refuSing to cooperate
A6 Editorial, Wednesday, August 24, 2016, Bangor Daily News
Founded in 1889
SuSan Young Editorial PagE Editor
george DanbY Editorial PagE assistant
Matthew Stone oPinion PagE Editor
P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 Tel. 990-8000, fax 433-1048, email address [email protected]
refuSing to cooperate State’S Stance on foreStry work abSurd
T
he headline on the news release could have read: “Lawmaker asks state official to do his job.” The dispute involves an absurd situation: The state’s advocate for the forest product industry refused to meet with a federal team that came to Maine at the request of the state’s congressional delegation precisely to find ways to help Maine’s forest products industry. Rosaire Pelletier, the governor’s liaison to the forest products industry, told the Morning Sentinel that he was only interested in working with the federal team if it focused on bringing new investment to the industry. Neither he nor any other state official met with the team during its time in Maine last week, prompting House Majority Leader Jeff McCabe to send out a news release pointing out the obvious — state officials should cooperate with the federal team. Certainly, an infusion of capital would help the industry, but the Economic Development Assessment Team was in Maine because money isn’t the only solution, though nearly $4 million in federal funding targeting forest products was announced before the team’s visit. The team is also looking for new markets for Maine’s forest products as well as new products that could be made from Maine’s wealth of timber. Both are as important, especially in the long term, for stabilizing and perhaps growing this industry. Even before the team’s visit, Gov. Paul LePage called the visit “another failed stimulus package” and said it would raise “false hope.” LePage’s contempt for the federal government is no secret, but snubbing federal efforts to help an industry that the governor worked for and champions is foolish, as there is no single entity or solution that can revive it. In fact, the governor has blamed energy prices, taxes and, now, trade, for mill closures. The federal team, with state input, could and should address each of these and other concerns. The team’s work may not produce results, although that is doubtful given the federal level of commitment. But given the industry’s continued decline, state offi-
cials should accept any assistance that is offered. Ten Maine mills have closed in the last eight years. Employment in the forest products industry has been shrinking for years. Demand for most Maine-made paper products has declined. There are bright spots. New machines have been installed at the mill complex in Baileyville, which makes tissue, a type of paper that has not seen a decline in demand and research into using trees to create biofuels is promising. In asking the Commerce Department for help, Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King wrote about the widespread economic hardship caused by the state’s mill closures. “As these rural communities have repeatedly told us, they are in the midst of an economic crisis of unprecedented magnitude, creating a situation requiring urgent action, heightened focus and new federal economic and workforce development resources,” the senators wrote to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in March. It is unconscionable that the LePage administration would essentially turn its back to families and communities left struggling by mill closures and downsizing. The administration’s refusal to participate in the EDAT work is also a slap in the face of members of Maine’s congressional delegation who specifically asked for the assistance at the same time they expressed their concerns about the potential designation of a national monument in the Maine woods. The request to have the team, which has only been mobilized 30 times, visit Maine was part of a list of requests from Sens. Collins and King and Rep. Bruce Poliquin as the White House considers designating more than 87,000 acres of land near Baxter State Park as a national monument. The request for federal assistance was a wellconsidered proactive move by the three. By snubbing its work, LePage has sent a message to these members of Congress that their efforts, which already have produced tangible results, are unwanted. The team’s work is not done, so there is still time for LePage and his staff to join this needed effort.
