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Archive for January 2012

On Friday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m., L/A Arts and Bates College will host “In the Blood,” a documentary film about turn-of-the-century Maine lumbermen and river drivers. “In the Blood” employs film, photography, interviews, sound design and a live musical score to illustrate the life, skills and character of Maine lumbermen and river drivers. The event takes place at Olin Arts Center, Bates College, 75 Russell St., Lewiston. Tickets are $6 at www.batestickets.com. For more information, call 782-7228.

“Enough is Enough!” Lewiston mayor wants to create “Destination Lewiston”

This is the Inaugural Address delivered by Lewiston Mayor Robert E. Macdonald on January 3 at the Franco-American Heritage Center.

By Mayor Robert E. Macdonald

Mayor of Lewiston

I would like to begin this evening by expressing my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Lewiston. I am honored and humbled as I assume this office. I am also enthusiastic and pledge to do my best to make Lewiston an even better place in which to live, work, play, raise a family and do business.

I would also like to recognize the newly elected members of the City Council and School Committee. I look forward to working closely with each of you as we strive to further enhance our community.

Last month, the final American combat troops were withdrawn from Iraq. Many of our friends, neighbors and family members were called to serve our country in this conflict, as well as in other current and past conflicts. Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice, and others will carry emotional and physical scars for the rest of their lives. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor all who have served in the United States military, especially those who are no longer with us.

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Auburn mayor seeks to build 21st century city

This the Inaugural Address delivered by Auburn Mayor Jonathan P. LaBonté on Wednesday, December 21.

By Jonathan P. LaBonté

Mayor of Auburn

Family, friends, citizens of Auburn: it is an honor to stand before you tonight as Auburn’s Mayor. I thank you for joining us to mark the start of a new chapter in the history of our community.

I want to begin by recognizing members of our community that are not here this evening. First, to the man whose words of encouragement led to my decision to seek this office, my grandfather. A man grounded in his faith and his commitment to family. The steady advice he offered throughout my childhood, as I grew up in this very neighborhood, and until this fall, helped to shape the man I am today.

On Election Day, as many of us gathered at the polls and celebrated victories to elected office, he began his transition out of this world. And though his absence tonight leaves a hole in my heart, I remain committed as ever to serving in public office by the standards and values he instilled in me.

A number of seats were left empty here tonight at my request as a visual reminder of the men and women from our community serving with our armed forces across the world and local through the National Guard and reserves.

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L-A Harley offers free skiing at Lost Valley

This January, everyone is invited to ski or ride for free every Friday from 5 p.m. until close at Lost Valley Ski Resort in Auburn, courtesy of L-A Harley-Davidson.

To kick off the event the L-A Harley Band will be playing a concert in the lodge on Friday, January 6, beginning at 8 p.m.

John Story, owner at L-A Harley-Davidson in Lewiston, believes in giving back to the local community. “Lost Valley is a great family mountain,” he said. “It is local, and we like to support local businesses.”

L-A Harley-Davidson is proud to encourage and support healthy community activities.

LETTER: Democrats have their heads in the sand about Maine’s financial mess

To The Editor:

Many ask how Maine has become one of the oldest, poorest, highest-taxed and one of a very few states where its population is in decline.

Once known for its independence and work ethic, many believe Maine is now an entitlement state where fully one third of its population depends on government handouts in one form or another. When adding the number of people who work for government and those that work for non-profits, where the majority of the money they spend comes from government, the number comes closer to one half those in the workforce.

For the past three decades, state government has concentrated on expanding social programs, while at the same time over-regulating and over-taxing small business—those paying the bills. The slide into a welfare state, according to some, accelerated in 2002 when Governor John Baldacci and the Democrats controlling the House and Senate made the decision to increase the eligibility requirements for access to the state’s Medicaid program.

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LETTER: Paying more for good teachers is less expensive in the long run

To the Editor:

Less than half our students receive the education they require. Unnoticed and un-mourned, they quietly fail at a rate of 50 percent or more, their opportunities flushed away.

This is documented in the annual SAT results and reaffirmed by the 39% of inadequately prepared students entering Central Maine Community College who have to take at least one remedial course. Teachers don’t like to hear this, neither does the school committee; students who are failing while falsely reassured by passing grades don’t understand; and parents don’t have a clue.

The community’s reaction to public education should be clenched-fist outrage; teachers and educators should be embarrassed and apologetic. Instead, during the ongoing wage negotiations between the teacher’s union and the Lewiston School Committee, in examples of both chutzpah and easy-going acquiescence, the teachers will ask for more and, if history is predictive, the school committee will provide more. Students, of course, if we continue to believe in the lessons of history, will continue to fail at or near the same percentage points.

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