Job search reality
Newly elected lawmakers are jumping onto Gov. Paul LePage’s bandwagon, and their mantra is “no more food stamps, go get a job.” It’s easy for these officials, who are paid a very impressive salary by the state of Maine, to tell a discouraged, vulnerable person that they must work or starve.
This state’s economy is improving but ever so slowly. If a person can find a job, it’s not enough to earn a living. Many can’t afford transportation to search for a job or if they land a job, can’t get to the position if they live out of town.
We are a rural state. Where would a person find work in Winterport, Castine, Aurora, Northfield, etc., if they had no transportation. It costs a fortune to license, insure and buy fuel for a car.
The only place with “help wanted” signs are the groups that are helping to feed the hungry. And they are expecting an increase in people once the assistance expires.
I’m not looking for a job. I’m 87 years old. I’m looking for just a little common sense in our state government.
Jean Van Wait
Brewer
Drive smart in winter
You’re driving down a Maine road, when you come upon a snow and ice covered vehicle. So you continue to drive like it’s still summer, when all of a sudden a huge amount of snow and ice comes flying off that person’s vehicle onto your windshield. It shatters, causing you to veer left or right (let’s say right), sending you into the wing wall, staving up the rest of your vehicle.
You want to be compensated because it’s their fault you don’t know how to winter drive in Maine?
Here’s a thought: You see a snow-covered vehicle, assume the snow is ice and it’s going to fly off at some point. Give yourself time to react — good rule of thumb is five car lengths. The longer the vehicle in front of you, the more crap that may land on you.
One inch of ice on a 53-foot trailer can weigh a ton. If that slides off, are you going to blame the driver for not cleaning it off? I think not.
Doug Mills
Waldoboro
Amazing park prospect
What is your vision for Maine? I know many can imagine standing on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on a clear fall day surrounded by red blueberry barrens and spectacular ocean views, and seeing Mount Katahdin in the far distance. But imagine knowing that after leaving Acadia you could visit Maine’s other national park where you could canoe the East Branch of the Penobscot and camp in deep woods surrounded by striking fall foliage. What an amazing prospect that would be.
This is my vision for Maine: That everyone who values natural beauty and knows the importance of preserving plant and wildlife habitats will have the opportunity to enjoy them forever.
I urge Maine’s congressional delegation to support the establishment of a national park and national recreation area east of Katahdin. The economy of the area needs the boost that the establishment of a park and recreation area will provide. Sentiment in the region has evolved considerably, with endorsement by the Katahdin Region Chamber of Commerce.
Kathy Remmel
Portland