Letters to the Editor:

To the editor:
Each year, thousands of men and women spend countless hours responding to, and providing, the best in pre-hospital care to the millions of Americans whom have come to rely on the Emergency Medicals Services (EMS) system. Please join us in celebrating National EMS Week (May 16-22, 2010). This year’s theme is “Count On Us When Seconds Count.”     As regional coordinator, I can attest to the long hours and extreme dedication given by the volunteers and paid time members that comprise the local EMS system. Not only do these folks give of themselves, they also forsake a lot of personal and family time in the interest of helping others in time of need.
Aroostook County is proud of the 11 ground ambulance services, two air ambulance transport services, and 224 first responders, basic EMT’s, intermediate-EMT-s and paramedics that serve our communities. These people step up to the plate each and every day, in an effort to promote the best in pre-hospital care possible, to the citizens for which they serve.
In addition, we want to extend our sincere congratulations to Mr. Fred Parsons of Presque Isle. Mr. Parsons has been selected to receive the 2010 Maine EMS “Longevity Award”, for his contributions to the EMS System at the local and regional levels for 30-plus years. Mr. Parsons is a senior paramedic with Crown Ambulance.
So please, the next time you see a member of The Caribou Fire & Ambulance Dept., Crown Ambulance or Limestone, Fort Fairfield and Stockholm fire departments, please take a moment to thank them for their dedication to the EMS system.

To the editor:
Hello from Millinocket, Maine. Last year was the highly successful Hog Rally here in Millinocket and we would like you to come back to see us, the weekend of July 17, 2010.
Out downtown group was looking at inviting all riders for a Saturday of great food and good times. This would not be a “Hog Rally” in the sense of last year, more of a non-structured affair. We still have all the same wonderful restaurants and lodging you enjoyed last year, as well as the addition of the Pelletier Family Restaurant, from “American Loggers” fame.
Our business community offers all manner of reasonably priced amenities and an abundance of lodging and dining establishments for your perusal. If anyone has interest or would like more information, please give me a call. Our web site is www.katahdinmaine.com

To the editor:
Lowering Maine income tax is a move that most Maine taxpayers would welcome. However, the tax reform bill may lower the income tax for those making over $320,000 per year but the bottom line is that Mainers will be paying approximately $80 million in additional taxes when all taxes are factored into the reform. Maine Revenue Services predicts 82,000 Mainers will see income tax increases right off the bat.
Vote YES on No. 1 to repeal it.
Rep. Peter Edgecomb can be reached at home, 132 Baird Road, Caribou ME 04736; by telephone at 496-3188 (Home) or 287-1440 (Legislative); or via e-mail at pedgecom@maine.rr.com

To the editor:
Hello all, my name is Thorsteinn Eythorsson and I am a former student of the Viking Video Productions class. I write this letter because I have recently learned there are plans of shutting the Viking Video Productions class down. I must say that I am really sadden to hear these news.
I come from Iceland and I was an exchange student in Caribou High School back in 1997 and ‘98. I attended the video production class for one year in Caribou High School and I soon found that video production was a subject that related to me and I was able to work on creative projects under the guidance of Mrs. Jepson. We worked on all sorts of fun projects and I learned many new things. The class opened my eyes to the fascinating world of film making and video production.
One thing that I enjoyed about the video production class was that it gave me a change to get from the normal academic studies and I was able to let my imagination run free and do a lot of creative work.
Since I finished the Viking Video Productions class and moved back to Iceland I have gone for further studies in the Icelandic Film School and then the Icelandic Multi Media School. Now I work as a multi media designer and I teach video production at a local college here in Iceland. I find that many of my students blossom in my video production class and often these are students that have a hard time in their academic studies.
I think fondly back at my year in Caribou and my studies in the video production class. I have been able to follow up on their work through the Internet and their are really doing a good job. I must say that I am really sad if the class will be shut down.

As consumers become more interested and concerned about food sources and the safety of that food, state and federal government agencies respond with policies regulating producers, processors, and distributors of consumables. Unfortunately, the policies are generated by governing bodies often quite removed (as is most of its citizenry) from day-to-day farming operations. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)is trying to get ahead of the curve rather than wait for word to come down from “on high” with regard to what rules and regulations will affect the way we earn a living farming and marketing fresh food here in Maine. The organization has been acting as a voice for a population with “boots on the ground” (and in the ground and covered with ground and tracking ground across the livingroom floor) who are being affected by the policies and laws that are created in Augusta and in Washington, D.C.
MOFGA also acts as an intermediary to translate government policies into locally workable solutions. During farmers’ “slow time” (there is a slow time?!) this past winter, Russell Libby and Cheryl Wixsom, both from MOFGA, travelled around the state to meet with members of farming organizations like the Presque Isle Farmers Market. They are encouraging farmers to generate a Food Safety Plan specific to their operation. Putting this plan in place, it is hoped, will bring members’ farms into compliance with regulations currently under discussion in Washington.
Presque Isle Farmers Market members received a certificate acknowledging attendance and participation in the Food Safety training program. More importantly, however, members went back to their farms with specific tools to encourage them to look at their current facilities and practices with a fresh eye and maybe some new ideas for improved food safety.
Stop by the Aroostook Centre Mall parking lot on Saturday mornings between now and October to visit with local farmers, listen to their ideas and plans, but most importantly, to take home something fresh and locally grown for your enjoyment.
   Editor’s note: This weekly column is written by members of the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market. For more information or to join, contact their secretary/treasurer Steve Miller of Westmanland at 896-5860 or via e-mail at beetree@xpressamerica.net.

