EDDINGTON NEWS

WILDLIFE REPORT

2011-11-04T12:48:00.002-04:00

The critters are on the move. Thirty (30) wild turkeys, 4 (four) deer, and now a HUGE skunk wandering down the driveway. That skunk was so big, the white stripe was as easy as pie to spot. Checking all around the house to see if it kept on wandering next door provided no relief. So I went out on the back porch and dropped a few pieces of wood. That's the last critter I want to burrow into the leaves under the deck. This critter-capturing kitty of mine would be sure to try to catch it and bring it inside to play.

GREAT NEWS

2011-11-04T12:39:00.002-04:00

Two pieces of great news today:

1. Books-a-Million (BAM!) will open in Bangor today. BAM! took over the lease of the former Borders store at the Bangor Mall. Today's opening is planned to be a quiet event with a Grand Opening later on in November. Dennis, the former manager of Borders, has been hired to be the manager of BAM! and many of the former Borders employees have also been hired.

The Cafe was being installed this past Tuesday as this writer drove by to check on the store's progress. While talking with one of the corporate people on site, I also learned that BAM! will be available for author book-signings. This is GREAT news for Maine authors who are already published and those of us working toward that goal. Stay tuned for more news.

2. AUTOWORKS is so busy in its new location people are booking appointments one and two weeks ahead. The location is clean with an office right in front - just walk up the steps at the front door and there you are. Robbie, Jimmy and Sam are there to help and greet. Such a great business to have here in Eddington. Of course, if the job is small and the need great, with a little patience, people can leave their car overnight and maybe have the service done in 24-hours. Good people - great work quality - and personalized service. You can't beat that.

IT'S A WILD AND AMAZING SEASON

2011-10-25T10:16:00.002-04:00

Fall is here in all her splendor. The trees stating showing off on Rooks Road even before Route 9 joined the fashion parade. Of course, with the recent rain and wind, many of those leaves have fallen, creating a colorful carpet on driveways and lawns. With the projection of possible snow by the end of this week (may it stay in the mountains, Lord) all those leaves need to be raked up and relocated somewhere. (Oh my aching back!) As it is, I discovered two grubs alongside the edging of one of the gardens. NOT nice creatures and the last thing I would want multiplying on my lawn. So the leaves have to go or there may be nothing but masses of dead grass in the spring.

Speaking of creatures - just a week and a half ago I had 30 (thirty!) wild turkeys in the driveway. They migrate from east to west - or vice versa - in their pursuit of acorns and gravel - and my driveway provides plenty of both. Except this year I have a two-year-old kitty. She's been very good at catching live chipmunks and mice and then bringing them into the house as playmates! Not my plan. Unlike a dog who might drop them if told emphatically "No!", Poli pays absolutely no attention if she is still outdoors when caught. But after five chipmunks and one mouse, she no longer has free access into the house.

Which is why she was sitting on the back porch the first time the turkeys came to call - in a grouping of a mere fifteen. I could just imagine her thinking, "They aren't going to fit my mouth." As they began to wander off, she followed - tracking and skulking - as she hungered down into the leaves. With her coloring, it is difficult to spot her.

When the thirty turkeys showed up, she was already out amongst the leaves directly on the path the turkeys used. Many people don't realize turkeys have a sharp talon at the back of their feet. If one of them decided to attack a cat. the cat would lose. So I watched from the window to see what she would do - fully prepared to take on the turkeys myself if they went after Poli.

She stayed low to the ground and watched as the flock pecked and hopped and scurried around, the way turkeys do. Soon five started wandering north up the driveway. Within moments another five retreated to the side lot from whence they had come. With only twenty left in the driveway, spreading out and pecking, Poli decided it was time to "herd the herd." Front part of her body close to the ground, her hind quarters raised, she slowly moved from side to side as she advanced. The turkeys paid her no mind until suddenly she was within inches. Immediately the leader raised his head - "Danger. Danger."

Turkeys spread out, some flying up into the trees, every one of them moving faster than they had since arriving. Poli's head came up as she tracked their movements. Her tail-less back quarters started twitching. "Oh Lord," I thought. "It is much too soon for a Thanksgiving dinner."

I opened the door (as much to scare off the turkeys as to call Poli closer to safety). One "Poli" and she immediately turned and ran pell-mell for me and the door. Turkeys and kitty safe for one more day.

Fortunately she was still in the house Sunday morning at 7:30 when four deer decided to move through following the same path as that previously used by the turkeys. I'm just not sure Poli could handle those flirty white-tails.

I know I could not handle a kitty trying to herd deer.

A PRIME EXAMPLE OF AMERICAN CORPORATE GREED

2011-10-03T13:48:00.002-04:00

The Cover Story in the November 2011 issue of Bloomberg Markets identified one of the best examples of American Corporate Greed I have ever read. The Koch brothers enjoy lives of extreme comfort - at the expense of American financial and democratic security. And we need to be worried about Al Qaida? Read what follows and make your own decision.
****

In May 2008, a unit of Koch Industries Inc., one of the world’s largest privately held companies, sent Ludmila Egorova-Farines, its newly hired compliance officer and ethics manager, to investigate the management of a subsidiary in Arles in southern France. In less than a week, she discovered that the company had paid bribes to win contracts.

“I uncovered the practices within a few days,” Egorova- Farines says. “They were not hidden at all.”

She immediately notified her supervisors in the U.S. A week later, Wichita, Kansas-based Koch Industries dispatched an investigative team to look into her findings, Bloomberg Markets magazine reports in its November issue.

By September of that year, the researchers had found evidence of improper payments to secure contracts in six countries dating back to 2002, authorized by the business director of the company’s Koch-Glitsch affiliate in France.

“Those activities constitute violations of criminal law,” Koch Industries wrote in a Dec. 8, 2008, letter giving details of its findings. The letter was made public in a civil court ruling in France in September 2010; the document has never before been reported by the media.

Egorova-Farines wasn’t rewarded for bringing the illicit payments to the company’s attention. Her superiors removed her from the inquiry in August 2008 and fired her in June 2009, calling her incompetent, even after Koch’s investigators substantiated her findings. She sued Koch-Glitsch in France for wrongful termination.

Obsessed with Secrecy

Koch-Glitsch is part of a global empire run by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, who have taken a small oil company they inherited from their father, Fred, after his death in 1967, and built it into a chemical, textile, trading and refining conglomerate spanning more than 50 countries.

Koch Industries is obsessed with secrecy, to the point that it discloses only an approximation of its annual revenue -- $100 billion a year -- and says nothing about its profits.

The most visible part of Koch Industries is its consumer brands, including Lycra fiber and Stainmaster carpet. Georgia- Pacific LLC, which Koch owns, makes Dixie cups, Brawny paper towels and Quilted Northern bath tissue.

Charles, 75, and David, 71, each worth about $20 billion, are prominent financial backers of groups that believe that excessive regulation is sapping the competitiveness of American business. They inherited their anti-government leanings from their father.

Abolishing Social Security

Fred was an early adviser to the founder of the anti- communist John Birch Society, which fought against the civil rights movement and the United Nations. Charles and David have supported the Tea Party, a loosely organized group that aims to shrink the size of government and cut federal spending.

These are long-standing tenets for the Kochs. In 1980, David Koch ran for vice president on the Libertarian ticket, pledging to abolish Social Security, the Federal Reserve System, welfare, minimum wage laws and federal agencies -- including the Department of Energy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency.

