Stop solitary confinement
A recent report on solitary confinement within Maine’s Department of Corrections about the cavalier imposition of such measures and the impossibility of anyone navigating the appeals process, let alone a prisoner whose understanding of the rules and regulations may be understandably limited, is so distressing I can barely find words.
A few months ago, the Department of Corrections proposed an amendment to its prisoner discipline policy that provided penalties for unauthorized correspondence with the outside world. Among the penalties for violating this rule is confinement in a 5-by-10-foot cell 24 hours per day, no television, no contact with other inmates, limited or in some cases no contact with family, and such confinement is of an uncertain duration at the whim of whoever’s in charge.
Such treatment may satisfy some corrections officer who’s been offended by something an inmate did or said or higher ups within the Department of Corrections may be similarly troubled, but solitary confinement does absolutely nothing to contribute to rehabilitation and does everything to ensure that, if ever released, that inmate will be back.
Phil Crossman
Vinalhaven
National park needs bold action
Supporters of the national park and recreation area proposal have hoped for bold action from Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins. To date, neither has shown the leadership necessary to bring this incredible opportunity to Maine and the nation. Legislation to create a national park on donated land with a $40 million endowment is supported by 60 percent of Mainers and by 67 percent of those in the 2nd Congressional District.
Why haven’t they taken action on the only viable economic development opportunity in a region that is hurting badly? The refusal to introduce legislation disdains not only the will of the majority of their constituents but disregards the private property rights of a generous landowner and the collapsing woods product industry. It ensures the continued degradation of local populations, the tax base and risks the continued transfer of the North Woods into the hands of Wall Street speculators.
I don’t understand why our elected officials are turning down this investment in the devastated region. We should expect the leaders we elect and send to Washington to represent us. King should submit legislation to create the park or support a national monument, the same designation that created Acadia National Park.
With friends from San Diego and Minneapolis I bought a home in Millinocket nearly two years ago. We love the region, its outstanding beauty, the resilience of its people and the way in which we have been so genuinely welcomed in town. I believe the region would greatly benefit from more visitors like us.
Debbie Gilmer
Orono
Social Security beneficiaries need a raise
The U.S. Senate is considering the SAVE Benefits Act, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. It would allow in 2016 a one-time increase of $581 to people who collect Social Security benefits and veterans’ pensions. Because there is no cost-of-living adjustment in 2016, this would help these people who deserve an increase to their benefits because of inflation.
This would not be the first time in our history that Congress has done this, and it should happen again. Ask Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to co-sponsor this legislation.
Karen E. Holmes
Cooper
No hometown pride
I have lived in Columbia Falls all my life and married a local man. We brought our daughter up here, we had a business (Towne Market) for 23 years, and always were proud to call Columbia Falls home. We loved this little community and its people.
We’re not so proud anymore and are, in fact, embarrassed at times to call it home. It seems the selectmen running our town can tell us when we can use the restrooms at the entrance to the Wreaths Across America gymnasium. Only when the library is open can the doors be open, which is not a convenient schedule for most of us. It is very embarrassing when you have a supper for more than 200 people and they are told we can only use the toilets in the locker rooms.
It really hurts me to see the dooryard of the building across the street, the old Towne Market, cordoned off with railroad ties and yellow tape all around. Not like it used to be.
Between these people and the town fathers, I would not consider this a warm welcome to folks coming into our town.
Clara Driscoll
Columbia Falls