To the editor:
There is something that all Mainers tend to recognize from time to time, and that is the fact that there are “Two Maines.” The difference between folks in Aroostook and people in the rest of the state is that we know which one is better. Life here offers so many advantages. From the places we live and play to the natural resources available to us, life in Aroostook is incredibly fulfilling. Unfortunately life in Aroostook can often be more difficult as we find ourselves at some significant economic disadvantages. I feel that this sometimes comes as a result of this idea of “Two Maines” and that Aroostook County is often not taken seriously. Finally there is someone taking us seriously.
Under Libby Mitchell’s guidance the Maine Senate has taken up some incredibly important issues for Aroostook County. We all know that our logging industry suffers from the influence of foreign interests in our market. As a result of foreign interests in northern Maine logging, we see more and more of our industry dollars going out of the state (and the country) and more and more hard working Mainers becoming unemployed. With Libby’s direction, a bill has been passed to create a level playing field and levy serious penalties against companies that violate foreign labor laws. This bill also places higher fines and prohibitions on hiring foreign labor.
Libby also championed the bond package that will save Aroostook’s railroad system and subsequently save many, many jobs in Aroostook County. Many of our own legislators didn’t fight as hard for us as Libby did (and some of them fought against us).
Most importantly as far as I am concerned, is that Libby genuinely cares about what Aroostook County citizens have to say. As a legislative candidate I understand the importance of really listening to the people you represent. For far too long our leaders have only listened to the folks from Bangor-south. This week Libby will be making her second trip to the county in the last few months to hear what Aroostook County citizens want and need from their governor. Based on her record of protecting Aroostook interests as the President of Maine’s Senate I would say that we are all going to be better off for it.
When the polls open on June 8th I think the best thing we can do to ensure that Aroostook County life continues to be seen as the true way life in Maine should be is vote for Libby Mitchell as the next governor of the state of Maine.

To the editor:
As I peruse the April 28 edition of the Aroostook Republican, I am glad to read Eileen Verbeke’s letter (America is turning its back on Israel). My continuing study of the Bible has deepened my faith, and I have discovered the Jewish foundations of my faith.
Even the smallest hint of anti-Semitism ignites a flame of “holy anger” in my spirit.
Israel is God’s Chosen — and from this jewel came the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus).
Eileen’s letter enlightened me to a lot of things that I previously had not been aware of, and for this, I would like to thank her. I support Israel, and am appalled that the current administration does not share this policy, while I do applaud any efforts toward ensuring adequate health care for all. I am also appalled by the prevalence of anti-Semitism which abounds in society. I base my life, now, on Romans 2:28-29.

To the editor:
The Atlantic Salmon for Northern Maine had a very successful fund-raising banquet on March 27th at the Northeastland Hotel. We surpassed any previous years and were astounded with the support especially in these financially trying times.
A large amount of items were donated from local businesses for our silent auction as well as money and gifts for purchasing live auction items. We would like to thank those donors and the attendees as well who support our noble goal of reintroducing Atlantic Salmon to the Aroostook River. Your support galvanizes our dedication. Again thank you.
For updates and inquiries on our progress you can visit our website at www.atlantic salmonfornorthernmaine.com The ASNM is a non-profit organization that operates Dug Brook Hatchery in Sheridan.

To the editor:
I write to you for two reasons. One being that I am glad to have purchased copies of the Aroostook Republican as it offers so much more and is not boring to read. Even if I am not from Caribou, Presque Isle or Houlton areas, you have a great paper. Keep up the good work.
And from yours truly to my friends to the south, you are wonderful, peace and God bless.
Secondly, your County Faces on Steve and Peggy Gudreau was so touching. It brought back memories of old when my parents were just like them. My parents are gone now, but their legacy lives on. Myself, wheelchair-bound, try with my wife to help our family manage. It is with our Lord at our side that we try to accomplish so many goals. We must not lose heart, every day a new person needs help and we should be there to pick up the pieces with them.
The marriage of the Gudreaus is a special one, as are all weddings. It is your special day, the day you both want it to happen. I used to cater and bartend and I have seen them all. But they all have one thing in common — “the vows of commitment with love together.”
To all at Aroostook Republican, keep up the good work.