other voices
texting and walking don’t mix
T
his summer, city sidewalks are clotted with people gazing in store windows, dodging bikers and skateboarders and bumping into each other. Or colliding with lampposts. Or tripping over curbs. Or wandering into crosswalks against the light. Or, in one case we witnessed, stumbling over a startled beagle’s rump, mid-tail-wag. Why? Because the walking wanderers’ eyes are riveted to the smartphone. They’re thumbing a text or pounding out an email or checking Facebook or blissfully scanning eBay while paying absolutely no attention to obstacles looming right in front of them. Texting and walking simultaneously may seem as simple as breathing and walking. But it’s not. As one doctor said, “When you’re texting, you’re not as in control of the complex actions of walking.” Just check out the rising number of reported incidents involving distracted pedestrians who increasingly wind up in the doctor’s office or emergency room. Those who don’t get hurt still manage to irritate fellow pedestrians by veering this way and that, making it difficult to maneuver around them or simply avoid a
collision. Researchers say these zombies’ altered balance makes them less likely to walk in a straight line. Even if you don’t stumble into a fountain, long hours of texting take a toll on you. Physical therapists report a rising number of teens complaining of “text neck” — back and neck pain caused by the strain of hours of hunching over a phone. Last year the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons launched a campaign to warn of the dangers of what it dubbed digital deadwalking. The academy released survey results indicating that 78 percent of adults in the United States think distracted walking is a “serious” issue. Trouble is, only 29 percent admitted they did it themselves. We applaud certain millennials we know who go cold turkey, leaving cellphones behind when they go out to dinner or movies. They want to focus on their friends and family, free of the incessant nagging of the phone and the compulsion to check the screen. Can cell-addicted Americans kick the habit? Sure. It doesn’t take 12 steps, just two: Stow the phone. Resume your life. Chicago Tribune (Aug. 22)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Help for Maine infants As the lead agency for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, we are commenting on Matthew Stone’s Aug. 15 BDN article, “Maine got millions to help moms and babies, but has little to show for it” — an unfortunate and damaging title — and his omissions on the current situation with the grant. Stone did not note that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services — with Sheryl Peavey, former director of the agency’s Early Childhood Initiative, taking the lead — responded within 24 hours to the concerns raised by a number of public health agencies in a June 29 letter to Commissioner Mary Mayhew. The department’s response resulted in three important reversals of policy: — Contracted agencies will receive direct referrals from health care providers versus the state’s proposed central referral office — Contracted agencies will have authority to assess eligibility and need with an initial home visit conducted by a trained registered nurse — Fee-for-service proposal was deemed unrealistic and burdensome and reimbursement remained at block payments We are working collaboratively with the state to refocus efforts to rebuild our programs. Our southern Maine collaborative in the last three years completed 19,245 home-based nursing visits, giving 7,150 infants and mothers the care, education and coordination with community resources they need and deserve. We have and will continue to make an impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in Maine. Mia Millefoglie Grant manager MaineHealth Care At Home Saco
Thibodeau’s leadership Republican Senate President Mike Thibodeau has done a great job, and that’s why I’ll be voting to send him back to the Legislature this November. Thibodeau is a person of integrity. He listens and he cares. Residents of Brooks have seen him for years at Ralph’s Cafe, at the Marsh River Theater and at J.P. Wentworth’s store. He is involved and knows his communities. I first met Thibodeau when he successfully ran for the Maine House of Representatives in 2006. During his service in the House, I was impressed and thankful for the attention he paid to my concerns as a Brooks selectman and as the
DOONESBURY
assistant director of a state agency. He was elected to the Maine Senate in 2010. In 2014, he was unanimously chosen to serve as Senate president, a position not held by someone from Waldo County for more than 90 years. It takes years of work in the Legislature to build the relationships and earn the respect and the leadership role that Thibodeau has. My respect for Thibodeau went even higher when, in the face of a likely state government shutdown in June 2015, he worked with Democrats and Republicans to keep state government functioning without interruption. This should be a minimal expectation of our representatives in Augusta, but not all people share this view. A vote to re-elect Thibodeau will allow his legislative experience and leadership to continue to benefit Waldo County. Linda H. Lord Brooks
WRITE TO US
Letters must be 250 words or fewer and include a full name, town of residence and daytime phone number. OpEds may be 700 words. Letters may be edited or rejected for clarity, taste, libel and space. If a letter or OpEd is published, submissions by the same writer will not be considered for 60 days. Letters may be sent to letters@ bangordailynews.com. OpEds may be sent to [email protected] or P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329.
