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Snowe-Mello defends reforms that promote tax fairness
By Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello
(R-Poland)
In a recent Letter to the Editor, Senator Margaret Craven (D-Lewiston) took issue with my column, entitled “Legislature adjourns after enacting historic reforms.” Specifically, she questions the tax, health care, regulatory and welfare reforms that are already benefiting Mainers.
These reforms were adopted to restore balance to state government and promote jobs and opportunity for Maine people.
Unfortunately, Senator Craven criticizes a law that she voted for and uses it to argue against my column. Furthermore, in her haste to disagree with me, it appears that she doesn’t fully appreciate what she voted for. It is tough to argue with such logic without appearing impolite, but here goes.
Enough is Enough: Political leaders are the culprits in the welfare mess
By Robert E. Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
Not since Attila and his hordes of Huns thundered west from Eastern Europe has the world experienced what is now taking place in Lewiston. Daily, legions of maxed out former TANF clients are descending on our General Assistance Department.
Last Monday morning while riding toward Lewiston City Hall, I noticed two distinct groups forming lines at both the Park Street and the Pine Street entrances to City Hall.
The shorter line on Park Street was made up of what appeared to be “New Mainers.” (To those who follow this column weekly, I have purposely not used the word “refugee” so as not to offend those who find the word “hurtful” and wish to purge it from the English language).
The other group at the entrance on Pine Street consisted of native-born vagabonds. It was easily twice the size of the group waiting on Park Street. They were tanned, unkempt and covered with tattoos and body piercings, which collectively probably equaled the average yearly pay of most Lewiston workers.
Enough is Enough: “We hold these truths to be self-evident”
By Robert E. Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
This week we celebrate the birth of our great country. A country blessed and guided by Divine Providence, who provides our people, people bearing the designation of American, unbridled freedom to pursue one’s dreams.
Unlike many countries, status and rank does not guarantee success. Instead Providence experimented and created a nation where a dream, hard work and desire enabled her citizens the ability to ascend the social ladder from dire poverty, upward to success and the heights of distinction, importance, fame and wealth.
Providence further blessed our land with boundless beauty from sea to shining sea. Beautiful coastlines where waves crashing ashore symbolize not only our strength, but a calming way of life. Golden prairies that appear limitless as they extend to the horizon, symbolizing the unlimited opportunities offered by our land.
Enough is Enough: You are Lewiston, Lewiston is you
By Robert Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
While you may have a hard time connecting with me at City Hall, you will find me in local coffee shop hangouts. Although I have little real power, the status of the mayor’s office provides me the power of the “Bully Pulpit”.
This enables me to articulate in this paper, as well as the written and broadcast media, your concerns. Concerns relayed to me in public, by the public. Concerns I would not be aware of if I were shut up in my office at City Hall.
Many of you come up to me and compliment me on the “good job” I’m doing. While I appreciate the compliments, without Lewiston’s exceptional city council, unparalleled administration, devoted city employees, local investors who believe in Lewiston and your public support, I am no more than the emperor standing before you—without clothes.
Enough is Enough: Welfare reform and academic-type social engineers
By Robert E. Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
I was pleasingly surprised by the public response I received on my June 7 column in Twin City TIMES, “LHS graduation marred by teens’ rude behavior”. The buzz it created made me feel like a rock star.
It also brought criticism from Will Fessenden of Sabattus, a former contributor to Lewiston’s local Sunday paper, and Dan Billings, Governor Paul LePage’s legal counsel. I seldom respond to criticism of my column, but in this case I’m going to adhere to the old adage: never look a gift horse in the mouth.
It appears that when it comes to words beginning with “A”, Billings and the administration become confused. You see, I like and believe in Governor LePage, thus making me an “ally”, not an “adversary”.
Lewiston and Auburn are members of the Maine Mayors Coalition, which is made up of 10 cities. In addition to Lewiston-Auburn, there is Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, Portland, Saco, South Portland, Waterville and Westbrook. Our purpose is to band together and attempt to insure that legislation, which helpful to our needs as service-center cities, is passed.
