Toxic environment
We all know there are no simple bumper-sticker solutions to complex problems that face our nation, states and cities. We do know that to collaboratively tackle these problems, thoughtful, respectful leadership is essential. A governor has the responsibility to build on the strengths of elected officials and bring them together through compromise toward a vision and a plan that is best for Maine’s people.
A recent BDN article noted Bangor counselors blame Legislature for a local tax increase, but the dysfunction in Augusta noted in the article is a direct result of Gov. Paul LePage’s leadership.
One simply has to pick up the newspaper or listen to television news to witness the disrespectful and obstructionists milieu LePage has created in Augusta and throughout the state. Before reaching the governor’s desk, each of these bills has undergone thorough discussion in committee by representatives and senators who have listen to the testimony of Maine’s residents. After much hard work and thoughtful discussion these bills receive bipartisan support in committee only to be thoughtlessly vetoed by the governor. These veto actions demonstrate the governor’s disrespect for the diligent work of the Legislature and the people of Maine.
There are many fine Democratic, Republican and independent representatives and senators in Augusta who have worked tirelessly to advocate for the people of Maine, such as fighting to restore the statutory level of revenue sharing for cities. So, please, do not blame the Legislature for its efforts to advocate for Maine towns, cities and people in this toxic environment created by the governor.
Mary Tedesco-Schneck
Bangor
Kidney donor
“If I can help you, please, let me know.” How many times have those words been uttered by people in dismay over a misfortune suffered by a friend, relative or anyone in dire need of aid?
Should a kidney patient be forced to stand in line until a kidney from a cadaver, the last choice for a transplant, becomes available? Must a patient spend valuable time negotiating with bureaucrats for lower out-of-pocket fees for a life-saving procedure? Should laws be enacted to outlaw fundraisers? Should people be barred from using the Internet to alert others of dire medical problems needing resolution? What should have been done with the money this donor received, which more than paid his travel expenses? All are questions posing dilemmas that never would have arisen a relatively short time ago.
Dialysis procedure is time-consuming and exhausting. Think of the mother undergoing dialysis having to keep up with a 2-year-old and her ordeal of arranging child care, perhaps for many years. Why should her unorthodox yet clever manner to find a willing kidney donor be castigated?
Did the man who offered Christine Royles a kidney ever have any idea that people would rise to aid him? Nothing in the June 29 BDN article states he offered a kidney so people would send him more money than needed just so he would reap economic benefits.
How can strangers or anyone giving economic help, by any means, in any amount, to alleviate shortages of insurance coverage be unethical?
Dana Allison
Mapleton
Sexist message
I was walking around downtown Bangor by the post office when I saw something that upset me. Next to all the construction workers there was a big, diamond-shaped sign that read “Men Working.”
I strongly believe women are able to do anything men can do, construction work included. With the year being 2015, I am shocked a construction company would broadcast such a sexist message.
Do they want young girls to look at that sign and make an assumption that only men can be construction workers and women should stick with the less strenuous jobs? I’m a girl, and I want to believe I have as many possibilities as every male my age.
Francine Wilson-Charuk
Bangor
Impeach LePage
When I moved to Maine 10 years ago, it was with a keen awareness of its long line of highly respected statesmen and women who included Margaret Chase Smith, Edmund Muskie, George Mitchell, William Cohen and Olympia Snowe. I naively believed such a tradition would continue.
It is beyond disheartening that I now find myself in a state with a governor whose political goals undermine the safety net for the most vulnerable members of our society and whose methods for achieving those goals are by bullying, threatening, browbeating, insulting and blackmailing. Even if Gov. Paul LePage had achieved a voter mandate, which he claims (he did not), his leadership style not only is inappropriate but damaging to the people of our wonderful state.
For the good of Maine, I firmly believe it is time to either impeach or recall him so we can move on in a way that is beneficial to us all.
Beth Brand
Orono
Welcome home, vets
I attended the “Welcome Home Vietnam Era Veterans” celebration at the Cross Insurance Center on June 14. Many of the veterans I work with attended. It took a lot of courage on their part to take a leap of faith that they would be treated respectfully and really welcomed. The event was all I could have hoped for.
There were 800 to 1,000 veterans there, along with their loved ones. They were presented with commemorative coins, certificates and received a standing ovation when they entered the auditorium. I was so pleased for them.
The next day, I ran to the Bangor Daily News, expecting a front-page picture and article. Nothing. The local TV stations did not cover it. I can’t even begin to express how disappointing that was to the veterans and to me. They have told me they feel ignored, just like when they first came home.
Monday’s front page featured a colorful picture and article about the Bangor Pride Festival celebration, which was attended by “hundreds of people,” according to the article. Now I, am not out to take anything away from the celebration; it was a long time coming, too, and well-deserved. My question is, why wasn’t the “Welcome Home Veterans” celebration reported?
Constance Poulin
Glenburn