Maine needs jobs
I was surprised at the lack of understanding in the Sept. 29 BDN editorial about what it will take to get Maine’s economy recharged. The editorial began well enough, noting Maine’s deteriorating economy, giving good statistics, but then offered as the solution spending more money on education. Spending on K-12 education is already a major part of any town’s budget. Overspending is one of Maine’s problems, especially when it’s not directed at a real solution.
What will we do with those highly educated graduates when they can’t find jobs? Likely it will be more welfare and unemployment benefits. Or they will have to leave the state to find work. What this state needs is more jobs that will pump more money into the economy.
Maine communities are hurting as taxes go up. We need to take the burden off taxpayers, and that means attracting businesses to the state. We need to listen to employers about the problems they are having.
The editorial mentioned the Old Town and Lincoln paper mills that are closing. In a Sept. 29 BDN article, Lincoln Paper and Tissue’s CEO cited several reasons for the downfall of the paper mill, such as a boiler explosion, increased costs for energy and wood and competitive markets for its products, but nowhere did he mention a shortage of qualified workers.
State legislators should listen to businesses and solve the problems that undermine Maine’s economy. That would be a refreshing and sorely needed change. Spending more money on education is not a solution.
Debra Garcia
Etna
National park would be a boon
I read an interesting Salt Lake Tribune OpEd about the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The OpEd writer is the president of the Escalante-Boulder Chamber of Commerce, and he pointed to the creation of the national monument as a reason why the small town is thriving.
“Business has never been better. My business, Escalante Outfitters, is employing more people with a higher payroll than ever before. Our sales are at record levels, and we are expanding by building new facilities to accommodate this demand,” Dennis Waggoner wrote.
That’s the kind of story I would like to see from Millinocket, East Millinocket or Medway. And that’s why I support a national park and national recreation area and why I’m beginning to think a national monument might be a good idea, too.
I believe the Katahdin region could have a bright future. We need a diversified economy. If we can come together as a region and utilize a national park and national recreation area as a resource, our future indeed could be bright.
Now is the time for our congressional representatives to introduce the necessary legislation to charter our new economic course forward in a way that respects the past while using the beautiful natural resources of the present to ensure our future.
As Waggoner wrote, “The monument has put Escalante on the map as a tourist destination and is attracting entrepreneurs and residents who want to live near protected lands with beautiful scenery and clean water and air. The monument is the city’s biggest asset and is not the source of its problems.”
We could have our own asset like that. All we have to do is say yes.
Avern Danforth
Millinocket
Strimling for mayor
As a resident of Portland who tries to keep up with what is going on in the city, I have been disappointed over the last few years with regard to the disarray within our city council and the obvious lack a leadership from someone who understands the need for unity and consensus building.
With the recent endorsement from several city councilors, Ethan Strimling is already off to a good start in Portland’s mayoral race. I’m familiar with his work as leader of LearningWorks in Portland. For those who don’t know what LearningWorks does, they provide life-changing services for kids who have fallen through the cracks.
When it comes time to consider who we want leading our great city, it would be worth considering Ethan Strimling.
Lucas Good
Portland