What many people don’t know is how the Kochs’ anti- regulation political ideology has influenced the way they conduct business.

A Bloomberg Markets investigation has found that Koch Industries -- in addition to being involved in improper payments to win business in Africa, India and the Middle East -- has sold millions of dollars of petrochemical equipment to Iran, a country the U.S. identifies as a sponsor of global terrorism.

The ‘Koch Method’

Internal company documents show that the company made those sales through foreign subsidiaries, thwarting a U.S. trade ban. Koch Industries units have also rigged prices with competitors, lied to regulators and repeatedly run afoul of environmental regulations, resulting in five criminal convictions since 1999 in the U.S. and Canada.

From 1999 through 2003, Koch Industries was assessed more than $400 million in fines, penalties and judgments. In December 1999, a civil jury found that Koch Industries had taken oil it didn’t pay for from federal land by mismeasuring the amount of crude it was extracting. Koch paid a $25 million settlement to the U.S.

Phil Dubose, a Koch employee who testified against the company said he and his colleagues were shown by their managers how to steal and cheat -- using techniques they called the Koch Method.

Refused to Falsify

In 1999, a Texas jury imposed a $296 million verdict on a Koch pipeline unit -- the largest compensatory damages judgment in a wrongful death case against a corporation in U.S. history. The jury found that the company’s negligence had led to a butane pipeline rupture that fueled an explosion that killed two teenagers.

Former Koch employees in the U.S. and Europe have testified or told investigators that they’ve witnessed wrongdoing by the company or have been asked by Koch managers to take what they saw as improper actions.

Sally Barnes-Soliz, who’s now an investigator for the State Department of Labor and Industries in Washington, says that when she worked for Koch, her bosses and a company lawyer at the Koch refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas, asked her to falsify data for a report to the state on uncontrolled emissions of benzene, a known cause of cancer. Barnes-Soliz, who testified to a federal grand jury, says she refused to alter the numbers.

“They didn’t know what to do with me,” she says. “They were really kind of baffled that I had ethics.”

Koch’s refinery unit pleaded guilty in 2001 to a federal felony charge of lying to regulators and paid $20 million in fines and penalties.

Corporate Cultures

“How much lawless behavior are we going to tolerate from any one company?” asks David Uhlmann, who oversaw the prosecution of the Koch refinery division when he was chief of the environmental crimes unit at the U.S. Department of Justice. “Corporate cultures reflect the priorities of the corporation and its senior officials.”

Koch Industries declined to make either Charles Koch, who lives near corporate headquarters in Wichita, or David Koch, who lives in New York, available for interviews.

Melissa Cohlmia, Koch’s director of corporate communications, said in an e-mailed statement that the company has developed a good relationship with environmental regulators and now complies with all rules. Cohlmia says the company has learned lessons from past mistakes, including the improper payment scheme that Koch outlined in its letter filed in French court.

‘Steps to Correct’

“We are proud to be a major American employer and manufacturing company with about 50,000 U.S. employees,” she wrote. “Given the regulatory complexity of our business, we will, like any business, have issues that arise. When we fall short of our goals, we take steps to correct and address the issues in order to ensure compliance.”

Cohlmia says Koch fired the employees and sales agents involved in the illicit payments and strengthened internal controls.

Regarding sales to Iran, she wrote, “During the relevant time frame covered in your article, U.S. law allowed foreign subsidiaries of U.S. multinational companies to engage in trade involving countries subject to U.S. trade sanctions, including Iran, under certain conditions.”

Koch has since stopped all of its units from trading with Iran, she says.

Lobbying Washington

The Koch brothers have vaulted into the American political spotlight in recent years. Koch Industries has spent more than $50 million to lobby in Washington since 2006, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks political donations. The company opposed derivatives regulation and greenhouse gas limits.

The brothers have backed a foundation that has trained thousands of Tea Party activists. The Tea Party, a popular movement whose name stands for Taxed Enough Already, has grown into a potent force in national politics. Sixty representatives of Congress, out of a total of 435, identify themselves as Tea Party members. Virtually every Republican candidate for president -- including Texas Governor Rick Perry and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann -- has solicited the group’s support.

Integrity and Compliance

Koch Industries’ political action committee, KochPAC, donated $50,000 to Texans for Rick Perry last year for his gubernatorial campaign, according to the Texas Ethics Commission. It has also donated to support Bachmann’s congressional campaigns, Federal Election Commission records show.

The company tells all of its employees around the world that its top two values, which it calls Guiding Principles, are integrity and compliance. Koch Industries and its subsidiaries have won 436 awards for safety, environmental excellence, community and customer service and innovation since January 2009, Cohlmia says.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized several of the company’s units for their commitment to the workplace, the company says. Koch Industries has also supported charitable causes in Wichita and beyond, including the Kansas Special Olympics and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The company has also helped enlistees in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Koch Industries has donated millions of dollars to the Nature Conservancy, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Reputation is Critical

David Koch has contributed more than $135 million to cultural institutions, including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Koch Industries zealously guards its public image.

“A company’s reputation is critical to how it will be treated by others and to its long-term success,” Charles Koch wrote in “The Science of Success: How Market-Based Management Built the World’s Largest Private Company” (Wiley, 2007). “We must build a positive reputation based on reality, or others will create one for us based on speculation or animus and we won’t like what they create.”

The illicit payments uncovered by Ludmila Egorova-Farines raised the specter of a new blow to the company’s effort to improve its reputation following criminal convictions and civil penalties.

Avoiding Scandal

The company wanted to avoid a bribery scandal similar to that of Siemens AG (SIE), says Ged Horner, a managing director at Koch-Glitsch in the U.K. from 2002 until he retired in 2010.

“The only thing that would seriously impact the profitability and continuity of Koch Industries was a compliance issue,” Horner says.

In November 2006, the U.S. Department of Justice and German prosecutors opened an investigation into bribery by Munich-based Siemens, Europe’s largest engineering company. Siemens and three of its subsidiaries pleaded guilty in December 2008 to charges of violating the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act from 1998 to 2007.

Siemens paid $1.6 billion in penalties, admitting it had paid bribes to companies in Argentina, Bangladesh, Iraq and Venezuela.

“Koch decided that if it could happen to Siemens, it could happen to them,” Horner says.

Koch Chemical Technology Group, a Koch Industries subsidiary run by David Koch, hired Egorova-Farines in April 2008 for the newly created position of compliance and ethics manager for Europe and Asia.

French Investigation

The division, which makes distillation, pollution control and water filtration equipment, recruited her from accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where she was a consultant for four years on integrating corporate cultures after mergers. As soon as she joined Koch, the company flew her to Wichita to attend an internal compliance conference, she says.

The company then asked her to investigate Koch-Glitsch in France because it had heard that managers were awarding salary increases inappropriately, Egorova-Farines says. The company never mentioned anything about improper payments for contracts when it gave her that assignment, she says. She declines to discuss the details of her findings, saying it would be unprofessional.

The specifics of illicit payments for contracts by Koch- Glitsch can be found in two French labor court cases. The complaints were brought separately by Egorova-Farines and Leon Mausen, business director of Koch-Glitsch France from 1998 to 2008.

Illicit Payments

Koch-Glitsch fired Mausen on Dec. 8, 2008, sending him a termination letter that described illicit payments from 2002 to 2008 in Algeria, Egypt, India, Morocco, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East, Koch-Glitsch paid what the termination letter describes as an exceptionally high commission of 23 percent to one of its sales agents.

