Bangor budget opposition
I want to thank Larry Willey, former Bangor City Council chair, and City Councilor David Nealley for their comments and opposition to the Bangor City Council budget vote on June 27 on yet another massive spending increase and another significant rise in the Bangor tax rate.
Willey urged the council to use $900,000 of the city’s $10 million undesignated reserve account to keep the tax rate stable. He should know. He was the last chair to engineer a large tax cut for Bangor, when he reformed Bangor’s budget process.
Nealley was the lone vote against this year’s budget increase, on a 7-1 vote, with one absent. His comments about state and federal unfunded mandates were outstanding, and he received praise from Willey for those points.
Both men stood up for Bangor taxpayers at the June 27 meeting. I want to personally thank them both for their leadership.
Pauline Civiello
Former City Councilor
Bangor
What is truth?
The recent decision made by FBI Director James Comey regarding Hillary Clinton recalled to mind the interaction that took place in Biblical and Roman history between Pontius Pilate and Jesus. In a series of inquiries, the final question Pilate asked was: “What is truth?”
One could surmise from this simple, profound question that Pilate did not know the answer. It tells us that truth indeed matters, even to those who do not know or do not tell the truth. But for those who cannot discern truth — or don’t really care — devastating results often come from their reckless decision.
I question whether Comey knows what is truth.
Elizabeth Printy
Damariscotta
Reducing violence
Regarding Bruce Burnham’s June 23 letter about publishing a listing of shootings that take place throughout the U.S., in order to raise awareness about gun violence, I agree. But I also would like to see articles in which gun owners are able to prevent or subdue violent situations, whether the altercation takes place in their home or elsewhere. I would like the NRA, through commercials, to promote gun owner responsibility, suggesting a minimum number of shooting hours per month so that one is familiar with the operation and maintenance of one’s weapon, biannual repetition of beginner and advanced safety courses, and proper storage such that toddlers or suicidal teenagers are unable to access weapons.
Perhaps the FBI can release to the public the written matrix it uses to help determine whether a person is likely to cross the line toward violent altercations. The idea being that all of us can help prevent violence in whatever manner it is presented — a gun, a knife, a bomb or a fist to the face.
This is a community issue. Where lies our responsibility as individuals to assist family or neighbors in difficult situations? Do professional counselors have insights to add?
I’m looking for reporting that seeks to investigate all sides and possible resolutions to the issue. I dislike what is happening with guns but cannot see removing our right to defend ourselves from lawless individuals or a future government that may have fallen or turned against us.
Tammera Fenn
Charleston
Most deadly massacre
How or why do we conveniently forget our U.S. history? The recent shootings in Orlando, Florida, were not the deadliest massacre in U.S. history. It occurred sometime between 1492 and the second Wounded Knee. It would be difficult to date because we as a nation of people have brushed under the rug the genocide we perpetrated upon the native people of this continent.
Countless massacres occurred during the last 500 years in this country, some much larger, some much smaller. As the adage goes, “What goes around, comes around.”
Ed Wardwell
Penobscot