To the Editor:

Smart meters—really?

CMP is winding down the installation of their so-called “smart meters” in the Lewiston-Auburn area while many consumers are unaware of the many reported health hazards.

The meters emit a high frequency RF/microwave radiation and in May 2011 the World Health Organization classified wireless radiation to include cell phones and smart meters as a Class 2B possible carcinogen, the same category as lead, engine exhaust and the pesticide DDT.

People are reporting symptoms of headaches, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, nausea and heart palpitations. Interference with electronic devices such as printers, fax machines, computers and TVs have also been reported after the installation of the meters.

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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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Owner and entrepreneur Jane Kyllonen’s goal is to create a one-stop-shop for her clients, a place where all their anxieties and problems can be solved by her talented and dedicated staff. Having already opened a hair, nail, tanning and catering business, adding a tuxedo and limo operation to her growing organization across the street only makes perfect sense.

“Naturally, a wedding or prom can be a very stressful time,” says Kyllonen. “Our goal is to get our customers to relax, indulge, enjoy their event and celebrate life’s finer pleasures.”

So far she’s on the right track.

Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert, Auburn Mayor Richard Gleason, state representatives, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and Kyllonen’s family, friends and employees gathered Saturday as the Sarah Jeanne’s organization officially celebrated their newest addition, S&J Tuxedo and Limo Rentals.

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To the Editor:

With the myriad of problems that older adults and challenged individuals in this state face, it is our job as both advocates and legislators to protect Maine’s most vulnerable populations.

This is a tough economy, but it is even tougher when one is frail, elderly, alone and frightened. Seniors in Maine have watched all summer long as their hard-earned Social Security benefits were debated over and over again in Washington.

For two years, they haven’t benefitted from a cost of living increase.

In the last 10 years, hunger among older adults has increased by an unbelievable 80 percent. Social Security is the only source of income for one-third of Mainers age 65 and older.

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To the Editor:

Much has been said about Bates Mill No. 5 and its disposition. I agree with Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert that ideas without limits result in many humorous ideas.

Perhaps a more sobering suggestion should be made by submitting an application for historical landmark status as a tribute to over-reaching union management; legislation to accelerate foreign competition; agencies to regulate, stifle and over tax; ownership finding money easier in foreign lands with few restrictions; a federal government “spreading the wealth” to other lands and re-electing the same people or kinds of people to state and federal governing bodies who profit from assisting larger hard- and soft-money campaign contributors.

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To the Editor:

Governor LePage has felt it necessary to point out something obvious: since 80% of the state’s budget goes to education and the Department of Health and Human Services, he is compelled to make cuts in those areas to balance the budget.

To do this in an orderly and rational manner, he proposes to set priorities. He does not favor the “across the board cuts,” widely favored by politicians like his unlamented predecessor John Baldacci.

That is a dodge that enables politicians to escape responsibility for making difficult choices.

The governor’s priority is to continue work on welfare reform in order to preserve funding to education. He has asked voters to contact their legislators to support this priority.

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By Bruce Poliquin

State Treasurer

During the past 18 months, Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) has been helping to develop the Elm Terrace affordable housing project in Portland. Architects, engineers, developers and lawyers have already spent over $600,000 on the project. The 35 mostly one- and two-bedroom apartments are planned to be constructed within an historic building on downtown Congress Street.

Here’s the problem: Each “affordable” apartment is budgeted to cost $314,000. (This was reported in an October 27 Sun Journal article, “Affordable Housing Project Overrun Raises Stakes for Maine Housing, McCormick.”)

MSHA is one of the eight quasi-independent authorities created by the Legislature to provide valuable services to the people of Maine. MSHA is a complex entity with 143 employees, a $14 million operating budget and $1.6 billion of outstanding bonds that it has sold to help fund its programs.

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