“A portion of that money was intended to pay a customer’s employee in order to secure the contract,” Koch wrote.

The customer was an unnamed Egyptian company that was partially owned by the state. Koch-Glitsch made similar payments to win other contracts with public and private companies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Koch wrote in its letter to Mausen.

Koch-Glitsch gave envelopes stuffed with cash to a Moroccan company, Koch wrote in its letter. Koch-Glitsch also made an improper payment to secure a contract with a Moroccan government organization, Koch wrote. The company made similar payments to an unnamed Nigerian government agency to win contracts, Koch wrote.

Koch Blamed Employee

Koch-Glitsch inflated its bid price to a private company in India in 2008, the letter said. A Koch employee explained the reason in an e-mail copied to Mausen and dated Feb. 6, 2008: “Add an extra 2 percent for a third person whose name I would rather give you only on the phone at this time.”

A Koch-Glitsch agent increased the commission paid to an Algerian agent in 2007 and 2008 to cover what Koch described as an unlawful payment to secure a deal with an unnamed French company.

Koch’s spokeswoman Cohlmia says Koch Industries acted firmly and decisively in response to what it had learned.

In its Dec. 8, 2008, termination letter to Mausen, Koch blamed him for the illegal payments. In July 2009, Mausen sued Koch for severance and performance pay in the Arles Labor Court in southern France.

On Sept. 27, 2010, the court said Mausen hadn’t acted on his own.

“It was not Mr. Mausen alone who was giving authorizations,” the court wrote.

Company policy required approval from other Koch-Glitsch managers, including Christoph Ender, the president of Koch- Glitsch for Europe and Asia, the court said.

‘Without Doing Due Diligence’

“Ender, manager of Koch-Glitsch France, as well as the controllers and auditors who were assisting him, allowed such business practices developed with Mr. Mausen to continue without doing due diligence in their reviews concerning the payment of commissions and the final beneficiaries of said commissions,” the labor court wrote.

An appeals court in Aix-en-Provence issued a second ruling on June 14, 2011, saying the company couldn’t justify terminating Mausen for the payment scheme because his managers had been aware of the practices for more than 60 days before he was fired. The court ordered Koch-Glitsch to pay Mausen 150,808 euros ($206,170).

Mausen declined to comment, beyond saying he disputed Koch’s arguments in court. Ender, who is now a Koch-Glitsch executive in Wichita, didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Koch’s Cohlmia says Ender “had no knowledge of Mr. Mausen’s misconduct at the time it occurred, as Mr. Mausen concealed it from him.”

Initially On Track

As for Egorova-Farines, her career was initially on track after she exposed bribery. Koch Chemical promoted her to a permanent position after her trial period expired in mid-2008, court records show. She was dispatched to offices in Germany, Russia and Switzerland, she says.

“I worked hard to drive cultural change to make these units compliant,” she says.

Egorova-Farines was hospitalized for seven weeks starting in February 2009, according to the decision in her lawsuit against Koch-Glitsch for wrongful termination.

The company fired her on June 16, 2009, saying later in court that she didn’t have the skills she’d listed on her resume and that she had failed to share documents with others at the company, according to the court record. She contested Koch’s arguments.

Court Ruling

Neither Egorova-Farines nor the labor court knew at the time that Koch had cited the company’s six-year pattern of improper payments in its termination letter to Mausen, she says. The court ruled against her on Feb. 11. She filed an appeal two months later in Paris.

She said in court that Koch had harassed her and retaliated against her for uncovering the payment scheme. She asked to be reinstated in her Koch job and paid for the time she was out of work. Egorova-Farines, who was born in London, now runs a business practices consulting firm in Paris.

Koch’s Cohlmia says the labor court found that the company treated Egorova-Farines fairly and provided her with chances to perform adequately.

The payments to win contracts documented by Koch investigators may violate U.S. law, says Sara Sun Beale, a professor at Duke Law School in Durham, North Carolina. She says Koch’s termination letter to Mausen gives clear guidance to federal prosecutors.

‘Smoking Gun’

“It sounds like a smoking gun,” says Beale, who co- authored “Federal Criminal Law and Its Enforcement” (Thompson West, 2010). “It really should get the Justice Department’s attention. When you have a smoking gun, you launch an investigation.”

Such a probe would fall under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a 1977 law that makes it illegal for companies and their subsidiaries to pay bribes to government officials and employees of state-owned companies.

Justice Department spokeswoman Laura Sweeney says the agency won’t confirm or deny the existence of any investigation.

While Koch-Glitsch was conducting its internal probe of illicit payments for contracts, the U.S. government was investigating Koch’s European unit on another front: sales to Iran.

On Aug. 14, 2008, investigators from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security met with George Bentu, who had worked as a sales engineer from 2001 to 2007 for Koch-Glitsch in Germany, Bentu says. In a four-hour interview at the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt, the officials asked about documents showing details of the company’s trades with Iran, he says.

Legal Sidestep

Homeland Security spokeswoman Barbara Gonzalez declined to comment.

Internal company records show that Koch Industries used its foreign subsidiary to sidestep a U.S. trade ban barring American companies from selling materials to Iran. Koch-Glitsch offices in Germany and Italy continued selling to Iran until as recently as 2007, the records show.

The company’s products helped build a methanol plant for Zagros Petrochemical Co., a unit of Iran’s state-owned National Iranian Petrochemical Co., the documents show. The facility, in the coastal city of Bandar Assaluyeh, is now the largest methanol plant in the world, according to IHS Inc., an Englewood, Colorado-based provider of chemicals, energy and economic data.

Engineer Challenged Sales

“Every single chance they had to do business with Iran, or anyone else, they did,” Bentu, 46, says.

Bentu, a German engineer who earned his master’s degree in chemical engineering from Montana State University in Bozeman in 1990, joined Koch-Glitsch in 2001. His duties included drawing up bids for potential buyers of the company’s distillation equipment, which is used in making fuels, fertilizers, detergents and other products.

Bentu says he had been working at Koch-Glitsch in Viernheim, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Frankfurt, for two months when he first saw an order destined for Iran. Concerned that the transaction might run afoul of U.S. law, Bentu asked his manager about it, he says. Bentu says his boss told him not to worry, that the company’s U.S. lawyers made sure the deals with Iran were legal.

U.S. companies have been banned from trading with Iran since 1995, when President Bill Clinton declared it a threat to national security. Iran supports Iraqi militants and Taliban fighters as well as terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah, according to the U.S. State Department.

Getting Around Ban

Koch Industries took elaborate steps to ensure that its U.S.-based employees weren’t involved in the sales to Iran, internal documents show.

Koch Industries may not have violated the law if no U.S. people or company divisions facilitated trades with Iran, says Avi Jorisch, a Treasury Department policy adviser from 2005 to 2008. That’s impossible to determine without a complete investigation, Jorisch says.

Internal Koch-Glitsch correspondence shows that the company coordinated with Koch Industries lawyers in the U.S. to make sure that American employees didn’t work on sales to Iran. Elena Rigon, now Koch-Glitsch compliance manager for Europe, based in Italy, in December 2000 addressed a memo outlining compliance guidelines to company managers in her region.

‘Axis of Evil’

In another e-mail, Rigon said all offices had to go through a checklist for each estimate quoted for materials headed to Iran.

