Maine politicians should be part of energy solution

To the editor

In the economy today there are several serious issues that it would seem could be addressed by a common solution:

Oil spills and pollution from fossil fuel burning in general: These can be reduced by an increase in the use of alternative energy solutions.

Foreign trade deficit: Importation of oil is a major contributor to the trade deficit. Sunshine and wind are local resources, as is cellulosic biomatter. Using these alternative sources of energy would have a very beneficial impact on the balance of trade.

Jobs: Installation of solar and wind generation facilities are jobs that cannot be sent offshore. They have to be done here.

Climate change: For all those who wish to deny climate change by pointing to the severe snowstorms in Washington, D.C., this winter one has to ask – is it normal to have three feet of snow in Washington D.C.? If not, is that not more evidence for climate change rather than less? Burning less oil is vital to the health of the planet.

International competition: Even if Americans do not believe in climate change they should be aware that their customers in Europe and elsewhere, increasingly even in China, do believe that it is a problem.

 Whichever countries create the most efficient alternative energy technologies will have tremendous advantages in exporting technology.

America needs a sustainable energy policy. I urge the senators from Maine to be part of the solution rather than a continuing part of the problem.

Thys Geldenhuys

Saco

Biddeford firefighters ask for fairness in contract talks

To the editor:

I would like to begin by saying how thankful I am for the show of public support for the Biddeford career firefighters, relating to our ongoing difficulty with contract negotiations. We as firefighters understand that these are hard economic times; we not only see, but also engage with the general public on a daily basis to confirm these struggles.

 We as a whole are asking for no more than the police or public works unions. We have taken on an additional workload and the responsibilities of emergency transfers from Southern Maine Medical Center to Maine Medical Center. This has been able to produce increased revenue for the city, which has in turn allowed us to staff a minimum of eight firefighters on duty every shift.  We are being asked to reduce our benefits and take on additional responsibility.

We as a union are only asking to be treated fairly and with honesty.  In our view, this would mean no changes to the current contract. We only ask for benefits that have been awarded to the other unions, including no wage increase in the first year and a modest cost of living increase the following two years. This would seem such a simple request. We are not asking for the world, but for some reason we are being used as an example. This situation is making many of our firefighters feel like second-class citizens.

 We ask only to be treated fairly by the city we protect with pure dedication and pride. I do not hold the city council or its constituents responsible for this retribution. I truly believe that they are being misinformed about our requests and intentions. If the city council chooses to go to arbitration this will be a costly venture not only for the city and the taxpayers, but also for our firefighters. This cost will not only be measured in monetary value, but by the morale of our firefighters.

We are a dedicated group of men and women that strive each and every day to provide the citizens of Biddeford with the excellent service that they have come to expect. Many of us choose this career for the sense of pride that is gained by aiding each patient or person we encounter having a difficult day. I would ask the council to sit down with our union executives and have a fair and genuine conversation about our contract, which has not been done up to this point. It doesn’t seem fair to go directly to arbitration prior to  this dialogue.

I once again thank the citizens of Biddeford that I have the opportunity to serve. I do hope that in your time of need we take care and attention in addressing whatever problem you may be facing, but right now we need your support for the problem our firefighters are facing. Please encourage our city council to settle this issue so we can move on and continue to provide the outstanding service that you not only require, but also deserve.

Matt Leach, career firefighter and paramedic            

Alfred

Smoke from MERC brings concerns

To the editor:

I am deeply disturbed by the smoke emerging from the Maine Energy Recovery Co. smokestack, both day and night.

I am a grandmother, and fear not only for my health but also that of my son and daughter-in-law, as well as of their three wonderful young children.

This is most dismaying. Will my dear grandchildren grow to maturity in good health? Will their offspring be born with birth defects?

I realize that the corporate body claims that the smoke and what it carries are of no harm to us in the community.

I feel certain that I am not the only person in our community who openly expresses these fears.

Deborah G. Blake

Saco