To the editor:

As someone who lives in rural Maine, I am concerned about the lack of affordable high-speed internet coverage in our state. Maine is one of the most rural states in the nation and 37 percent of rural Americans nationwide lack high-speed internet access at home.

The digital divide is not only about infrastructure. It is also about access to technology so we can take advantage of telehealth, run our businesses, expand our education, maintain social connections and thrive in place as Maine citizens.

Many of our local towns and concerned residents have been working, and continue to work, on viable strategies for better broadband service throughout the state. The legislature created the Connect ME Authority and certain areas have had some financial help through the legislature as well. There is still so much to be done by local town governments and by our state legislature.

Where do the gubernatorial and legislatorial candidates stand on this important issue? Let’s find out together.

For more information, visit aarp.org/me today, and remember: Our Voices Decide.

Paul L. Armstrong
Palermo
AARP ME Volunteer Advocacy Lead

To the editor:

“Whazzat?”

This was me in 2017. My patient wife suggested an audiologist appointment to determine whether I needed hearing aids and to get an estimate of their cost. The resultant report was yes, I had significant hearing loss. The fee for the hearing aids that were recommended? $1,750 each – $3,500 for both – and that was with the $750 each that my generous (at that time) insurance would cover. We decided we couldn’t afford them.

Fast forward to December 2019. I received a letter from my insurance company saying they would now cover the cost of hearing aids beginning in January 2020. I immediately made an appointment and was hearing better by mid-February. The cost to me for a pair of $5,000 hearing aids that can link to my phone, take calls, and enable me to listen to podcasts without bothering anyone else with the sound? $4! Yes, you read that correctly, four dollars.

Why did the insurance company decide to cover my need? Was it because they suddenly decided that, yes, everyone should have the benefits of decent hearing and be able to interact in a meaningful manner with their spouses, friends, and neighbors?

Nope. It was the Democratically-led legislature and Gov. Janet Mills who broadened not only who is covered but the actual coverage all Mainers receive from their healthcare insurance.

This didn’t happen as a result of politically-charged rhetoric. It was the Democratic legislature and a governor whose leadership style is to carefully examine all sides of an issue, make a determination, and then act in a manner that provides the most benefit to the most residents of this magnificent state.

And, as you may have heard, hearing aids will soon be available over-the-counter for those who wish to go that route. Thank you again, Democrats.

If you want to continue this sort of leadership – leadership Maine can be proud of that actually helps the little guy (and gal) overcome real issues that improve their lives – join me in supporting Gov. Janet Mills and return a Democratically-led legislature to Augusta in November.

Geoff Bates
South Bristol

To the editor:

A recent political mailer from a conservative PAC seeks to spread hateful innuendo and disinformation about Maine educators and schools to scare voters while asking them to vote Republican. Maine doesn’t need attacks on the overworked and underpaid educators that run our schools and teach our kids and grandchildren. Nor do we need dishonest attacks in our politics.

Reflect on the good teacher, coach, counselor or custodian in your past that showed you understanding and support through a tough time or inspired you to find your purpose. They taught not only subject matters, but also social and emotional learning, like how to treat other students with kindness and make friends. Educators inspire kids to learn and make the time to meet with parents to discuss their child’s learning. They, and school board members who also have been under attack recently, are your neighbors. All the folks who make our schools work are our neighbors and they deserve respect for what they do, not smear tactics.

If you want people representing you who will stand up for students receiving a full and truthful education and for public school funding; who will stand up for women’s rights, and affordable healthcare; who will stand up for property tax relief by expanding revenue sharing and homestead exemptions, then re-elect Gov. Janet Mills, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Maine Sen. Eloise Vitelli, Maine Representatives Holly Stover and Lydia Crafts, District Attorney Natasha Irving, Sheriff Todd Brackett and County Commissioner Bill Blodgett. And elect Cameron Reny to the Maine Senate and Clinton Collamore, Pam Swift, and Jane Beckwith to the Maine House.

Take a moment to ask yourself whether it makes sense to vote based on trumped-up fears or to vote for people who spent two years helping Maine people weather the pandemic together and make historic fiscal improvements through honest advocacy, compromise, and hard work. Those are the people we need, and more like them.

Chris Johnson, Chairman,
Lincoln County Democratic Committee