“Your staff shall send this form to me since I have to send it to the lawyers in the USA as part of the compliance program,” Rigon wrote in the e-mail. “If somebody happens to find out that any U.S. persons are involved in this project or U.S. material is delivered to Iran you CANNOT quote.”

Rigon declined to comment.

“Koch-Glitsch had protocols in place that were consistent with applicable U.S. laws allowing such sales at the foreign subsidiary level,” Koch’s Cohlmia says.

In his annual State of the Union address on Jan. 29, 2002, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington, President George W. Bush said that Iran was part of what he called the “Axis of Evil.”

A year later, in his Jan. 28, 2003, address to Congress, Bush said, “In Iran, we continue to see a government that represses its people, pursues weapons of mass destruction and supports terror.”

Soliciting Iranian Orders

The following day, Koch-Glitsch was sent a purchase order to supply petrochemical equipment for the Zagros plant, which was being designed and built by two engineering firms, Pidec in Iran and Lurgi in Germany, according to company documents.

On May 31, 2004, Koch-Glitsch secured another contract for 1.2 million Euros, to help expand the Zagros facility. The plant helped Iran turn its vast natural gas reserves into methanol, which is used for making plastics, paints and chemicals.

The Italian office of Koch-Glitsch sought work on other projects in Iran -- the expansion of the Abadan refinery, the country’s largest, and the development of South Pars, part of the world’s largest natural gas field, the documents show.

Koch-Glitsch told employees in 2006 that the company was winding down business in Iran, Bentu says. At that point, he says, his bosses still asked him to work on Iran bids. He says he told them he was no longer willing to sign off on such work, leading to arguments between Bentu and his managers.

‘Totally Betrayed’

Bentu says he felt dismayed because Koch Industries clearly tells all of its employees around the world that integrity is the company’s No. 1 value.

“You feel totally betrayed,” Bentu says. “Everything Koch stood for was a lie.”

Bentu, who was earning about 49,000 euros a year, says the company forced him out in April 2007 and paid him 25,000 euros severance.

In 2009, Bentu was interviewed as part of a probe by the Bundeskartellamt, the German antitrust agency. It was looking into whether Koch-Glitsch had collaborated with a rival, Montz GmbH, a smaller petrochemical equipment maker in nearby Hilden, to rig bids they made to supply products to companies.

In November 2010, Koch-Glitsch and Montz each paid 250,000 euros as part of a settlement with the regulator for sharing information from December 2002 to August 2008. The German regulator said the violations were a minor infraction. Koch- Glitsch closed its office in Viernheim in 2009, Bentu says. Several former employees went to work for Montz.

Guenther Frey, general manager for Montz, declined to comment.

Cohlmia says of the agency’s ruling, “The decision did not find that Koch-Glitsch GmbH engaged in price fixing or any illegal behavior.”

Felony Conviction

This wasn’t Koch Industries’ first brush with complaints of improper competition. In October 2000, the FBI secretly recorded the telephone calls of Troy Stanley Sr., director of textile staples at KoSa, then a Luxembourg company with its main office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Koch Industries and a Mexican company established KoSa as a joint venture in 1998 to buy the Hoechst AG unit that produced polyester staples, which are used in making textiles. KoSa pleaded guilty in October 2002 to a felony charge of conspiracy to restrain trade and paid a $28.5 million fine.

Stanley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to restrain trade in December 2004 and was sentenced to one year of probation and a $5,000 fine.

‘Anti-trust Conspiracy’

“Officers, directors, managers or employees participated in the conspiracy” between September 1999 and January 2001, KoSa admitted in the plea agreement.

The conspiracy began before KoSa bought the business and continued during its ownership, Stanley testified. Koch bought out its partner in 2001. The criminal activity occurred while Koch was a 50 percent owner.

During the next eight years, Koch Industries paid $76 million to settle antitrust claims brought by KoSa’s customers, and $59 million in legal fees, according to court records. KoSa is now part of Koch’s Invista unit.

A prosecution of KoSa by Canada’s attorney general for price fixing followed in August 2003. KoSa pleaded guilty and paid a C$1.5 million fine.

Cohlmia says a KoSa subsidiary “unknowingly bought into an ongoing antitrust conspiracy.” Once the company found out about the wrongdoing, it stopped the conspiracy and cooperated with the U.S. Justice Department, she says.

Benzene Emissions

The price-fixing convictions came after years of investigations, environmental lawsuits and fines that had plagued Koch’s oil pipeline and refining divisions.

In April 1996, Koch environmental technician Sally Barnes- Soliz walked into the offices of Texas regulators in Corpus Christi and told them the company had lied about spewing benzene into the air.

Koch Refining Co. had recruited Barnes-Soliz in 1991 to work in the safety department at the company’s Corpus Christi refinery. Barnes-Soliz, then 30, had earned a bachelor’s degree in science and environmental health and a Master of Science in industrial hygiene at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

“I loved that job,” she says, describing how she helped protect plant workers and neighborhood residents from the many hazards at the refinery. “It’s important to me that people are safe and their job is not the reason they die.”

Federal rules in 1995 required the plant, one of two refineries Koch owns in Corpus Christi, to reduce benzene emissions to less than 6 metric tons a year. Benzene, a chemical compound refined from crude oil, was found to cause leukemia in 1928 by two Italian doctors who detected the cancer in a worker exposed to benzene for five years.

False Report

Four federal agencies -- the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- say that benzene is a cause of cancer.

On Jan. 6, 1995, Koch’s refining unit informed the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, or TNRCC, that it had installed a new anti-pollution device called a Thermatrix that used flameless heat to burn off the benzene. The machine lacked sufficient capacity for the job, Barnes-Soliz says, and refinery workers disconnected it within days.

“The refinery was just hemorrhaging benzene into the atmosphere,” she says.

Three months after disconnecting the machine, Koch filed a quarterly report with Texas regulators, while concealing that it had violated the emission rules.

Pressured to Change

On Aug. 17, 1995, Koch Industries attorney Vincent Mietlicki wrote a memo to another company lawyer, Thomas Meek, saying the refinery had given the state incorrect information about its uncontrolled benzene emissions.

“I think it goes without saying that there is a need to correct our first quarterly report which is misleading and inaccurate,” he wrote.

That December, a refinery manager asked Barnes-Soliz to tally the plant’s annual benzene emissions for a report to state regulators, Barnes-Soliz says. She found 91 metric tons of uncontrolled benzene emissions, more than 15 times higher than what the rules allowed.

“I redid the calculation a lot of times,” Barnes-Soliz says.

Those levels of emissions could increase the cancer risk to refinery employees and the public, she says. Barnes-Soliz reported the results in a document dated Jan. 4, 1996, to Mietlicki, the same lawyer who had written the memo calling out the inaccuracies in the quarterly report Koch filed with the state. She says Mietlicki and other Koch executives pressured her to lower the figures in her report.

Falsified Document

“There were a lot of meetings to try and get me to change the number,” she says. “It was hard, but I held firm to my convictions.”

Barnes-Soliz’s bosses went around her. On April 8, 1996, Koch reported to Texas regulators that its Corpus Christi plant had uncontrolled emissions of 0.61 metric tons for 1995, or 1/149th the quantity she had found.

“When I saw they had actually falsified that document, I had no recourse but to notify the authorities,” Barnes-Soliz says.

On April 18, 1996, on her lunch break, she drove to the state’s TNRCC office and reported that Koch had lied about its benzene emissions. By the time Barnes-Soliz walked in, environmental regulators were already investigating Koch in Corpus Christi.