Electpro-lifecandidates Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, head of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, said at the annual convention in August with more than 2,000 present that Catholics cannot vote for a proabortion candidate. He said “abortion is in reality a legal regime that has resulted in more than 40 million deaths” and it is not “just another political issue.” “What political issue could possibly outweigh this human devastation? Abortion is different, abortion is the killing of the innocent on a massive scale. We need to end the political manipulation of Catholic voters by abortion advocates and it is time to end the entanglement of Catholic people with abortion killing. It is time to stop creating excuses for voting for pro-abortion politicians,” he said. Remember, Hillary Clinton is 100 percent for abortion while Donald Trump and Mike Pence are pro-life. Anderson also spoke about the persecution and genocide of
Christians in the Middle East. They have been tortured, killed and driven into exile. Governments and the United Nations will not help them. They rely, according to Anderson, for help from fellow Christians and the Knights of Columbus, who he said have given more than $11 million for refuges in the Christians at Risk initiative. Tom Coleman Sr. Dedham
Thibodeau for Senate Come November, I am proudly going to vote to keep Mike Thibodeau as my state senator. I have met Thibodeau several times. Not only is he a good man, but he has served Waldo County well in Augusta as a senator and as Senate president. Time and time again I have seen how Thibodeau has exemplified leadership and bipartisanship in the Maine Senate. From sponsoring a stolen valor bill to increase penalties for those who impersonate military veterans — an issue near and dear to my heart as the widow of a U.S. Navy veteran — to increasing funding for Maine’s senior citizens’ homes, Thibodeau has been there for Mainers. He also is not afraid to stand up to members of his own party when the decent thing to do justifies such an act. I could go on and on. He also took the time to come out to the Farm Days Parade on Aug. 20 in Freedom. It was a long way from his hometown of Winterport and with only so many voters, Thibodeau could have easily written off Freedom residents, but instead he took the time to come up and meet every person he could. I am excited to vote for Thibodeau in November and hope other people will join me. Sallyann Hadyniak Freedom
A natural treasure Thanks to Aislinn Sarnacki for reminding us in the Aug. 19 BDN 1-Minute Hike about the treasure so near to me: the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone. I drove over to walk the Don Lima trail, which was featured in the 1-Minute Hike. I observed a horned owl, which was well camouflaged, sitting on a dead tree. The refuge’s gift store had several interesting displays of animals and related items, as well as well-stocked shelves with many gifts appropriate for our grandchildren. Please make a visit and support this valuable resource. Roberta Griffiths Presque Isle
GARRY TRUDEAU
Founded in 1889
SuSan Young Editorial PagE Editor
george DanbY Editorial PagE assistant
Matthew Stone oPinion PagE Editor
P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 Tel. 990-8000, fax 433-1048, email address [email protected]
refuSing to cooperate State’S Stance on foreStry work abSurd
T
he headline on the news release could have read: “Lawmaker asks state official to do his job.” The dispute involves an absurd situation: The state’s advocate for the forest product industry refused to meet with a federal team that came to Maine at the request of the state’s congressional delegation precisely to find ways to help Maine’s forest products industry. Rosaire Pelletier, the governor’s liaison to the forest products industry, told the Morning Sentinel that he was only interested in working with the federal team if it focused on bringing new investment to the industry. Neither he nor any other state official met with the team during its time in Maine last week, prompting House Majority Leader Jeff McCabe to send out a news release pointing out the obvious — state officials should cooperate with the federal team. Certainly, an infusion of capital would help the industry, but the Economic Development Assessment Team was in Maine because money isn’t the only solution, though nearly $4 million in federal funding targeting forest products was announced before the team’s visit. The team is also looking for new markets for Maine’s forest products as well as new products that could be made from Maine’s wealth of timber. Both are as important, especially in the long term, for stabilizing and perhaps growing this industry. Even before the team’s visit, Gov. Paul LePage called the visit “another failed stimulus package” and said it would raise “false hope.” LePage’s contempt for the federal government is no secret, but snubbing federal efforts to help an industry that the governor worked for and champions is foolish, as there is no single entity or solution that can revive it. In fact, the governor has blamed energy prices, taxes and, now, trade, for mill closures. The federal team, with state input, could and should address each of these and other concerns. The team’s work may not produce results, although that is doubtful given the federal level of commitment. But given the industry’s continued decline, state offi-
cials should accept any assistance that is offered. Ten Maine mills have closed in the last eight years. Employment in the forest products industry has been shrinking for years. Demand for most Maine-made paper products has declined. There are bright spots. New machines have been installed at the mill complex in Baileyville, which makes tissue, a type of paper that has not seen a decline in demand and research into using trees to create biofuels is promising. In asking the Commerce Department for help, Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King wrote about the widespread economic hardship caused by the state’s mill closures. “As these rural communities have repeatedly told us, they are in the midst of an economic crisis of unprecedented magnitude, creating a situation requiring urgent action, heightened focus and new federal economic and workforce development resources,” the senators wrote to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in March. It is unconscionable that the LePage administration would essentially turn its back to families and communities left struggling by mill closures and downsizing. The administration’s refusal to participate in the EDAT work is also a slap in the face of members of Maine’s congressional delegation who specifically asked for the assistance at the same time they expressed their concerns about the potential designation of a national monument in the Maine woods. The request to have the team, which has only been mobilized 30 times, visit Maine was part of a list of requests from Sens. Collins and King and Rep. Bruce Poliquin as the White House considers designating more than 87,000 acres of land near Baxter State Park as a national monument. The request for federal assistance was a wellconsidered proactive move by the three. By snubbing its work, LePage has sent a message to these members of Congress that their efforts, which already have produced tangible results, are unwanted. The team’s work is not done, so there is still time for LePage and his staff to join this needed effort.
