Busby wrong about Collins
Why the BDN publishes Chris Busby’s wildly inaccurate rants is impossible to understand. Sen. Susan Collins is his latest target, and as usual, in his May 12 BDN column Busby distorts her statements, her independence, her effectiveness and hard work for the people of Maine.
The prestigious Lugar Center at Georgetown University has repeatedly ranked Collins as the most bipartisan senator. Her effectiveness has been proven time and again. Ask parents of children with Type 1 diabetes, the Alzheimer’s Association, rural educators, University of Maine researchers, the precision machining students at Northern Maine Community College, the workers at Bath Iron Works or the shipyard in Kittery, small businesses, potato growers, transportation officials, seniors, or veterans and many others about the difference Collins has made.
Who repealed the law giving a $50 billion tax break to Big Tobacco? Collins. Who wrote the law to better protect our nation against terrorist attacks in the wake of 9/11? Collins. Who led the fight against the 2013 government shutdown? Collins.
Busby is irresponsibly wrong about Collins’ “silence” on Donald Trump’s proposal to ban all Muslims from entering our country. Collins stated last December that this proposal did not reflect our American values, casts an unfair shadow on patriotic, law-abiding Muslim Americans who have been here for years and was just plain wrong.
Naturally, Collins is flattered when political pundits mention her as a potential vice president or cabinet member as has happened not only this year but also in the past. Mainers are proud that her effectiveness and civility are widely applauded.
Annie Clark
Communications director
Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine
Washington, D.C.
Waste and water
Per the Municipal Review Committee’s projection, Fiberight would consume 90,000 gallons of water per day in an enzymatic hydrolysis process washing the region’s solid waste. This water would come from Bangor’s water supply, Floods Pond.
Meanwhile, in Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors, Catherine Schmitt cites Floods Pond as one of eight Maine lakes of “such high quality they qualify for a waiver from EPA’s filtration requirement … After Bangor officials recognized that the Penobscot River had become too polluted to drink …, the city … found Floods Pond … The Bangor Water District owns 99 percent of the land in the watershed, giving them control over … the sensitive areas that surround the pond … We are lucky to have access to such clean, healthy, well-managed water,” Schmitt wrote.
It is hard to reconcile the use of such a precious resource in processing waste. The water is taken not only from Floods Pond but its aquifer, which runs from Clifton through Otis. Why not intake water from the Penobscot River instead? It’s now a much cleaner river. But there’s the other end of waste processing: Fiberight projects an increase in effluent of more than 100,000 gallons per day that will be treated, then discharged into the recovering river.
As for “access,” the Bangor Water District’s Floods Pond property is gated off like a military compound, without even a hand-carry launch. If the city is OK with these pristine waters washing municipal waste, why not allow recreational access? In the state’s 2010 review of Great Ponds used as water sources, the majority offer some recreational access.
Jane Crosen Washburn
Penobscot
Maine Democrats have energy
I’ve been to political conventions before, and I’ve been bored. Not this time. This month’s Maine Democratic Convention in Portland was energizing, exciting and brimming with Bernie Sanders supporters.
The record turnout bodes well for progressive politics and a new generation of activists. And if we care about our country, shouldn’t we all be activists? In the sense of a people’s campaign, of social and environmental justice, Sanders has already won.
Steve Cartwright
Waldoboro
More town cooperation
It is too bad it takes the dismissal of a town employee to bring a group of citizens to a selectmen’s meeting. These meetings are held two times a month and are open to the public. At these meetings, citizens can make public comments and learn what is happening in their town.
I have lived in Orrington more than 70 years. I was inspired to attend these meetings after a family member was sued by the town. I find these meetings very informative. Department heads sometimes attend these meetings to discuss their wants and needs for their departments.
It would be a great idea if the heads of the police, public works and fire departments could meet with the town manager as a group each month to see what has been done and what needs to be done to make the department and the town run more smoothly. There should be more cooperation and fewer secrets from each other. The board of selectmen assist and direct the town manager in his position to make decisions that will better our great town. It is a difficult job on all their parts.
Chief Mike Spencer did a great job as fire chief for 12 years. It is a sad to see him dismissed. We all have good and bad ideas and make good and bad decisions in our daily lives. Our personalities sometimes clash and in the end someone gets hurt. Attend these meetings and you will be more aware of what is happening in our town.
Sharon Caron
Orrington
Elect Kathleen Meil
I am writing to encourage residents of Camden, Rockport and Islesboro to support Kathleen Meil for state representative for District 94.
I became acquainted with Meil through our work on the Rockport Public Library steering committee, which evaluated possible locations for a new library. The conversation was complicated and often contentious and I was impressed with Meil’s strong but fair demeanor under pressure. She was always thoughtful and willing to listen, knew when and how to compromise, and kept the needs of Rockport’s residents front and center.
Given the current climate in Augusta, those skills will serve Meil, and those fortunate to be represented by her, well. Now more than ever, we need principled leaders who are willing to stand up for what’s best for their constituents, and who are committed to seeking common ground for the common good. Please give Meil your support and your vote.
Warren Erickson
Rockport