So, to be progressive, a new bypass to skirt downtown Presque Isle truck traffic is being planned. From UMPI on south Main Street, down the hill and straight through Main Street to North Street, might be a total of one mile for trucks to travel. I think we all recognize the need for one, the way our city is laid out. But, we are reeling about what we have to pay for the bypass! From Route 1-A in Mars Hill, the bypass begins with four lanes, cuts through our beloved farmlands and its dwellings towards the town of Easton, where the brunt of the trucks go to McCain’s and Huber plants, then over a new four-lane bridge across the Aroostook River and ends near the east Higgins Road.
Now, can we as taxpayers afford the cost per square foot of this monstrosity of a bypass, as well as our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and citizens and prospective citizens? It also includes people that pay federal, state and county taxes who do not live here.
How far do we have to go with this? Where does the buck stop? Who is going to draw the line? Ultimately, it is us. Just say “no!” No more shrugging our shoulders, no more money-grabbing from one government to another. It is time to say “no.” We just cannot afford to move on with this kind of progressiveness!
As our economy declines and wages go down, our rates go up: to feed and clothe our families, the rising rate of taxes, heating fuel, gas, etc. It hits all stratospheres around us. Do we want to move away? Negative. My husband and I were born, raised and schooled in Presque Isle. We stayed here the last 50-plus years to give back to the community. We still run a seasonal business and are delighted to give our tourists and visitors our love of the county we have. Aroostook County is well-known for our friendliness, integrity and loyalty in our “little corner of the world.” Let’s keep it that way!
Barbara Kinney
The Neil E. Michaud Campground
Presque Isle
Setting record straight
To the editor:
As a founding member of The Haystack Historical Society I was pleased with the photo essay published in the Sept. 12 issue of The Star-Herald. There is a glaring mistake in a caption under one of the pictures.
The Old Mill School building, which is the site of the supper/auction reported about in that photo essay, is not a replica. The dictionary defines the word, “replica”, as a copy, something replicated. The Old Mill School, in which the event was held, is the original school house built some time about 1882.
The building has been used as a community house, a school, a church, the town garage, and is now a museum in which artifacts pertinent to this area are displayed, and in which community activities take place from time to time. It is the original building, not a copy of one.
Dana Allison, original member
and immediate past president
Haystack Historical Society
Remembering victims of murder
To the editor:
September 25, 2012 will mark the sixth annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. The Maine Chapter, National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children and Other Survivors of Homicide Victims, (POMC) will commemorate the Maine Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 1-3 p.m. in the Fireplace Room, Randall Center, University of Maine, Augusta. This observance will pay tribute to the hundreds of Maine related citizens who have been murdered.
Not only is it meaningful for our loved ones to be remembered, it is important for the public to recognize that any murder has devastating effects on our communities, and the pain endured by their families and friends who must re-live the nightmare for the remainder of their lives.
Those who have lost someone to homicide are encouraged to bring a framed, free-standing photo, and any small personal item of their loved one, for our memorial display table. For more information call (207) 277-3518 or (207) 623-8642.
Arthur Jette,
Maine chapter leader
Parents Of Murdered Children
Issues of the heart
To the editor:
Some recent news stories have once again compelled me to share some things to ponder. Scientists are saying your DNA may determine why you are Republican or Democrat and why you vote pro-life versus pro-choice. Give me a break! Who’s paying for this useless research?
A 3 1/2 year old deaf boy in Nebraska is told to change the sign for his name, Hunter, because it looks like a weapon. Really?! People want stricter gun laws? Then let’s set knife laws, baseball bat laws, fist laws … get how stupid it is? The weapon is not the issue.
Research the Bible and you will find everything you need to know. Ask the Lord to show you that He and His word are real, and He surely will. People can say they have no control in the things they do or say, but that is not true. God gave us a free will and every day we must make choices. Think on these issues, and see how a mean heart wields a hefty stick.
