In November 2010, after 30 years living and paying all manner of taxes at the same address in Waldoboro, I went to perform my civic duty as I try and do every time by casting my vote.

Memorial Day: the unofficial beginning of summer. It’s an opening day for tourist season that calls to mind the silent movie footage of pioneers in covered wagons racing into Oklahoma Territory to stake out their piece of the American Dream.

In last week’s Letters to the Editor, Brad Schaaf voiced his concerns about my new business, Harvest Moon Pizza and its place in Damariscotta.

When you are out with the family enjoying the cookouts, parades, or just relaxing, this Memorial Day weekend, please be sure to remember the people that made it possible, the veterans. I am so proud of my father, relatives, friends, and all other veterans who have sacrificed so much for others. Be sure to thank a veteran, not just this holiday, but year round. They certainly deserve it. Thank you.

I have noticed the controversy that has developed yet again in the Town of Alna about where to take our trash. We had the same disagreement in 2004 and this was discussed and we had hearings and a special Town Meeting. The Citizens of Alna made the choice to stay with the Wiscasset Transfer Station.

I was surprised to read in last week’s issue that the Newcastle Fire Company is renewing its request for the purchase of a $300,000 pumper truck after withdrawing its initial request for a larger, similar vehicle.

We applaud the Governor’s decision to quietly return the Frances Perkins plaque to its rightful place in the Dept. of Labor building in Augusta.

Following Damariscotta’s fascination with form-based codes, I have noticed one constant, Piper Commons, Piper Commons, Piper Commons. Obviously the same people that kept Walmart’s much needed jobs and thousands of dollars in property taxes out of Damariscotta are endeavoring to prevent Piper Commons from happening.

As Chairman Bob Westrich, of the Jefferson Village School Board noted, in response to my analysis of the true operating costs of the new Jefferson Village School, “citizens’ comments are encouraged!”

Most Maine people are independent-minded, but community and family oriented. We value and respect the basic rights of workers and families and providing for retirement. One of our strongest values is that of fairness. That’s why in March the Lincoln County Democratic Committee unanimously approved a statement calling on Governor LePage to reconsider his actions at the Dept. of Labor that disrespected Frances Perkins, her achievements, and legacy.

The death of Osama bin Laden over the weekend was a feel good moment for the country, the likes of which we have not seen since the national pain caused by the 9-11 attacks bin Laden organized bound us together in a common cause in 2001.

RSU 12 will hold its regional school budget meeting on June 4.

I would like to express my appreciation for the tremendous effort the Budget Committee, selectmen and Town officials have put into the upcoming warrant to be voted on by Wiscasset Citizens June 14. Their hard work demonstrates a responsible and thoughtful acceleration forward. Thank you.

As you might expect of people in the information business, we are big fans of information. We like facts and figures of all kinds, whether from the immediately relevant, like mil rates and planned road projects, to the unusual or mindlessly irrelevant.