Monument benefits
I say thank you to Sen. Angus King, National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis, the Natural Resources Council of Maine and many others who helped make possible the meetings on May 16 relating to the creation of a national monument in the Katahdin region. King set the tone and everyone respected the views, both pro and con, being presented. Jarvis answered many questions, but concluded that the area met every requirement both culturally.and physically for a national monument. Also that the endowment offered was totally without precedent in all the years of national parks.
One bonus that should be considered is this: When people come to the park they will be able to become involved in so many other activities in that area. For instance: a canoe trip on the West Branch, spending time in Baxter State Park, or using the many, many beautiful lakes, and the list goes on. The national monument will attract people from everywhere, but the area itself will present so much more and surely will benefit each town in that area.
Sandra Lane Johnson
Orono
‘Preservation of the world’
Much has been said and written regarding the proposed North Woods national monument. The lumber interests have expressed the need for forest resources and the economy it supports. But this is only one side of the issue, and although it is a legitimate issue, I would like to present another side.
Forests should not be only to support the industry but should also support the welfare of the natural environment which is critical for all of our welfare. Henry David Thoreau put it best in his essay “Walking.” “The West of which I speak is but another name for the Wild, and what I have been preparing to say is, that in Wildness is the preservation of the world. Every tree sends its fibers forth in search of the Wild. The cities import it at any price. Men plow and sail for it. From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and barks which brace mankind.”
Stephen Porter
Searsmont
Monument hearing sign confusion
The traditional pre-show safety announcement that aired in the Hutchins Concert Hall at the Collins Center for the Arts caused confusion for some audience members attending the May 16 public meeting about the creation of a Maine Woods National Monument. The pre-recorded safety message typically plays prior to arts events in the concert hall, and includes wording prohibiting use of cameras and cellphones. Signage also used in the Collins Center lobby for Hutchins Concert Hall events, including performances, that precludes backpacks, outside food and drink, recording equipment and cameras, also was visible to those attending the meeting.
It’s clear from post-event queries that some audience members were concerned about the mixed messages caused by the pre-recorded safety recording and signage at this public meeting. We regret any misunderstanding caused by pre-existing messages used for performances in the Hutchins Concert Hall.
Margaret Nagle
Senior Director of Public Relations and Operations
University of Maine
Orono
Meil for Legislature
As a parent of two high school children, I work and volunteer with many parents in this community. When an honest, educated, hardworking and open-minded parent of young children is willing to take on the issues that our communities face, with the passion and proficiency for negotiation and ethical representation that Kathleen Meil demonstrates, it was easy to feel motivated to support her.
I have known Kathleen since working with her children at the Children’s House Montessori School in Camden. Kathleen and her family were new to the area but she jumped right in as an active member of the community. She volunteered at school, the library, she advocated for hardworking families, children, energy efficiency, our environment. Since then she’s inspired others with her enthusiasm and dedication.
When Kathleen shared her hope to represent Camden, Rockport, and Isleboro in the Legislature, my daughter had just turned 18. Excited about being able to vote for the first time, we asked Kathleen if she would be willing to talk to a group of first-time voters. Kathleen generously shared her time with these budding politicos — answering questions, listening to their concerns, answering questions directly, and demonstrating that she wants to work for their future. She has the truly valuable and honorable trait of being willing to say “I don’t know, but will find out” when she (albeit rarely!) does not know the answer to a question.
I’m proud that my daughter is interested in voting. We will both be proud to vote for Kathleen Meil for state representative in District 94 in the June 14 Democratic primary.
Molly Stone
Camden