Equal pay questions
Even in an election year, Sen. Susan Collins’ vote against the Paycheck Fairness Act for the second time in her career as an elected official has not warranted mention in any of Maine’s major newspapers.
In times of economic insecurity, poverty disproportionately affects women, many of whom are single mothers or caretakers of elderly relatives in addition to their roles in the workplace. As a working woman herself, Collins is paid the same as her male colleagues and makes a comfortable living. Maine women across the economic spectrum deserve the same right, as well as the means to correct unequal pay, in order to secure their personal financial security.
In defense of her votes, Collins points to the 1960’s-era Equal Pay Act as enough to protect women’s interests. We deserve from her a longer discussion of why outdated, insufficient legislation remains the only protection a woman can turn to in clear cases of discrimination.
At the very least, our local news organizations should be asking the question.
Sarah Penley
Old Town
Debate debate
Another ruse for Gov. Paul LePage to avoid a debate among Mike Michaud, Eliot Cutler and himself emerged. His latest vow of non-participation in debates hangs on Michaud denouncing an outside source’s ad about LePage mixing Social Security into the stew of “welfare” woes. Earlier, it was the format of a planned, interactive debate that was used to justify withdrawing his participation.
Is LePage afraid of dealing with candidates’ real-time questions without relying on his outside handlers’ spin? The outside groups that are spinning extensive misleading tales for LePage’s benefit are unfair to Cutler and Michaud. Let’s hear clarifications and views about serious issues with all candidates present. Otherwise, this is not fair, nor helpful, for all prospective voters.
Jane Fairchild
Orneville Township
Disappointed by Collins
Again I am disappointed in Sen. Susan Collins’ voting record. She continues to side with the big money donors and not support the people who voted her into office. She has recently voted along party lines to not support a minimum wage increase, an amendment to the constitution to end Citizens United, and most recently a bill to have equal pay for equal work. What is she thinking?
Do we want her fighting for us?
Fred Oney
Limestone
Yes on 1
As the president of the Institute for Humane Education, headquartered in Surry, I work to create a more humane, just and sustainable world for people, animals and the environment. This November, we Mainers have an opportunity to vote on a referendum to ban bear baiting, hounding and trapping, and I will be voting yes on 1.
These three forms of bear hunting are unethical and cruel, and Maine is the only state in the nation to allow all three. Bear baiters dump 7 million pounds of food in our woods to accustom bears to easy meals. Then these trusting bears are shot — more often by out-of-state trophy hunters — over a barrel of donuts. Bears in traps suffer in agony, desperately trying to escape, before eventually being killed when the trapper finally checks the trap. And bears chased by hounds may wait in terror for hours after being treed before they are shot at point-blank range. This isn’t hunting; this is target practice on sentient animals.
Maine was the first state to pass an anti-cruelty law for animals. Let’s return to our compassionate leadership and ban these egregious practices.
Zoe Weil
Surry
Support LePage
Gov. Paul LePage is the right person at the right time to continue to lead our state.He was elected in 2010 as a man for the people. No special interest group or political cronies can sway his opinions and principles. He has kept his promises and I admire how he has remained the same “regular guy.”
Sure, he is a little rough around the edges, but that’s what we need to buck the system and get things done for all Mainers. He has been non-partisan when it comes to criticizing elected politicians who would do harm to Maine and its citizens. I like that about him.
Let’s support the governor by giving him four more years to continue to undo the damage of 30 years of Democratic control in Maine.
Still a fan of LePage:
Glyneta B. Thomson
Surry
Maine needs Collins
As a college student and an elected member of my community’s school board, I will be supporting Sen. Susan Collins this November. As a young Mainer, my biggest obstacle will be paying off my student loan debt. Collins has consistently worked hard to address this issue.
Collins was a strong supporter of a bipartisan plan that prevented student loan interest rates from doubling and provided a permanent solution that lowered interest rates for all newly issued student loans. In 2013, Collins also cosponsored The Student Loan Certainty Act, a bill that, when passed into law, provided a long- term fix for all student loans while preventing rates from doubling on subsidized loans.
Maine needs Collins now more than ever. In particular, students would lose their biggest advocate if we do not send Collins back to D.C.
Lee Jackson
Old Town
Thibodeau works for Waldo
With the November elections around the corner, it is crucial that we as citizens are informed on whom we vote for. I strongly encourage your vote to be for Sen. Michael D. Thibodeau, an individual who has worked relentlessly for the residents of Waldo County.
Thibodeau, a Winterport local, is always trying to improve the wellbeing of the people of this great state, and more specifically, the people of Waldo County. He never fails to show great knowledge regarding the budget of the Pine Tree State. With Thibodeau, your tax dollar is never spent sheepishly; he puts countless thought into where our tax dollar goes.
Thibodeau isn’t only a businessman, he also shows great support locally. He honors local veterans, respects elders of communities, and never fails to support the people of Waldo County. You can often find Thibodeau in his red campaign truck, celebrating town birthdays and anniversaries. He recently received an “A” rating for the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, an organization who works on protecting the rights of hunters in Maine.
The work that Thibodeau does is shown by the support he constantly receives. We are all very fortunate to have Thibodeau as a senator. He will always look out for Maine’s best interest. Whether it is education, state regulations, our small businesses, he is always there.
Thibodeau is my choice for the 2014 November elections. I like Mike!
Jacob R. Gran
Winterport