Wed, Feb 22, 2012

Opinion

  • Paris needs to rethink ATV approach

    Feb 16, 2012 12:00 am

    Twice, in the past 12 months, the right of ATV users to ride their machines along public ways in the town of Paris has been the subject of bitter disputes. One was resolved a few months ago, while the other, concerning Gravel Pit Road, is ongoing.

    Both times, the Board of Selectmen has been caught between two warring factions, each of which has threatened lawsuits against the town.

    Both times, the board has made a good faith effort to navigate the rocky terrain by trying to bring about amicable resolutions that please both parties.

  • LePage should grow up, get wise

    Feb 09, 2012 12:00 am

    "If the cash don't flow, welfare checks don't go."

    So said Governor LePage last week, reducing an amazingly complicated and sensitive issue to a soundbite that shows a callous disregard for the people of Maine.

    Lawmakers have been struggling to balance the state budget while minimizing the impact on the state's social services.

    It's easy to toss off catchphrases like that, when your solution to the state budget woes is equally simple – LePage advocates taking $220 million from social services that go to help those who need it most.

  • Paris: from silly to ridiculous

    Feb 02, 2012 12:00 am

    At its last meeting, the Paris Board of Selectmen voted to force Selectman Ted Kutrz to abstain from a vote because "he was biased."

    What?

    While we are not in any way a legal authority, we do think that "technically"  the term bias applies when you cannot make a fair or impartial decision because of prejudice or a family relationship. (This is what the Maine Municipal Association defines as bias in its So You Are Thinking of Running for Local Office … page.) It makes sense.

  • Wood could be better

    Jan 26, 2012 12:00 am

    As our Person on the Street feature demonstrated last week, many Mainers have turned to burning wood to cope with rising heating oil costs.

    Maybe there should be more of that, on a systemic level.

    To be sure, there are some downsides to burning wood – particulates cause environmental concerns, and wood-burning systems come with an increased need for safe and responsible maintenance.

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