To the editor:
Thank heaven for the United States of America. What a wonderful country it is but how complacent we are. Name any other country on this good green earth where people from every other country in the world are breaking the doors down to get in and acquire citizenship with great pride and enthusiasm.
Why is this happening? The answer is freedom. Freedom to excercise our right as citizens and managing our destiny by voting for the things that are destined to provide us with a better life. But in the past year, things in this country has gone very bad and corrections are far too complex to turn around this situation in the near future. The problems are not unique to the federal and state governments, local governance is a large part of the equation.
The difference in the nature of these problems is that on the local level we have a chance to make the corrections now. The time has come to form a charter commission to correct the things needed to make for a better local community. Our charter must be brought into the 21st century in a way that all citizens of Caribou can benefit through fair and affordable taxation and transparency in governance.
In June of this year during a mid-year election the citizens of Caribou will be asked to vote for the formation of a charter commission. This is your chance to change the dynamics of our city government by exercising your right to vote on that which will put you in control of your own destiny as it relates to the caribou city form of government. A vote “Yes” will bring about a new beginning for you as citizens if you get involved and get out and vote. If a “Yes” vote prevails, you will have a chance to vote for commission members of your choice during the November election and the city will be on our way to creating or correcting a document that will be more equitable, fair, and more understandable for the average citizen of Caribou. You will also be able to provide input through your elected the commission members.
This is your chance to reinvent the wheel that has gone down the wrong road for far to long and will give the power of governance back to the citizens of Caribou. It’s no secret that there are some out here that want the status quo to remain in place because it’s to their benefit but we as citizens should all share equally in the benefits of a more comprehensible document that is the law of the land relative to this city’s form of government.
The outcome of the charter commission’s responsibilities should be fair and balanced for the benefit of all that live in this community. Anything less will be unacceptable.

To the editor:
I’m e-mailing you this letter for a requirement to get my Scouting communications merit badge and I have had to do a lot more requirements like making a collage that represents myself, write a five-minute speech, interview somebody which is my father, Tim Roix, prepare a skit for a campfire program so you see that our Troop 177 Washburn is very busy.
Now I’m going to tell you about some activities we do during the summer. First we are going to Washington, D.C. for a National Jamboree that’s for the 100th year of Boy Scouts. The Jamboree is two weeks long and we have to spend two weeks in a tent sleeping on cots.
Here in our troop we have a Scoutmaster who has been in that position for more than 30 years and his name is Larry Harrison. Our senior patrol is going to college so we are getting close to electing a new one.
My patrol is the Eagle Patrol along with the bear patrol. The people in my patrol are Tyler Skinner, Daniel Roy, Parker Thompson and me.
At a meeting we usually do some requirements for something and the last half hour sometimes we have something called patrol time, it’s when we just do things with our patrol.
The place where we do all of this stuff is at a little building that we call the scout camp and we named it after our Scoutmaster and it’s called Camp Harrison.
That’s how our troop works!

To the editor:
Although it is being said that a request for an amendment requiring a different process to the production of a budget is the reason we are now going to a vote on whether the city of Caribou should establish a Charter Commission or not. There is a far more compelling reason why we should. This was outlined in the following statement given to the Caribou City Council.
“As members of the Caribou City Council you receive your authority from the Caribou City Charter, which was established by a Charter Commission and affirmed by the voters of Caribou. After this, it went to the State of Maine’s legislature, who ratified the Charter for the City of Caribou on February 23, 1967.
“You as members of this council have sworn to uphold the Constitution, Statues and Laws of the State of Maine and the United States by virtue that the State of Maine draws its’ authority from the citizens of Maine and the United States.
“As members of the Caribou City Council, it is your duty to implement the Articles of the Caribou City Charter as prescribed by the City’s Charter. Now and for the past year, you have not been allowed to exercise the duty you were charged to uphold for the citizens of Caribou when they confirmed the City Charter.
“Articles six of the Caribou City Charter mandates that this Council will raise the necessary funds by taxation to educate the children of Caribou to a standard designated by the State of Maine. State laws have now taken approximately 50 percent of your taxation power and duty away from you and have given this power to a new school board.
“There is now a problem between what you are charged to do by the Caribou City Charter and the state law you have sworn to uphold, a dichotomy that is resolvable only by a revision of the City Charter.
“It is now incumbent upon you to bring our Caribou City Charter back into compliance with Maine State Law; there is not amendment that can overcome the changes that are necessary to bring the Charter back into compliance with Maine State Law. It must be revised.
“State law dictates that a Charter Commission is the only recognized body that can revise a City Charter.
“Let the city of Caribou go into the future with a Charter that its citizens can be proud of and that is in compliance with Maine state laws. This Charter will be voted on and affirmed by the citizens of Caribou.
“Please support the establishment of a new Charter Commission.”