Oil Slick

The EPA had sued Koch Industries a year earlier for a series of pipeline leaks in several states, including one that left a 12-mile-long oil slick on Nueces and Corpus Christi bays in October 1994. Her statement triggered another probe by state regulators and the FBI.

During the next three years, investigators compiled evidence that included hundreds of internal memos about benzene emissions. In 1999, Koch’s lawyers tried to stop prosecutors from using the documents in court.

Koch argued that records of the company’s internal investigation regarding benzene rules were protected by attorney-client privilege. U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack in Corpus Christi rejected that claim, ruling that the privilege doesn’t apply when used to help commit a crime or fraud. She singled out Mietlicki.

‘Front Man’

“The government has submitted evidence which indicates that Koch was intentionally using Mietlicki and his investigation and expertise in reference not to prior wrongdoing, but to future wrongdoing,” the judge wrote. “The February memo strongly suggests that Koch was using Mietlicki (and his investigation and expertise) as a ‘front man’ to impede the TNRCC from ascertaining the extent of its noncompliance.”

The February memo was sealed by the court.

A federal grand jury issued a 97-count indictment against Koch Petroleum Group, Mietlicki and three refinery managers on Sept. 28, 2000. Koch Petroleum Group pleaded guilty to a felony charge of lying to the government about its benzene emissions in April 2001.

Judge Jack fined Koch Petroleum $10 million and ordered that it pay another $10 million to fund environmental projects in south Texas. Koch earned $176 million in profit from the Corpus Christi plant in 1995, prosecutors told the court. The company said in a hearing that it would have cost $7 million to comply with the benzene emission regulation.

Koch Petroleum changed its name to Flint Hills Resources in 2002.

In the agreement to plead guilty, prosecutors dropped the charges against the four individuals.

‘Ultimately Collapsed’

Koch spokeswoman Cohlmia says the company reported its compliance issues to the state before a whistle-blower did so. She says the federal case was flawed, citing testimony by a prosecution expert witness.

“The government’s case ultimately collapsed after the company finally had an opportunity to challenge the government’s key expert witness,” she says.

Uhlmann, the federal prosecutor who led the probe, says Koch’s after-the-fact response is a public relations whitewash.

“The Koch case was a classic case of environmental crime, significant violations of law occurring alongside widespread efforts to conceal those violations, which Koch has admitted,” Uhlmann says. He now teaches at the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor.

Empty Office

Mietlicki, who is now assistant principal at John Paul II High School in Corpus Christi, says he can’t comment on details of the case.

“I know all of my actions as a lawyer, throughout all my years of practice, were nothing but honest and truthful,” he says.

After the company found out that Barnes-Soliz had tipped off state regulators, Koch stripped her of her responsibilities and moved her to an empty office with no tasks and no e-mail access, she says.

“They were pressuring me to quit,” she says.

She left the company in July 1996. Barnes-Soliz sued Koch in January 1997, saying the company harassed and mistreated her after she became a whistle-blower. Koch settled the lawsuit in July 1999 for an undisclosed amount.

The Corpus Christi case was one of a series of challenges Koch Industries faced in the 1990s over environmental issues. In 1997, a company now owned by ConocoPhillips sued Koch for toxic waste dumping at a refinery in Duncan, Oklahoma.

‘Replete With Evidence’

In March 1998, U.S. District Court Judge Vicki Miles- LaGrange in Oklahoma City ordered Koch to pay for 15 percent of the cleanup costs for dumping at the site between 1946 and 1953. That decision was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in May 2000.

“The record is replete with evidence Koch used unlined ditches, pits and ponds to dispose of hazardous waste at the site,” the appeals court ruled, finding that Koch had tainted groundwater. “The pollution of any Oklahoma waters, including groundwater, has been prohibited by state statute since the early 1900s -- well before Koch’s waste disposal activity at the refinery.”

By March 2007, Koch Industries had paid just $440,899 and still owed $2.97 million for its share of the cleanup, Conoco told the court.

“Koch simply refuses to pay its share as ordered by this court,” Conoco said.

Companies Settled

The two companies settled in February 2009. Terms weren’t disclosed.

Cohlmia says, “We understand that appropriate remediation is occurring and Koch has met all of its obligations with respect to this matter.”

A Koch unit in Rosemount, Minnesota, pleaded guilty in 1999 to two federal misdemeanors of violating the Clean Water Act and paid $8 million in fines and penalties. The company used fire hydrants to pump more than a million gallons of wastewater contaminated with ammonia onto the ground.

Koch also increased its dumping of wastewater on weekends when it didn’t monitor discharges, circumventing the reporting requirement of its permit, the EPA said. Koch also admitted that it negligently released between 200,000 gallons (757 kiloliters) and 600,000 gallons of aviation fuel into a nearby wetland.

Cohlmia says the company cooperated with state and federal regulators to resolve the Rosemount issues and has met all of its obligations.

“In March, 1999, Koch Petroleum Group took full responsibility for past underlying discharges,” she says.

Koch Industries also spent much of the 1990s defending itself against what a U.S. Senate subcommittee called a widespread scheme to steal oil on Indian land.

Twin Brother

The Senate held hearings in May 1989 after Bill Koch, David Koch’s twin brother, told a U.S. Senate special committee on investigations that Koch Industries was stealing oil on American Indian reservations, cheating the federal government of royalties.

Bill Koch had a long-standing feud with his brothers after his failed attempt to take over the company in the early 1980s. He sold his shares in June 1983 and later lost a lawsuit claiming he’d been shortchanged.

The Senate committee sent investigators to Oklahoma to secretly observe oil companies, including Koch, buying crude on Indian land. The federal agents hid in ditches, crouched behind scrub cedars and ducked behind cows to avoid detection by Koch Oil’s purchasers, FBI agent Richard Elroy testified to the committee in May 1989.

‘Theft is Widespread’

The investigators caught Koch Oil’s employees falsifying records so that the company would get more crude than it paid for, shortchanging Indian families, Elroy said. Koch’s records showed that the company took 1.95 million barrels of oil it didn’t pay for from 1986 to 1988, according to data compiled by the Senate.

“The theft is widespread and pervasive, and these people are being horribly victimized,” Elroy testified.

Elroy told the committee that Charles Koch gave a deposition that said that no one could make exact measurements.

“There was a lot of uncertainty and tremendous variations,” Elroy quoted Koch as saying. The full deposition is sealed, which is committee policy.

The committee concluded in a November 1989 report that Koch Oil had engaged in a widespread, sophisticated scheme to steal millions of barrels of oil. The Senate referred the case to the Justice Department, which convened a grand jury that never indicted the company.

“We believe that our practices were consistent with industry practice,” Cohlmia says.

The Civil Trial

Bill Koch brought a lawsuit on behalf of U.S. taxpayers, claiming that Koch Industries’ scheme defrauded the government of royalties. The case came to trial in 1999. Former company employees testified that Koch Industries trained them to steal.

Phil Dubose, who worked for Koch Industries from 1968 to 1994, told the jury how the scheme worked.

“The Koch Method is to cheat the producer out of crude oil,” he said.

He testified that he was able to steal 2,000 barrels a month from one customer.

“You used every available tool to mismeasure the crude oil in Koch’s favor,” says Dubose, who is now retired.

Charles Koch testified in the trial, saying the company had the highest standards.

