A ‘voice of reason’
Susan Collins is known for bi-partisan leadership, commitment to Maine, work ethic and small business advocacy. Her homeland security legislation is landmark. Her investigations are timely, non-partisan and substantive. She champions our troops, BIW, and our aggressive defense against anti-American terrorism.
We know Susan as a highly ethical, level-headed public servant and a neighbor who makes lasting friendships, loves to compete, tells great stories, practices her faith and cooks wicked good fried green tomatoes. In these troubling times we need just such a leader, voice of reason and friend in Washington.
Bill and Betsy Beardsley
Bangor
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Beverage numbers
As the author of a University of Maine study on the fiscal and economic impacts of the beverage taxes associated with Question 1, I would like to respond to comments about my estimates of annual soft drink sales in Maine.
Several individuals quoted in recent Bangor Daily News articles have suggested that my estimates, based on a per capita consumption figure of 52 gallons per year, are too high. I disagree.
To put my numbers into perspective, I refer to an extensive United States Department of Agriculture study that found, in 1997, “Americans consumed an average of 53 gallons of carbonated soft drinks.” A 2001 report by the American Dental Association uses these figures. Beverage industry officials and healthcare advocates would likely agree (here, I am only speculating) that soft drink consumption has increased since that time.
If you account for such an increase since 1997, as well as the idea that Mainers likely consume fewer soft drinks than the national average, my assumption of 52 gallons of per capita consumption per year seems reasonable. This means that the typical Mainer drinks slightly less than one 20-ounce bottle of soda per day. I suspect that I “pull up” that average.
I encourage interested readers to take a look at my study available on the University of Maine’s website.
Todd Gabe
University of Maine
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Shelters need help
There is more to the BDN’s recent story on tips for animal well-being.
Both dogs and cats are ending up in the animal shelters — more than the shelters can handle. As the executive director of the shelter in Camden-Rockport, we are overwhelmed with people trying to surrender animals to us. This is true across the state and the nation due to economic stress in families’ lives. Some can no longer afford to feed the animals, others have had to move to smaller quarters and cannot take their pets with them.
In Rockport we are trying to get our dogs and cats adopted as soon as possible to make room for more pets. We are also working to help families be able to keep their animals.
I encourage readers to be sensitive to this situation and support local efforts to address the problems by considering adopting, volunteering at your local shelter or supporting the shelter and national programs addressing these acute needs of our companion pets.
Bill Amidon
Executive Director
Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League
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Hermon Rec Center
In an Oct. 8 BDN letter to the editor, Robert O’Halloran suggested that Hermon should reject the Rec Community Center question because it was “unimaginable” that residents would consider this project during uncertain economic times. He also pointed to one councilor who voted with the majority and claimed she represented a narrow view without regard to the community at large.
Hermon’s Recreation Committee does not agree with the assertion that this is an “unimaginable” time to invest in our community. We believe that it is the perfect time to secure the best prices from builders and lenders simultaneously. We have done both.
Investing locally in projects that provide residents with extraordinary opportunities while creating jobs during this period is a great way for towns to convey the value that taxpayers expect for their money. Hermon has positioned itself with an excellent bond rating, an exceptionally low mill rate and a balance of business and residential growth which provides solid financial capacity. Voters who choose to invest in our town by building the Community Center will be defining Hermon as a socially active community that cares about connecting its residents with quality opportunities that enrich people’s lives.
The town council attended public hearings, read tax impact statements, programming descriptions and maintenance cost reports and understood the facts before they voted to send this to the ballot by majority vote.
Jeff Byers, Chairman
Hermon Recreation Committee
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Dem women OK
Being a long-time Republican, there have been few Democrats who appealed to me enough to doubt my political beliefs.
Washington County’s Marie Emerson and Katherine Cassidy are two Democratic personalities that lend to and deserve this support. Both are intelligent, educated, outspoken and driven women. Their presence in Augusta will be a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Even though I live in a different district, I know their representation of Washington County and Maine will affect us all. Please join me in support of these two women, to the benefit of Maine.
Mark S. Delcourt
Wesley
Election notice
The Bangor Daily News will stop accepting election-related letters and commentary on Monday, Oct. 27. The newspaper will continue to publish such letters and commentary through the week of Oct. 27-31, ending with the Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 1-2 issue. Not all submissions can be published.