Dawn Bridges
Presque Isle
Appreciates librarians
To the editor:
This is to express my thanks to the City of Presque Isle and staff of the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library. Although our library has a good collection of historical references, I often have to use the inter-library service, which our library facilitates, to borrow government documents and published reports housed in a few university libraries, such as the University of Maine at Orono, or at the State of Maine Law Library. Few of the old (taxpayer funded) documents I’m interested in are Web-based, so I appreciate it when staff of the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library assist in getting them promptly to me here in Presque Isle. In the allotted borrowing time, I can photocopy portions of them for my personal historical “library.”
So thank you city of Presque Isle. Our library is a valuable source of knowledge for the public.
Steve Sutter
Presque Isle
Haines can work across party lines
To the editor:
I write today to endorse Troy Haines to be the State Representative for District 7. Although I am not Democrat, I have worked with Troy in the past and can assure Republicans and Independents that he will fight just as hard for your interests as he would for a Democrat.
As a former policy staffer for Sen. Snowe for 5.5 years and an intern for Sen. Collins, I learned from two of the most efficient, hard-working legislators in the United States. Time after time, they put the interests of their constituents and their state above their political party.
Troy Haines would do the same – he’s a person who can work across party aisles to find common sense solutions. He’s advocated for a number of critical issues facing Maine: health care reform, a jobs agenda, workers’ rights. Most importantly, he’s a small business owner, so he understands the struggles facing small businesses.
My only regret is that I don’t live in District 7, so I ask Republicans and Independents who live in that District to please cast a ballot on my behalf and elect Troy Haines!
Gregory A. White
Brunswick
Industry must be protected
To the editor:
The Bangor Daily News’ recent article on the possible re-opening of Port Hawkesbury paper mill in Nova Scotia reminds us why it’s so important to elect lawmakers who are committed to protecting the jobs of workers here in Maine and across the country. Because of special tax breaks, government subsidies, and artificially cheap electrical bills, all courtesy of the Nova Scotia provincial government, the opening of the mill could have a big impact on the paper industry here in Maine. This is not acceptable.
Our pulp and paper industry accounts for 4 percent of the state’s GDP, and employs thousands of middle class workers. It is a critical cornerstone of Maine’s economy and the lifeblood of many working families.
An influx of artificially cheap, government-subsidized paper could threaten those workers at a time when we can not afford to see another shuttered mill.
As a 35-year veteran of the lumber industry and a candidate for the Maine Senate, I understand the challenges our workers and business leaders have to face and I am prepared to meet those challenges head on.
If elected, I will make it my mission to protect Maine jobs and to foster the aspirations of my constituents. I will do everything within my power to keep our paper mills competitive, and to ensure that their workers stay employed.
Now more than ever, we must work tirelessly to protect, preserve and expand middle class jobs here in Maine. That is the way forward for our district, our state, and our great nation.
Dan Levesque
Ashland
A good man
To the editor:
Sixteen years ago I moved from Presque Isle to take a job in state government in Augusta. Over those years I have had the opportunity to work closely with the legislature on many issues. I was always pleased to work with legislators from Aroostook County, as they typically were able to cut to the chase on most issues and approached things in a common sense manner.
Rep. Michael Willette is such a legislator. I have found that Mike exemplifies that “County” work ethic we are all so proud of. He is serious about his obligation to serve the best interest of the citizens of Presque Isle. He is independent in his approach to legislative issues and will work across the aisle if the legislation in question will benefit the people he has sworn to serve. He has the political courage to do the right thing.
Rep. Willette is a life-long resident of Presque Isle, a proud combat veteran, small businessman, husband, and father. His roots go deep and he has dedicated himself to work hard for a better future for all of those he represents.
Republican, Democrat or Independent, you will all benefit from having Rep. Michael Willette as your representative from Presque Isle in the 126th Maine Legislature. He is a good man.
James A. Ferland
Sidney