This week’s edition!
WMTS launches survey to get feedback on public transportation needs
In response to a growing need for public transportation, Western Maine Transportation Services has launched an online survey to get public feedback on how to improve public transportation throughout its service area, which includes Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties and the cities of Brunswick and Topsham.
“We’re seeking input from as many people in our service area as we can reach, whether they use currently-available public transportation or not,” said WMTS General Manager Sandy Buchanan. “This survey is about determining real-world needs so WMTS can work to offer relevant rural and urban public transportation options for everyone’s benefit.”
Immaculate Heart of Mary teens distribute Easter gift bags
Parish teens assembled items donated by parishioners into nearly 200 gift bags for the residents and patients of Bolster Heights, Clover Health Care, and the Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home of Maine.
In celebration of Easter, teens at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn recently delivered gift bags of candy, hand lotion, lip balm and other toiletries to Bolster Heights Health Care Facility, Clover Health Care, and the Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home of Maine.
Governor’s Address: Regional services can improve funding for education
Democrats say they want to reduce property taxes. But they don’t have the courage to actually do it.
Dear Maine Taxpayer,
You can’t talk about reducing property taxes without addressing state funding for education. Education costs are a major driver of local property taxes.
Democrats keep telling people that my administration has cut education funding. That is absolutely not true. State funding has increased every year since I have been Governor.
The real problem is that student enrollment is plummeting as costs keep climbing. Since I became Governor in 2011, Maine has 10,000 fewer students, but we are still spending over $100 million more a year.
Only Steps Forward: Street sweepers, spring clean-up and improving curb appeal
By Jonathan P. LaBonte
Mayor of Auburn
Spring has sprung here in Auburn, and that means more sprouting of leaves on trees and the greening of grass in our dozens of city parks. In the coming weeks, street sweepers will be out in our neighborhoods, spring clean-up efforts will have bulky waste piling up by the curb, and road construction crews will be taking to many city streets.
One of the first priorities someone hears from their realtor when they are looking to sell their home is curb appeal. On a much larger scale, the same applies to a city. When visitors, potential new residents or even interested investors and business owners travel through our community, the first impression makes a big difference—and spring is the big season to kick this off.
Enough is Enough: Campaign for Lewiston’s mayoral election is well under way
By Robert E. Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Most of Lewiston’s mayoral candidates are slowly approaching the starting gate. But one candidate has left the gate and taken a quarter mile lead—and day by day that lead is being increased. That candidate is Ben Chin.
There are six-and-a-half months until Lewiston’s mayoral election. Unlike the others who are running for the Mayor’s Office, there is no grass growing beneath Chin’s feet. He is organized, well-funded and well-known. But most importantly, deep down in his belly, he has an overwhelming desire to win.
Willy Wonka to highlight WLU’s annual Doll Tea
An entertaining presentation of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory will highlight the annual Doll Tea on Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30, at the Woman’s Literary Union, located at 19 Elm Street in Auburn. Sessions are at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday and noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $11 per person. For more information, call 795-6134; to buy tickets, send check via mail or pay with PayPal online at www.womansliteraryunion.org.
Doctor to discuss prevalence of inherited cholesterol disorder among Franco Americans
Dr. Dervilla McCann
At the Spring General Meeting of the Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society on Saturday, April 22 at 11 a.m., Dr. Dervilla McCann will discuss the prevalence of an inherited cholesterol disorder among the Franco Americans of New England. Free and open to the public, the program will take place at Auburn Public Library.
Calvary Christian wins A.C.E.L. hoops championship
Players from Calvary Christian Academy visited the State House recently to receive a Legislative Sentiment recognizing them for winning the A.C.E.L. Basketball Championship. This was the 18th championship for the school under the guidance of Coach Wes Clark. The team included Curtis Blodgett, Aidan Kelley, Michael Scollon, CJ Grimbilas, Brian Hewitt, Jesse Stevens, Jared Berry, Caleb Chabe, Jonny Conner, Darin Hewitt, Isaac Staples, Kemuel Stevens, Joshua Berry, Alexandar Case, Jordan Fournier and Caleb Staples. The junior varsity coach is Jon Case. Team members are pictured here with Sen. Garret Mason.
Auburn UU bean supper to help “Bring Nastya Home”
A 16-year-old girl from Ukraine who had never lived with a family before she visited Maine this winter, Nastya hopes to be adopted by church members Casey Knight and Peter Floyd.
Auburn UU will host a bean supper to “Bring Nastya Home” on Saturday, April 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Church members Casey Knight and Peter Floyd are seeking to adopt Nastya, a 16-year-old girl from Ukraine who, before she visited Maine this winter, had never lived with a family and faces a bleak future after she leaves the orphanage back home.
Governor’s Address: Democrats’ budget is one page of talking points
Democrat politicians in Augusta will take every opportunity to spend more of your money, and most Mainers simply can’t afford it.
Dear Maine Taxpayer,
Last week, Speaker of the House Sara Gideon announced something we already knew: Democrats in Augusta are ready to raise your taxes and spend more of your money.
Democrats claim to represent the little guy, but their actions do the opposite. They increase taxes and grow big government. This doesn’t help the working people of Maine.
The Maine media applauded the Democrats’ proposal as an alternative budget. But they failed to report the most important fact: it isn’t a real budget.