Op/Ed: Legislature Adjourns after Enacting Historic Reforms
By Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello
The 125th Legislature has concluded its legislative business. The Senate will reconvene briefly in September to consider gubernatorial nominations, but I am pleased to report that we have accomplished a lot on your behalf in a short period of time.
I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it is to represent you in the Maine Senate and to have contributed to one of the most transformative legislatures in recent memory. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to work for the citizens of District 15, our region and the State of Maine.
When this Legislature first convened in January 2011, few believed that we could accomplish much beyond addressing a budget shortfall that was close to $1 billion. Even fewer thought that we could do so in a predominantly bipartisan way.
We conducted our work in extraordinarily difficult times, with a “can do” approach, knowing that people and families are struggling. We have sought to move Maine forward, do more with limited resources, and protect our most vulnerable citizens.
The Grey Nuns: They Came-They Served
By Rachel Morin
“Elles Sont Venues-Elles Ont Servi”
This sentiment was proclaimed on the attractive plaque over the Exhibit at the Franco-American Heritage Center honoring and recognizing the work of the Sisters of Charity, The Grey Nuns, of Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec.
They came to Lewiston 134 years ago at the invitation and request of the fledging French-Canadian community to teach their young. The immigrant population, many who could not speak English, realized if their children were to be educated, they needed to be taught in their mother tongue and English would come later. By doing so, it would ensure keeping their French language and their Faith alive.
It was an earlier time when Lewiston had no welfare and no social workers. Families took care of their own. The Grey Nuns came and were the backbone of the young community in the heart of “Little Canada.” They were impassioned, and they were the social workers of today.
Enough is Enough: TANF in Vermont; Turnpike hikes; and the Zoom Bus
By Robert E. Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
Before discussing this week’s topic, I have some great news, both for Lewiston property taxpayers and those whose goal in life is to relieve taxpayers of what little money we have left.
Apparently, the new roar reverberating throughout Lewiston neighborhoods, home to the underclass and societal victims, is: “Vermont, it’s happening there!”
Yes, Vermont, the Green Mountain State, apparently is providing unlimited green (money) in the form of “No time limit TANF.” After hearing this news, several distinguished members of the Lewiston-Auburn community have offered to rent buses in order to shuttle any and all lay-abouts to Vermont, thus fulfilling their community-service expectations for 2012.
So spread the word to our deadbeat population: take their pit bulls, tattoos and body piercings and head West to the verdant pastures of Vermont, spread their table and partake in the limitless benefits of the Green Mountain State.
Collins: Be Prepared for Summer’s Severe Weather
By Senator Susan Collins
(R-Maine)
They say April showers bring May flowers. But a deluge in June doesn’t leave anything behind except a big mess to clean up.
Recent storms dumped more than eight inches of rain across parts of our state. Small streams quickly became rushing rivers, and big rivers like the Androscoggin and the Kennebec roared, spilling their banks in some areas. While crews are still assessing the damage, fortunately, it appears to be relatively minor in most communities.
June 1 marked the official start of the 2012 hurricane season. As the top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I have joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help promote National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Enough is Enough: LHS graduation marred by teens’ rude behavior
By Robert Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
Many came. Many left happy, too many left upset.
Pomp and Circumstance, just as promised. This was Lewiston High School’s graduation ceremony held last Friday at the Colisée.
The LHS staff, responsible for organizing and putting on the event, are to be congratulated: their efforts paid off in a ceremony second to none anywhere in this vast state. The many uncompensated hours by staff members shows their devotion to both LHS and Lewiston.
On the stage, members of the Lewiston School Committee and the high school’s administration awaited the honor of passing out diplomas, certifying the success achieved over the past four years through desire, hard work and sacrifice. On each side of the assembled seniors sat teachers beaming, watching the fruits of their labors file into the arena. Proud parents watched as the accomplishments of their sons and daughters reached fruition.
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