“By 1988, I thought we had developed the best measurement approach, controls and so on of any crude oil purchaser in the industry,” Koch said. “And that’s why we became the No. 1 crude oil purchaser in the United States.”

24,587 False Claims

Two days before Christmas 1999, the jury delivered the verdict: Koch Industries had made 24,587 false claims in buying oil, underpaying the U.S. government for royalties on Native American land from 1985 to 1989. Koch paid the U.S. $25 million to settle the case in 2001.

The Koch brothers, meanwhile, reached an agreement, with undisclosed terms, dropping all litigation against each other.

While the Koch brothers battled over oil, Koch Industries clashed with regulators over its failure to properly maintain its pipelines. In 1995, the EPA sued the company, saying poor maintenance resulted in corrosion that contributed to hundreds of spills.

The following year, before the EPA case was resolved, a leak in a Koch butane pipeline led to an explosion that killed two teenagers.

Burned Alive

On Aug. 24, 1996, Danielle Smalley and her high school friend and neighbor Jason Stone, both 17, smelled gas outside Smalley’s mobile home in rural Lively, Texas, 50 miles southeast of Dallas. The house had no telephone, so they decided to drive the Smalley family’s pickup truck to a neighbor’s home to call 911.

They never made it.

The truck stalled after the couple drove into a fog-like cloud, says Danielle’s father, Danny Smalley, who watched them drive away. It was butane vapor, leaking from a corroded steel pipeline. Seconds later, as Danielle restarted the truck, the gas ignited into a fireball, burning Danielle and Jason to death.

Smalley’s father sued Koch Industries in 1997 in the Kaufman County, Texas, district court for the wrongful death of his daughter.

‘Definitely Responsible’

“I will tell you Koch Industries is definitely responsible for the death of Danielle Smalley,” Bill Caffey, an executive vice president of the company, testified in a 1999 deposition during Smalley’s lawsuit.

Caffey oversaw pipeline safety at the company. He testified that he thought the pipeline was safe before the explosion. Koch Pipeline Co., the unit that managed the Texas pipeline, knew the line had corroded and didn’t fix it, an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board concluded in November 1998.

The 570-mile-long pipeline carrying liquid butane from Medford, Oklahoma, to Mont Belvieu, Texas had corroded so badly that one expert, Edward Ziegler, likened it to Swiss cheese. The company didn’t give 40 of the 45 families near the explosion site -- including the Smalley and Stone families -- any information about what to do in case of an emergency, the NTSB wrote.

Danny Smalley hired Ziegler, a third-generation oilman and certified safety professional, as an expert witness. Ziegler had previously been retained by Koch Industries as an expert witness in an unrelated case. Ziegler told the jury that he’d never seen a company disregard safety to this extent in his more than 25- year career.

‘A Total Failure’

“This is an example of a total failure of a company to follow the regulations, keep their pipeline safe and operate it as the regulations require,” Ziegler, who now operates his own pipelines, testified.

A memo forwarded by Caffey to another Koch executive vice president justified putting a 70-mile section of the pipeline back into operation after being closed for three years because it could earn more than $7 million in operating income a year.

“We were to work on reducing wasteful spending,” Caffey said in his deposition.

In his 2007 book, Charles Koch didn’t comment on the pipeline explosion. He did, however, offer this observation: “Our organization does not reward failure.”

Koch Industries didn’t penalize Caffey, the executive in charge of pipeline safety. The company doubled his annual bonus to $900,000 for 1996, the year the fatal blast occurred, according to court records. In his deposition, lawyers asked Caffey whether the disaster came up during his annual review.

‘I Don’t Believe’

“I don’t believe we discussed that specifically in my review,” he said.

Caffey, who stayed with Koch for a decade after the explosion and now runs the BB River Ranch in Comanche, Texas, says the explosion was a one-of-a-kind tragedy.

“I have never known any company executive more focused on compliance than Charles Koch,” he says.

The state jury awarded Danny Smalley $296 million in its Oct. 21, 1999, verdict. The jury found that Koch Industries acted with malice because it had been aware of the extreme risks of using the faulty pipeline.

Smalley later settled for an undisclosed amount. Stone’s family also settled. Danny Smalley used settlement money to start the Danielle Dawn Smalley Foundation for pipeline safety education. Large pipeline operators such as ExxonMobil Corp., BP Plc and Kinder Morgan Inc. -- and not Koch -- accept free services from the foundation, Smalley says.

‘Never Forget’

“You see two children burned to death in front of you, you never forget that,” he says. “I want to stop other parents from ever having to see that.”

Cohlmia says Koch Industries used the lessons learned from the explosion to help avoid similar accidents. The company immediately accepted responsibility for the explosion, which was the only one of its kind, she says.

Three months after the Smalley verdict, Koch settled the five-year-old EPA case for pipeline leaks, along with a second EPA case brought in 1997. The company paid $35 million to resolve those cases, which covered more than 300 oil spills in six states.

For six decades around the world, Koch Industries has blazed a path to riches -- in part, by making illicit payments to win contracts, trading with a terrorist state, fixing prices, neglecting safety and ignoring environmental regulations. At the same time, Charles and David Koch have promoted a form of government that interferes less with company actions.

‘Overall Concept’

“My overall concept is to minimize the role of government and to maximize the role of the private economy and maximize personal freedoms,” David Koch told the National Journal in May 1992.

In his 2007 book, Charles Koch says his company had difficulty keeping up with changing government regulations and that it did eventually build an effective compliance program for 20 areas ranging from environmental to antitrust to safety regulations.

“We were caught unprepared by the rapid increase in regulation,” he wrote. “While business was becoming increasingly regulated, we kept thinking and acting as if we lived in a pure market economy.”

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Jonathan Neumann at jneumann2@bloomberg.net.

BIGGER PROPERTY TAX INCREASES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

2011-09-26T12:32:00.002-04:00

A phone call yesterday from another Eddington property owner revealed their property tax increase was $500.00 - with the same valuation of their property at last year. This is wrong. It is time to write and email our state Representative Dave Johnson, state Senator Richard Rosen, and Governor Paul LePage. Either the state of Maine wants meaningful (and hopefully quality) education or it doesn't. If it does, then the State needs to pick up its portion of the tab.

GOOD NEWS - BAD NEWS IN EDDINGTON

2011-09-24T15:12:00.002-04:00

First the BAD NEWS: Local Property Tax bills went out this past week.

No one I have spoken with saw anything except an increase - about $200.00 over last year for those with Shoreline property in Eddington. The Town Office states the Mill Rate this year went from 11.3 to 11.9.

This writer has experienced an increase in excess of $700.00 in 4.5 years. Outrageous! And yet, the principle culprit is not local municipal government; it is Maine state government, which has consistently failed to pay its fair share of local school district expenses.

Even though District 63 did everything possible to meet the State's mandate for school consolidation, it was not successful - primarily because of Brewer's School Board and the previous Commissioner of Education. As a result, District 63 not only received less than the state-wide voter mandate of 55% of the State's EPS-defined programs, but also had tax penalties in excess of $185,000 deducted from what the state did provide.

Adding insult to injury, the State of Maine chooses to dictate the assessed value of homes even while homes that have been for sale for more than a year don't sell.

The only good news from this mess is that the state Legislature voted to terminate the "tax penalties" AFTER the current tax year. (Who knows what new excuse the Legislature will use for not funding public education in Maine from this point forward.)

