After attending a very informative town manager search meeting I realize Wiscasset is looking for nothing short of a miracle in our next town manager.

I am responding to Senator Chris Johnson’s comments in the Jan. 16 issue of this newspaper.

Mainers are famous for playing down Maine’s famously and fickle bad weather. Blizzard shuts down half the country? “‘Tweren’t nuthin’,” your average Mainer says.

We want to thank Central Maine Power and their extra crews for being there during the ice storm, and all the many individuals watching out for everyone’s safety.

I just wanted to say thank you to all the dedicated Salvation Army volunteers who do bell ringing at Christmas time. The weather has been pretty cold lately and I really appreciate the kindness and caring of these volunteers. Over the years the Salvation Army has touched the lives of many Mainers in need.

I was having a conversation over dinner recently on a subject that was simply startling. The conversation consisted of some grumbling by a few individuals in our town over the school budget and the belief that our teachers are overpaid. Frankly I find the mere notion to be absurd. When I pull into our school every day I don’t see a line-up of Mercedes Benz, Audis and BMWs in the teacher parking lot.

The Lincoln County News is currently engaged in a polite, but pointed, standoff with Two Bridges Regional Jail officials regarding our request for a probable cause statement related to a recent arrest.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people and businesses that made it possible to supply 235 Lincoln County families with Thanksgiving dinners. In order to make this happen, it takes not only a lot of planning, but also a lot of help.

Damariscotta’s municipal parking lot is being considered for major renovations by town officials. The extent of the proposed renovation varies but all the options are expensive.

In his latest submission for our pages, My Two Cents columnist Bruce Hardina adroitly states the case for buying local.

Next Monday night, Dec. 9, Newcastle will hold a special town meeting.

The Maine Aqua Ventus I offshore wind project is being promoted by an individual who shares my name, which has motivated me to clarify my position on this issue.

We hope this Christmas season finds you warm and safe; accompanied by loved ones and fully sated with food and drink.

A Merry Christmas to you and all your readers and also a Happy New Year.