Clinton untrustworthy
I’m not happy with either candidate running for president, but especially with the Democratic choice. I think the BDN’s July 25 cartoon was very offensive. The “Doom and Gloom” would be if Hillary Clinton got in as president because she does not know what the truth stands for.
Gloria Boynton
Prospect
Thibodeau a voice of reason
Having served as a Lincolnville selectman for the past decade, I know how important it is for our elected officials to work together to find solutions to the challenges we face as a state. But I’ve seen precious little cooperation in Augusta in recent years.
Republican Senate President Mike Thibodeau has been one voice of reason in the Legislature. In his role as Senate president, he has often rejected partisan bickering and worked to bring all sides together to find solutions.
In the coming weeks, we’ll all be reading many letters to the editor saying what a great job Candidate A will do and how horrible Candidate B is, and often those views are based on knee-jerk allegiance to one party or another.
Personally, I’m an independent. I did not vote for Thibodeau when he ran last time around. But he has shown a genuine concern for working together for the betterment of the people of Maine, so this November I will be voting for Thibodeau for the first time. He has earned my vote.
Rosey Gerry
Lincolnville
Democratic values
I was disappointed to learn that Belfast Mayor Walter Ash is publicly endorsing Republican Mike Thibodeau in the upcoming state Senate election.
Mayor Ash identifies himself as a lifelong Democrat. I’m a lifelong Democrat, too. I have a difficult time understanding why he is endorsing a candidate who opposes issues that are fundamental to the values and vision of the Democratic Party and, more importantly, to the people of Maine.
Sen. Thibodeau has not shown leadership on key issues such as solar power, minimum wage increases, revenue sharing, a fairer tax system or improved access to affordable health care. The Democratic Party has a candidate who is ready and able to fight on behalf of the hard-working people of Waldo County. Jonathan Fulford is running a clean election campaign, has not taken one dime from outside interests or corporations and is not trying to further his own political ambitions by running for office. His goal is to improve the lives of all the people of Maine.
Mayor Ash has lost my vote. I will, however, vote for Jonathan Fulford on Nov. 8, because I believe he will bring real leadership to Augusta as Waldo County’s senator.
Janie Phillips
Belfast
Targeted by voting restrictions
I believe it is important to consider that truisms are myths and then to inquire as to the meaning and purpose of the myth.
One common myth in our culture has been that women are less capable than men to conduct public affairs. I believe this myth originated with the conquest of the agricultural societies of the Mediterranean, whose economies were controlled by women. The conquering people were nomads, whose livelihood was based on horses and so were male dominated.
The earliest civilizations in the western hemisphere were in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1,200 A.D., say, there were many times more manuscripts in the Sankore libraries of Timbuktu in sub-Saharan black Africa than there were inhabitants of Paris, France.
It was the use of gunpowder to propel small pieces of lead that enabled a people only recently emerged from barbarism to conquer the much more highly civilized people of Africa.
Slavery in the Old World was temporary and not the inherited and dishonorable condition it became in the New World. That the voting rights of those of African descent are still being challenged (BDN editorial, Aug. 4) is indeed disheartening.
Karen Saum
Belfast
Congratulations, Jackson Lab
Congratulations to The Jackson Laboratory on the new mouse-production facility in Ellsworth! Once construction is complete, it will bring more than 200 new, good-paying new jobs to the region. But beyond the jobs, the project provides vision and leadership for Maine, making Maine home to cutting-edge medical research and providing products and services to other research facilities around the world. The new facility will become an economic anchor in the region that will help attract other employers and build the regional and state economy.
It takes many hands to build our economy. This project would not have come together without the support of our congressional delegation, the city of Ellsworth, the Maine Technology Institute, the Economic Development Administration and many others, including the numerous contractors and vendors who will build and service the new facility. The project shows we have what it takes to succeed in Maine. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all who contributed. Well done!
Sue Inches
Senior Broadband Consultant
North Yarmouth
Comprehensive approach
It is no secret that addiction is a major public health concern in Maine affecting individuals, families and communities. The solution to this health problem is complex and must include a long-term statewide multifaceted approach. Treatment is one important component to tackle addiction. Deciding how best to serve populations should be based on geographic incidence and prevalence. In an October 2015 report by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, eight counties reported drug-related deaths that surpassed Penobscot County. These counties included Washington, Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Somerset, Waldo, Lincoln and York. Healing is enhanced through a holistic approach to care that addresses physical and psychosocial components. This includes substance abuse treatment such as methadone and support by loved ones. By treating individuals with addiction in their own communities, we can offer this holistic approach to care.
Disease prevention is another essential component for promoting health. Addiction, similar to many diseases such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, has the potential to be prevented. Some of the factors that increase the risk of addiction include mental illness and adverse childhood experiences. The key to prevention is supporting initiatives that strengthen families and communities such as a living wage, education beginning in preschool, public health nursing services and treatment for mental illness. These initiatives require a statewide effort. We need to be in contact with our state senators and representatives to advocate for a comprehensive approach to the public health problem of addiction that includes prevention and treatment.
Mary Tedesco-Schneck
Bangor