other voices
texting and walking don’t mix
T
his summer, city sidewalks are clotted with people gazing in store windows, dodging bikers and skateboarders and bumping into each other. Or colliding with lampposts. Or tripping over curbs. Or wandering into crosswalks against the light. Or, in one case we witnessed, stumbling over a startled beagle’s rump, mid-tail-wag. Why? Because the walking wanderers’ eyes are riveted to the smartphone. They’re thumbing a text or pounding out an email or checking Facebook or blissfully scanning eBay while paying absolutely no attention to obstacles looming right in front of them. Texting and walking simultaneously may seem as simple as breathing and walking. But it’s not. As one doctor said, “When you’re texting, you’re not as in control of the complex actions of walking.” Just check out the rising number of reported incidents involving distracted pedestrians who increasingly wind up in the doctor’s office or emergency room. Those who don’t get hurt still manage to irritate fellow pedestrians by veering this way and that, making it difficult to maneuver around them or simply avoid a
collision. Researchers say these zombies’ altered balance makes them less likely to walk in a straight line. Even if you don’t stumble into a fountain, long hours of texting take a toll on you. Physical therapists report a rising number of teens complaining of “text neck” — back and neck pain caused by the strain of hours of hunching over a phone. Last year the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons launched a campaign to warn of the dangers of what it dubbed digital deadwalking. The academy released survey results indicating that 78 percent of adults in the United States think distracted walking is a “serious” issue. Trouble is, only 29 percent admitted they did it themselves. We applaud certain millennials we know who go cold turkey, leaving cellphones behind when they go out to dinner or movies. They want to focus on their friends and family, free of the incessant nagging of the phone and the compulsion to check the screen. Can cell-addicted Americans kick the habit? Sure. It doesn’t take 12 steps, just two: Stow the phone. Resume your life. Chicago Tribune (Aug. 22)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Help for Maine infants As the lead agency for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, we are commenting on Matthew Stone’s Aug. 15 BDN article, “Maine got millions to help moms and babies, but has little to show for it” — an unfortunate and damaging title — and his omissions on the current situation with the grant. Stone did not note that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services — with Sheryl Peavey, former director of the agency’s Early Childhood Initiative, taking the lead — responded within 24 hours to the concerns raised by a number of public health agencies in a June 29 letter to Commissioner Mary Mayhew. The department’s response resulted in three important reversals of policy: — Contracted agencies will receive direct referrals from health care providers versus the state’s proposed central referral office — Contracted agencies will have authority to assess eligibility and need with an initial home visit conducted by a trained registered nurse — Fee-for-service proposal was deemed unrealistic and burdensome and reimbursement remained at block payments We are working collaboratively with the state to refocus efforts to rebuild our programs. Our southern Maine collaborative in the last three years completed 19,245 home-based nursing visits, giving 7,150 infants and mothers the care, education and coordination with community resources they need and deserve. We have and will continue to make an impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in Maine. Mia Millefoglie Grant manager MaineHealth Care At Home Saco
Thibodeau’s leadership Republican Senate President Mike Thibodeau has done a great job, and that’s why I’ll be voting to send him back to the Legislature this November. Thibodeau is a person of integrity. He listens and he cares. Residents of Brooks have seen him for years at Ralph’s Cafe, at the Marsh River Theater and at J.P. Wentworth’s store. He is involved and knows his communities. I first met Thibodeau when he successfully ran for the Maine House of Representatives in 2006. During his service in the House, I was impressed and thankful for the attention he paid to my concerns as a Brooks selectman and as the