While many in this Senior-Citizen state are trying to survive on fixed incomes with reduced values (no increase in Social Security income for two years) when heating oil, electricity, food, gasoline, etc. are costing more and more, the State of Maine is choosing to (1) force these citizens to move out of state for the minimum 6 months plus 1 day which will cost the state of Maine these citizens' state income tax revenues, or (2) force these property owners to lose their homes, or (3) force these property owners to forgo home repairs, or (4) result in even more cost-cutting in school district facility maintenance, programs or teaching positions. No matter how one cuts it - Maine will lose.

Now the GOOD News: Eddington Planning Board approves expansion of two Eddington businesses.

At last Thursday's meeting of the Eddington Planning Board, approval was granted to:

1. Robert (Robbie) Maquillan - doing business as AutoWorks to relocate from its current location at 1306 Main Road to 1328 Main Road (the former eyesore vacant lot next to New Hope Hospice)- and

2. Expanding the parking lot and constructing an office building at Tradewinds, Claustin Lawrence, 1439 Main Road (@ the intersection of Highway 46).

Both of these businesses have provided exceptional services and products for area residents and people passing along Route 9 (aka Main Road) and Highway 46. The staff are always courteous, helpful and willing to assist stranded travelers. Expanded services will only improve their businesses, but the expanded capabilities will add to the local tax base. That's good news for us all.

As a regular customer of both establishments, this writer heartily supports the actions of the Planning Board.

THE STATE OF TEXAS THESE DAYS

2011-09-21T13:25:00.001-04:00

From an email this morning from a fellow writer living in Texas.

"We had 72 days of 100+ heat this year and while we had a big thunder/lightning/rain storm two nights ago, the drought continues in Texas. Locally grown crops like fruit and vegetables have been destroyed and produce shipped in from other places is better looking and cheaper. Our idiot governor is running for President and so is spending even less time here taking care of business. Texas lost three and a half million acres of land to wild fires this year, half the national total. There is a huge budget deficit but the politicians won't touch the rainy day fund; instead, they cut four billion dollars from the education system. Some parents will have to pay as much as $1,000 a school year for bus service for their kids but the oil companies can keep their huge tax credits and deductions. Of course. How else would they be able to afford to buy the state politicians? I guess I'm just not constitutionally suited to be a cowgirl."

"MUST SEE" MOVIE - THE HELP

2011-08-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

Went to see the new release, "The Help", yesterday afternoon at the Bangor Mall Cineplex. FANTASTIC movie - for adults interested in story and characters more than 'special effects.'

With the exception of the final Harry Potter movie during the first week of release, I have never seen a theater so full at a mid-afternoon Matinee as it was for "The Help" yesterday (the 3:20p.m. showing). Nor have I seen so many people over the age of 30 at one showing. (Maybe it shows that we adults WILL go to a movie theater if it is intelligent, mature and well-written.) For certain, this is well written and well acted with a real story to tell. Maybe that explains why, at the conclusion, the audience CLAPPED - close to one full minute! When was the time at any recent movie that happened? Maybe that says as much for the movie-goers as it does for the movie. Time was when audiences regularly clapped at the end of a good movie. Not so much any more. Maybe that says something, too.

Anyone over the age of 50 will remember many of the historical events referenced during the course of the movie. It was a time... not to be forgotten. For those too young to know, just one more reason to see this movie.

BANGOR HYDRO ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES - PART III OF SERIES RE: CASE NO. 2010-377

2011-07-28T12:12:00.002-04:00

Parts 1 and 2 can be read by scrolling down. Part 1 was posted July 18, 2011.
*****

As stated earlier, this writer received the notification of requested residential rate hikes from Bangor Hydro Electric Company (BHE) on December 30, 2010, and wrote a Letter of Objection on January 1, 2011. That letter was received by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) on January 4, 2011. From that point on I became an Intervenor in the case.

For those who would like to read the actual letter, go to www.maine.gov/mpuc/ and click on Virtual Case File located on the right side of the page. It is a shaded area. You will be presented with a sheet filled with blank sections. Use only the section, “Case ID” and type in 2010377. Then click at the bottom of the page to proceed.

You will find the MPUC has posted 20 pages containing several listed documents per page relating to this case, with page 1 being the most recent filings. At the bottom of the page you can request any page. Each page contains approximately 10 documents listed by date filed. Page 19 contains my original letter – with attachments. One of the attachments is the Actual Notification sent out to BHE’s residential ratepayers.

It is important to note that the notification states as follows:

“If you wish to present your views on this proposed increase, you may participate in one of two ways:

“1. You may petition to intervene. If your petition is granted, you will be a party with the right to participate formally in the hearings and in negotiations. Your petition must be made in writing and must state the name and docket number of this proceeding (it became 2010-377), and the manner in which you are affected by the proceeding. Your petition must also include a short statement of the nature and extent of the participation you seek, and a statement of the nature of the evidence or argument you intend to submit. Your petition must be received by the Administrative Director, Maine Public Utilities Commission, 18 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0018 by the deadline set by the Commission for Intervention. (NOTE this last sentence. Nowhere in this notification is that date stated. Nowhere.) You must also send a copy of your petition to Bangor Hydro Electric company, attn: Bradford A. Borman, P.O. Box 932, Bangor, Maine 04402-0932.

“2. Alternatively, you may request interested person (or nonparty) status by filing a request with the Administrative Director at the above address. If your name is added to the mailing list as an interested person, you will receive notice of the time and place of any hearings, including public witness hearings, held in this case.

“You may request that the Commission hold a public hearing in this matter. If you wish to request that the Commission hold such a hearing, you must file a written request to that effect with the Administrative Director at the above address by the deadline the Commission sets. (NOTE: No deadline was set or referenced in this notification.) Persons who request a hearing will automatically be added to this mailing list as interested persons.

“You may appear as a public witness at a hearing, if one is held, and give your views on the proposed change in rates. The purpose of a public witness hearing is to give members of the public an opportunity to give their views on the matters under consideration by the Commission in this case. (NOTE: Public Hearings usually allow any member of the pubic in attendance to speak. According to this notification, the only people who would be allowed to speak [witness] would be those who have written the prescribed letters by the undefined deadline. Does this feel fixed to any readers?) Any subsequent notice of hearing and/or opportunity to intervene may be given by publication in newspapers and may thereafter be given in mail only to those customers who have petitioned for intervention, requested inclusion as an interested person (or nonparty), or requested a hearing….”

This writer’s letter of petition took issue with the following regarding the notification sent to those who would be most directly affected by the requested rate increase:

(1) the lack of BHE’s identification on the address face of the mailer,
(2) the lack of a mailing date on either the address face or the notification itself,
(3) the bulk mail stamp used which states Cedar Rapids, IA and not Maine,
(4) the appearance of the mailing being ‘junk mail’,
(5) the timing of the mailing so as to coincide with end-of-the-year mailing soliciting seniors to purchase various vendors’ Part C and Part D Medicare coverage – and – charitable donations that would qualify as income tax deductions.

This writer stated that any or all of items 1-5 would incline many recipients to throw out the notification as ‘junk mail’ and therefore never know either BHE’s intentions or the recipients’ rights to petition in opposition.

Additionally, as time passed and this writer realized that the MPUC was limiting participation of individuals who did send in letters of protest, I challenged why none of the deadlines the MPUC was referencing was included in the notification. This issue was addressed directly in a phone call to my residence by BHE’s represented attorney, Nora Healy, who told me that BHE needed to meet a deadline for filing (presumably the beginning of December 2010) and at that time the MPUC had failed to determine what the deadline(s) would be. So BHE went ahead and issued the notification without the deadlines. The MPUC never addressed my question re: this issue.

