Support Deabay
In order to meet the future needs of citizens in Bucksport and Orrington, we need a representative in Augusta who will understand and act on legislation that supports jobs that pay a livable wage; strengthens the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens; and works in partnership with local businesses, schools and municipalities to efficiently use state and local resources. Emery Deabay is a proven leader who understands these priorities.
Emery Deabay, candidate for the Maine House of Representatives from District 130, has worked in the Verso mill for 40 years. He is president of United Steelworkers Local #1188. Emery has chaired the Bucksport Board of Appeals and served as Labor Representative on the Maine Workers Compensation Board. He is respected by his peers and willing to shoulder the responsibilities of public service.
I urge your support for Deabay on Nov. 4.
David Kee
Bucksport
LePage’s abuses
Gov. Paul LePage stated that he was totally against abuse when he went into office. I have worked for the state of Maine for many years as a counselor/educator. What has disturbed me is that I have listened to and observed this governor abuse the citizens of Maine. His lack of empathy for people of all sub groups is appalling.
Just the other day, he spoke on the news stating that he is 65 and he can do whatever he wants. This statement was regarding debates, however, clearly he has done whatever he wanted to do since he has held office.
Not only did the governor decide that Mainers did not need affordable healthcare, he has demeaned many people. What I find most fascinating is that he gets on the pulpit when it suits him, but in terms of debates it appears that he really is not up to it. This may indicate a lot regarding his character.
Generally, some form of therapy is most helpful for abuse victims in order to heal and not displace or transfer it on to others. He has said that he was abused while growing up. How is his behavior not abusive? Those who have disabilities may not be in a position to speak up.
Thank God that I can and my number one choice for governor is Eliot Cutler, who is a man with many virtues and a great deal of character. Cutler is at least willing to present his morals, values and ethics behind a podium for all. It is time for a breath of fresh air.
Laurie Churchill Coutts
Brewer
Voting for Lyford
It has been an honor to serve my friends and neighbors in the Maine House of Representatives for the last four years. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, I was unable to run again but am thrilled that Peter Lyford stepped up to serve the people of House District 129.
He is a down-to-earth family man, a successful businessman, and a man of great integrity. I am proud to call him a friend, and am eager to have him as the voice of our community in Augusta. Maine has a citizen Legislature, and it became clear to me over my four years at the State House that it is the folks like Lyford, who have real world work experience, not just a political career, who do the best work for their districts and the state.
Please join me in voting for Lyford this November.
Rep. David D. Johnson
Eddington
Burstein for House
As a long-time resident of Lincolnville, I’m writing in support of Chris Burstein, candidate for House District 23. She has two qualities that will make her an excellent representative of our towns: her ability to relate to nearly everyone she meets, and a willingness to look closely at both sides of an issue. Her empathy and understanding of people’s issues and problems, coupled with an ability to compromise to reach solutions that serve the majority, are exactly what we need in Augusta.
Since back last winter when Burstein made the decision to run, she’s worked tirelessly to meet as many people in her district as possible, mostly by driving the roads of our towns — Belmont, Lincolnville, Liberty, Montville, Morrill, Palermo and Searsmont — and knocking on doors. She is listening to voters concerns now, and if elected, she’ll bring this enthusiasm and energy to the job of legislator in Augusta.
Wally O’Brien
Lincolnville
Bellows not ready for Senate
I admire Senate candidate Shenna Bellows’ enthusiasm, but it is increasingly obvious she is not ready for prime time. This is made plain by the many missteps she has made, which have been described in several recent articles. She blasted Sen. Susan Collins for supporting the Ryan budget, a claim that proved false. Bellows held a press conference on a bill without actually knowing what is in it.
These are no small mistakes, and being a U.S. senator is no small job. We need tested, experienced leadership during these tumultuous times. This November, I will vote for Collins.
Diane Hayes
Bangor
Minimum wage isn’t problem
Will raising minimum wage enhance buying power? In the 1950s, the minimum wage was 75 cents per hour. Take-home pay for a 40-hour work week, one dependent, was $28.02. One could buy a pair of shoes, or a blouse, put gas into the car, buy groceries, put a dollar or two into a savings account. A burger, coffee, french fries was 85 cents at McDonald’s. Look at their cost now.
Before 1965, shoes never cost me more than $5 a pair. Now a pair of shoes is $80 to $150. A full cart of groceries was $60; now half a cart of groceries is around $100. I made most of my clothes during younger years, now the materials needed to make such cost more than what the ready-made clothing cost back then. In 1968, we bought a new Suburban for $3,200. What do Suburbans cost now — working or not? Minimum wage is over $7 an hour.
Sen. Susan Collins is correct by pointing out that pricing of commodities, and services is based upon the costs of production. Raise the minimum wage, prices are raised to cover costs of production. Minimum-wage earners return to square one, paying more for the same things.
Solutions for raising buying power do not lie with raising the minimum wage. Bidding prices up depresses the value of money. Penny candy? Pennies are good for nothing but making change. Other solutions for equalizing buying power must be found.
V. Dana Allison
Castle Hill