DOONESBURY
assistant director of a state agency. He was elected to the Maine Senate in 2010. In 2014, he was unanimously chosen to serve as Senate president, a position not held by someone from Waldo County for more than 90 years. It takes years of work in the Legislature to build the relationships and earn the respect and the leadership role that Thibodeau has. My respect for Thibodeau went even higher when, in the face of a likely state government shutdown in June 2015, he worked with Democrats and Republicans to keep state government functioning without interruption. This should be a minimal expectation of our representatives in Augusta, but not all people share this view. A vote to re-elect Thibodeau will allow his legislative experience and leadership to continue to benefit Waldo County. Linda H. Lord Brooks
WRITE TO US
Letters must be 250 words or fewer and include a full name, town of residence and daytime phone number. OpEds may be 700 words. Letters may be edited or rejected for clarity, taste, libel and space. If a letter or OpEd is published, submissions by the same writer will not be considered for 60 days. Letters may be sent to letters@ bangordailynews.com. OpEds may be sent to [email protected] or P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329.
Electpro-lifecandidates Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, head of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, said at the annual convention in August with more than 2,000 present that Catholics cannot vote for a proabortion candidate. He said “abortion is in reality a legal regime that has resulted in more than 40 million deaths” and it is not “just another political issue.” “What political issue could possibly outweigh this human devastation? Abortion is different, abortion is the killing of the innocent on a massive scale. We need to end the political manipulation of Catholic voters by abortion advocates and it is time to end the entanglement of Catholic people with abortion killing. It is time to stop creating excuses for voting for pro-abortion politicians,” he said. Remember, Hillary Clinton is 100 percent for abortion while Donald Trump and Mike Pence are pro-life. Anderson also spoke about the persecution and genocide of
Christians in the Middle East. They have been tortured, killed and driven into exile. Governments and the United Nations will not help them. They rely, according to Anderson, for help from fellow Christians and the Knights of Columbus, who he said have given more than $11 million for refuges in the Christians at Risk initiative. Tom Coleman Sr. Dedham
Thibodeau for Senate Come November, I am proudly going to vote to keep Mike Thibodeau as my state senator. I have met Thibodeau several times. Not only is he a good man, but he has served Waldo County well in Augusta as a senator and as Senate president. Time and time again I have seen how Thibodeau has exemplified leadership and bipartisanship in the Maine Senate. From sponsoring a stolen valor bill to increase penalties for those who impersonate military veterans — an issue near and dear to my heart as the widow of a U.S. Navy veteran — to increasing funding for Maine’s senior citizens’ homes, Thibodeau has been there for Mainers. He also is not afraid to stand up to members of his own party when the decent thing to do justifies such an act. I could go on and on. He also took the time to come out to the Farm Days Parade on Aug. 20 in Freedom. It was a long way from his hometown of Winterport and with only so many voters, Thibodeau could have easily written off Freedom residents, but instead he took the time to come up and meet every person he could. I am excited to vote for Thibodeau in November and hope other people will join me. Sallyann Hadyniak Freedom
A natural treasure Thanks to Aislinn Sarnacki for reminding us in the Aug. 19 BDN 1-Minute Hike about the treasure so near to me: the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone. I drove over to walk the Don Lima trail, which was featured in the 1-Minute Hike. I observed a horned owl, which was well camouflaged, sitting on a dead tree. The refuge’s gift store had several interesting displays of animals and related items, as well as well-stocked shelves with many gifts appropriate for our grandchildren. Please make a visit and support this valuable resource. Roberta Griffiths Presque Isle
GARRY TRUDEAU
