The Federal government should follow Maine’s lead and legalize marijuana

Country should follow Maine’s lead and legalize marijuana On Tuesday, Nov. 9, I met with my colleagues on the Marijuana Advisory Commission. It was a routine meeting between elected officials, like me, and other stakeholders such as the Maine Municipal Association, the Office of Marijuana Policy and others. At the ballot box in 2016, Maine voters approved legalizing the recreational use, retail sale and taxation…

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Candidate Questionaire

1. Please provide a concise biography of yourself.   My father was in the Air Force, so we traveled throughout my childhood. My high school years were spent on the outskirts of Boston, where I became very politically active around the issues of civil rights and the Vietnam War. I realized that politicians were not making good decisions and were not listening to the people they…

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Dams for Hydro Too Destructive

The reason that Maine limits the amount of hydropower that can be part of our energy portfolio is that it is not completely clean. It destroys ecosystems and initially creates a large amount of methane (which is more harmful than CO2) from decomposing vegetation. It blocks the passage of anadromous fish species and keeps them from their breeding grounds which has contributed to the depletion of…

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Ready for School?

A back to school season unlike any other With the beginning of the school year quickly approaching in Knox County, many parents and families are keeping a close eye on how schools are planning to reopen their doors. The Return to School framework designed by the Maine Department of Education provides schools with tools, guidelines, and some requirements so that each school system can include sound medical…

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COVID-19 Announcement

The changes to our lives bought on by COVID-19 have created many unforeseen consequences. I know that Knox County has been doing our part to flatten the curve and we will continue until this is over.  If you or any of your family, friends or neighbors need help getting food or services, please let me know. There are many volunteers providing support to ensure the more vulnerable…

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Join Me in Welcoming Newcomers

I spend most of my time in Knox County, but since my votes in the Senate affect the entire state, I also like to get out and see other parts of Maine. This month, I got up to Allagash to check out Sen. Troy Jackson’s neck of the woods. On my way home, I was headed down Interstate 95 when federal Border Patrol agents stopped…

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In Wake of #metoo, Men Have Obligation to Listen, Then Act

Thursday, December 21, 2017 Since The New York Times blew the lid off Harvey Weinstein’s history of systematized sexual assault, I’ve listened to women’s stories and tried to grapple with the truths they revealed. I listened to the women in my own life describe their own experiences. The prevalence of sexual harassment is undeniable. The universality of women’s experiences is irrefutable. As I tried to…

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Solar Energy Forum in Rockland

Rockland — Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, and John Luft of ReVision Energy spoke in favor of expanding solar energy in Maine and answered questions from community members at the Solar Energy Town Hall event held at Rockland City Hall on Wednesday, September 28. “I was very pleased with the turnout, with the well-informed and thoughtful comments and questions from the audience, and with John Luft’s…

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Fighting the opioid epidemic, one community at a time

The opioid epidemic in Maine represents nothing less than a public health crisis. Each week five Mainers die of overdoses and twenty babies are born in withdrawal. I know I am not alone when I say that I find these numbers intolerable. Earlier this year, the Legislature acted swiftly and boldly, passing laws that are having a real impact. But I am proud to have…

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