Susan Patten is full of surprises. We’ve known each other through various incarnations in Maine's news business. Mostly, Susan was a radio news broadcaster; I was communications director for legislators or political campaigns.

I volunteered to join Sue Mackey Andrews, Senate District 4 Democratic candidate, going house to house talking with residents in Piscataquis County. I was so moved by the number of people who needed to work two jobs just to keep up with healthcare and medication expenses

Jason Brochu’s opinion piece about how tariffs on imported lumber will offset the present advantage Canadian producers enjoy from Ottawa’s subsidies does not mention the fact that Maine taxpayers have subsidized many businesses here, including Brochu’s company, through tax incentive programs, such as the Pine Tree Development Zone and Employee Tax Increment Financing.

The Maine Interior Design Association is disappointed that Matthew Gagnon did not take the time to properly research his recent column in which he decries the licensing of our profession. An easy place to start is on our website (midamaine.org) where anyone can learn what the title Maine Certified Interior Designer means.

I have a confession to make, which is sure to set the teeth gnashing of my conservative brethren. I was once a proverbial "card carrying member" of the American Civil Liberties Union. Not something you hear a lot of Republicans admit, I grant you.

When it comes to ignoring the law, Gov. Paul LePage is a habitual offender. Throughout his nearly eight years in office, the governor has shown an unusual willingness to break state law, disregard the Maine Constitution, violate his oath of office and toss aside the norms of government.

The Trump administration's recent freeze of payments to insurers with sicker customers is another swipe at Obamacare. According to American Health Insurance, this freeze will cause escalating healthcare costs especially to those who need it the most. Ever since failing to totally repeal Obamacare, the Trump administration along with Republicans have taken steps to make it increasingly difficult for the Affordable Care Act to function and to be affordable.

It wasn’t so long ago that almost everyone belonged to a fraternal, religious, lineage, literary, or musical society. They enjoyed the meetings, socializing with friends, gossiping among themselves, and doing good along the way. They worked hard but made time to attend meetings of the Grange, Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias, the DAR, or any of a number of other groups.

Andrew Harris said the last time David Mallett performed at DeerTrees Theatre in Harrison was about 20 years ago. Mr. Harris, DeerTrees’ Artistic and Executive Director, was speaking to the July 21 audience — including me — waiting to hear a live concert from “David Mallett and Friends,” with Michael Burd (bass), Robby Coffin (guitar), Roy Clark (keyboard) and Susan Ramsey (violin, viola, background vocals).

State Senate District 4 candidate Sue Mackey Andrews has visited my community, and has invited me to participate in door to door visits in a number of towns. Citizens have raised many concerns during these events, and in each case, Sue has been an active and empathetic listener.

Trevor Noah isn't funny. Since he took over for Jon Stewart at “The Daily Show,” I have long since stopped watching.

It’s not often that I can write a column thanking the Trump administration, but this week is the exception. Breaking news out of the US Department of Interior has given me the chance to return to my school years and write about what I did on my summer vacation.

For more than three generations, my family has been in the forestry business. Pleasant River Lumber employs 300 people in our four mills in Maine. In our time, we have seen the ups and downs that come with the job.

For over half a century, Americans have paid into the Medicare system with the expectation that they will have access to healthcare in retirement. For those 65-plus, Medicare provides more affordable health coverage where private insurance would cost seniors out of the market.

I strongly support Sue Mackey Andrews for Maine Senate District 4. I've known and worked with Sue for over 20 years. Her commitment and passion on behalf of families in Piscataquis, Somerset and Penobscot counties are well established.

The pond on which I live looks like lots of small Maine ponds, but has its own seasonal sounds and rhythms.

Don't let Rep. Bruce Poliquin buy his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is sitting on about $3 million that he intends to use to do just that. He has been a poor representative for the people of Maine, showing time and time again that he is a party creature with little or no interest in you and me and the problems we face in Maine.

As Americans, we have the resources and compassion to rise to this crisis for our fellow human beings. Learn more about the refugees at our Mexican border and how we can help by attending Keeping Families Together at the Thompson Free Library from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5 in Dover-Foxcroft.