We have been, and still are, taking a wait and see attitude with our new governor. As we do every time we have a new chief executive, we hold out hope they will succeed beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.

Of all the possible outcomes we thought about as this Gateway 1 project ground along, we never thought our new Governor would give his blessing to the DOT kicking it to the curb March 1.

Wow.

Why are we making such an ado about a work of art? It seems to me that, for the duration, the proper place for Judy Taylor’s mural about Maine’s labor history is the Frances Perkins Center in Newcastle. In a kindlier time, it could be returned to the Dept. of Labor.

Now that gas is approaching $3.50 a gallon, maybe high prices might end a practice that is all too common leaving the engine running while shopping or getting the mail.

I want to thank District 51 Rep. Jon McKane (R-Newcastle) for standing up for businesses in Maine. Jon is co-chair of the Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Fairness and Reform. He understands real jobs are created in the private sector, not by government. Local businesses are the heart of our state economy providing much needed jobs for citizens.

The Frances Perkins Center deplores the secret removal of the Maine Department of Labor’s mural depicting Maine workers through the centuries and asks that it be safely returned.

In the last seven days, the RSU 12 board revisited and reinstated, albeit temporarily, the Wiscasset High School mascot; there was a major structure fire in the Damariscotta Mills; and, a simmering dispute between the town of Newcastle and the Newcastle Fire Company boiled over in the public eye, again.

Diana and I had no idea just how lucky we were when 30 plus years ago we moved into this wonderful community. The longer we live here, the more we realize just how fortunate we are to be in this most special place. While it was the Damariscotta estuary of lake, river and ocean that brought us here from other Maine parts, it is certainly the people and community that have made it such an incredible place to live our lives and raise our family.

I would like to urge people to learn about how to care for the Maine we all love. Take part in the Midcoast Steward Program.

I am writing this letter to raise awareness of the scams that are being presented to the public, especially the elderly.

I recently received an “opinion post card,” (really a vote-card) from the Alna/Westport Citizens for Choice on Choice committee. After reading the information letter provided, I am confused with, and disappointed in my fellow Alna residents.

The images from Japan this week are almost as horrifying as those from 9-11 and every bit as searing as the scenes that followed Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in 2005.

I am disturbed by the email from the office to town email list. First of all I have been involved in this town since 1988 when I came in to see about working off my past taxes. In turn I was asked to be the town clerk when Lisa Bailey gave it up. I had been her deputy over a year. I had to give up my job in 2000 when I broke my shoulder. I was hired as the deputy in August of 2008, when I came to work off taxes I couldn’t pay.

Town meetings, with the election of town officers and approval of all expenditures for schools, roads, and other capital expenditures will be taking place throughout Maine during the month of March. These meetings and elections have a significant impact on the quality of life and the future of Maine towns. It is important that all citizens participate.