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.

Lincoln County embraces its history. More than likely most communities do, but on the pages of The Lincoln County News, we particularly enjoy the submissions of our historians, and those feature stories written by LCN journalists highlighting our heritage and accomplishments.

In Augusta, the assault on Maine’s environment continues. Take a moment to focus attention on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.

Many ordinary Mainers, everyday working people, got involved for the first time in the 2010 election. They had had enough of being over-taxed, under employed (or working three jobs) and were heartbroken at their children having no choice but to leave Maine to find viable employment.