate steps to address these challenges. Furthermore, I request a comprehensive review of operations in Maine’s rural districts, with input from local stakeholders, to develop tailored solutions that prevent future disruptions.

I would appreciate a prompt response outlining the specific measures USPS plans to implement and a timeline for improvements. My office stands ready to collaborate with you and your team to resolve these matters and ensure that every Maine resident receives the reliable postal service they are entitled to.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Katrina J. Smith
State Representative
Assistant House Republican Leader

LETTERS: Recognizing Maine Family Caregivers

/0 Comments/in , /by

To the editor:

November is Maine Family Caregivers Month – a time to recognize the thousands of Mainers who provide unpaid care to loved ones. Family caregivers are the backbone of our health care system, offering support that ranges from managing medications and transportation to providing emotional comfort. Their dedication allows older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their homes and communities, where they want to be.

Yet caregiving is not without challenges. Many caregivers juggle jobs, family responsibilities, and financial pressures while navigating complex health systems. The holiday season can add extra stress, making it even more important for caregivers to have access to resources and support.

AARP Maine offers a Family Caregiver Resource Guide, a free tool designed to help caregivers find local services and connect with community programs. This guide can be a particularly helpful during the holidays when balancing care and family traditions can feel overwhelming.

If you are a caregiver or know someone who is, please share this resource. Supporting caregivers means strengthening families and communities across Maine.

To download the guide or learn more, visit aarp.org/me.

Star Pelsue
AARP Maine Community Outreach Volunteer
Portland

LETTERS: Thank you note to the community

/0 Comments/in , /by

To the editor:

The China Community Food Pantry says thank you so much to all the community members that have donated individually. Thank you, as well, to the groups who have donated, including the Greater Neck Road Neighborhood Association and many churches, businesses, schools, and banks. This community is surely a great one. So many people care and want to help.

People are always asking if there is anything specific that we need. Because it is almost Thanksgiving, we do need a few things by November 21: turkeys and/or turkey breasts or whole chickens for the smaller families, cake mixes and frosting, pie filling and pie crusts, gravy mixes or jars of gravy. Items may be dropped off on the front deck or porch, at 1320 Lakeview Drive. If you have anything that is frozen or perishable, please call 207-968-2421.

Also, donations of money or checks can be sent to China Community Food Pantry:

PO Box 6012
China Village, ME 04926.

Again, thank you all so much for anything you have donated. Thank you, as well to those who have donated dog and cat food for our four-legged friends!

Our community has really stepped up to help our neighbors in need. We should all be very proud. We would not want to live anywhere else!

LETTERS: Voter suppression is beneath us!

/0 Comments/in , /by

To the editor:

I urge Mainers to Vote No on Referendum Question 1. Please say “NO” to this voter suppression effort. But don’t just take it from me. Chris Potholm – an expert on Maine politics and former campaign manager – condemns the modern assault on voting rights in his book How Maine Decides: An Insider’s Guide to How Ballot Measures Are Won and Lost

“In 40 years in Maine politics, with all types of political groups, I can’t ever remember anyone talking about suppressing the opponent’s turnout. That line of thinking today is most antidemocratic and very corrosive to the body politic. It’s a shame, and those currently advocating it should be ashamed.”

Maine has one of the highest voter turnouts in the country. Let’s keep it that way! Restricting voting rights – by limiting housebound seniors’ and disabled Mainers’ access to absentee ballots – is beneath us.

Livka Farrell
Rockland

LETTERS: Important questions on ballot

/0 Comments/in , /by

To the editor:

To the Residents of Vassalboro:

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Vassalboro voters will be presented with three local referendum questions. This being an off-year election the voter turnout tends to be low but please vote, these are important questions which will provide needed direction for the future of the town. I write to ask your support for question two.

Question Two asks voters to expand the Select Board from three to five members. For as long as most will remember, the Vassalboro Select Board has been made up of three resident members. This format has served the town well when everything runs smoothly and no real controversial issues arise. So why change? Much has changed in our surroundings that affect events locally.

Demands for running a town have become more involved and in many instances, more complicated. There is clearly a need for a broader perspective among decision makers. Two additional members will provide a better opportunity for research, dialog, and debate. Two additional members will raise the quorum for a vote from two to three, again, a better opportunity for a more thoroughly researched and debated decision, very possibly resulting in a faster decision making process.

Presently, two board members cannot even talk town issues on the phone or on the sidelines of a sporting event without violating state statutes, because two members having a town related discussion constitutes a meeting. In this case a private meeting, denying the opportunity for public participation.

A common concern I have heard is “we have trouble finding citizens to run for a single seat each year, how will we get more?” That has been a valid concern recently. I think the three person board has actually been a deterrent because it is so limiting and perhaps does not always give an opportunity for other viewpoints. I also feel that there are many civic-minded folks that just need a slight nudge to get involved. Vassalboro has a wealth of knowledge amongst our residents, including many retirees who might be willing to share their abilities and knowledge for the good of the town. “Build it and they will come!”

Vote “YES’ on [local] Question Two!

Doug Phillips
East Vassalboro

LETTERS: Say Grats at Dinner

/0 Comments/in /by

To the editor:

When we read about problems and tragedies it’s easy to become distressed. To increase happiness, think about things for which you have gratitude. My family does this at the end of dinner when we say “grats.” This involves one person telling us three things for which she or he is grateful. Then we have a conversation about what was said. Being the old guy at the table, I often discuss how one of those things was different in earlier times.

For example, if televisions are cited, I might talk about how, when I was young, we didn’t have one, and that the first tv’s had small screens and took a while to “warm up” before a low-quality black and white image grudgingly appeared. The only rule we have is that grats shouldn’t involve a person at the table. Otherwise, they can be anything–big or small.

Examples: freedom of speech, paper towels, email, volunteers, toothbrushes, friends, pie, plastic, sunshine, living in America, electricity, teachers, parks, and music. Grats has sparked a lot of good conversation and made us more appreciative of the lives we have. Try it. You’ll like it.

Gary Jump,
Itasca, Illinois