The result of the actions by BHE and the MPUC placed a burden on ratepayers who potentially could/would have filed a petition but (a) never received or opened the notification, or (b) wrote letters only to find them discounted because they missed the never defined MPUC deadline.

My January 1, 2011 letter officially requested, that “Public Hearings be held throughout the effected areas, not just in Augusta, over this issue". I also requested to be listed as an individual who would like to be heard.

In days to come I will describe how these issues raised were addressed.

BANGOR HYDRO ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES - PART II OF SERIES RE: CASE NO. 2010-377

2011-07-21T09:38:00.001-04:00

Today's posting is Part II of the Series begun here on July 18, 2011. You can scroll down to review that post if you haven't read it.

The following are direct quotes from the final Order issued by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) commissioners on June 10, 2011. This order will be in effect until the next request for residential ratepayer increases, expected to be initiated December 2013.

Following today's referenced section, issues are presented which should raise questions in the reader's mind re: transparency of both BHE and the MPUC. Those issues are related to italicized information for the purpose of focusing the reader's attention.

"PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
"
On December 8, 2010, Bangor Hydro Electric Company (BHE, Bangor, Bangor Hydro, or the Company) submitted its Petition for a Commission investigation into its stranded cost revenue requirements and rates for the three year period commencing March 1, 2011 and associated materials (December 8 Petition). As part of its initial petition, Bangor included the pre-filed Direct Testimony and Exhibits or Peter Dawes and Lisa Henaghen (Dawes/Henaghen Direct Testimony), the pre-filed direct testimony of Gradon Haehnel and Timothy Olesniewisz (Haehnel/Olesniewisz Direct Testimony) (collectively, pre-filed Direct Testimony). In its pre-filed Direct Testimony, the Company requested that the Commission authorize an increase to its stranded cost rates and approve a three-year levelized revenue requirement of $19.751 million per year for the period of March 1, 2011 through February 28, 2024. In its initial filing, the Company asserted that its proposal represented an increase of approximately $5.025 million or a 34.12% increase to its current stranded cost revenue requirements. This increase to the stranded cost component of rates represented an increase in BHE's delivery rate (transmission, distribution, and stranded costs) of 4.6%.

"The Company's December 8 Petition proposed an overall pre-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 10.37% that was based on a 8.5% return on equity (ROE) for all non-Maine Yankee related stranded cost rate base. The Company asserted that his WACC was reasonable because it was the same ROE that had been approved by the Commission in Docket No. 2066-661 and was similar, albeit somewhat more modest, than the ROE and WACC approved for Maine Public Service (MPS).

"On December 13, 2010, the Maine Office of Public Advocate submitted a petition to intervene. On December 20, 2010, Central Maine Power Company (CMP) submitted a petition for discretionary intervention. At the initial case conference on December 21, 2010, the Hearing Examiner granted these petitions, to which no objections were made. Following the case conference, the Hearing Examiner extended the deadline for interventions until December 27, 2010 (from December 13, 2010). On January 11, 2011, the Hearing Examiner granted the late filled petitions to intervene by Mr. Helen Patterson and Ms. Rusty Gagnon."

WHAT DOES THE PRECEDING INFORMATION MEAN? HOW DOES IT RELATE TO BHE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS?

Readers will need to refer back to those italicized sections to track the following issues.

1. According to Maine law (Title 35-A and Chapters 110 and 120 of the MPUC's rules) BHE has/had the responsibility to send notices of proposed rate increases to all ratepayers. The notification which BHE mailed stated that BHE had filed its Petition with the MPUC on December 7, 2010. (not December 8, 2010)

2. The Maine Office of Public Advocate (OPA) filed their petition on December 13, 2010. This shows that the OPA received a copy/notice of BHE's December 2010 petition filing prior to December 13, 2010.

3. The Central Maine Power Company (CMP) also filed a petition to participate in this case. Their petition was filed with the MPUC on December 20, 2010. This shows that CMP had received notification of BHE's December 2010 filing prior to December 20, 2010.

4. The first case conference was conducted December 21, 2010. This shows that the Hearing Examiner was willing to begin the Commission's (requested) investigation into the issue of the requested rate increase at that time.

HOWEVER, it is obvious that either (1) there was no concern by the MPUC of when/if the ratepayer class had, in fact, received the required notification and, therefore, should be included in the proceedings from the very beginning - or - (2) there was an assumption that no one from the ratepayer class would petition to be included (in essence Object to any aspect or issue regarding the requested rate increase) - or - (3) any ratepayer who might petition could be ignored by the MPUC Hearing Examiner.

This position by the MPUC - and any such assumptions - proved to be wrong when Ms. Patterson and I filed our individual petitions in accordance with the minimal information provided in the BHE notification...which we did not receive until AFTER the initial case conference was held.

This writer did not even receive the BHE notification until December 30, 2010 - 9 days after the initial case conference, 10 days after CMP filed their petition, and 17 days after the OPA filed their petition. (Additionally, this writer knows of individuals residing in Bangor who did not receive their BHE notification until the middle of January, 2011!)

Question: Are policies, laws and/or rules pertaining to the public/ratepayer rights and protections intended to be "real" or are they just figment regulations for corporations - not worth the paper they're printed on?

Tomorrow: The issue raised by this writer/ratepayer and petitioned to the MPUC.

2011-07-19T19:40:00.002-04:00

IS SOCIAL SECURITY AN "ENTITLEMENT"?
From today's email mailbag -

"Entitlement???" What the hell is wrong here?

Remember, not only did you contribute to Social Security but your employer did too. It totaled 15% of your income before taxes. If you averaged only 30K over your working life, that’s close to $220,500. If you calculate the future value of $4,500 per year (yours & your employer’s contribution) at a simple 5% (less than what the govt. pays on the money that it borrows), after 49 years of working (me) you'd have $892,919.98.If you took out only 3% per year, you'd receive $26,787.60 per year and it would last better than 30 years, and that’s with no interest paid on that final amount on deposit! If you bought an annuity and it paid 4% per year, you'd have a lifetime income of $2,976.40 per month. The folks in Washington have pulled off a bigger Ponzi scheme than Bernie Madoff ever had.

Entitlement my ass, I paid cash for my social security insurance!!!! Just because they borrowed the money, doesn't make my benefits some kind of charity or handout!! Congressional benefits, aka. free health care, outrageous retirement packages, 67 paid holidays, three weeks paid vacation, unlimited paid sick days, now that's welfare. And they have the nerve to call my retirement entitlements !!!!!!.....scroll down..............

Emergency Rooms for their general health care at just one hospital the taxpayer cost totaled over $25 million a year!!!

Someone please tell me what the HELL's wrong with all the people that run this country!!!!!!

We're "broke" & can't help our own Seniors, Veterans, Orphans, the Homeless, families who've lost their homes because of Wall Street banks who pulled a fast one or who've lost their jobs because of corporate "outsourcing", etc., etc.,???????????

In the last months we have provided aid to Haiti, Chile, and Turkey. And now Pakistan - the home of bin Laden and inept border security. Literally, BILLIONS of DOLLARS!!!

Our retired seniors living on a 'fixed income'receive no aid nor do they get any breaks while our government and religious organizations pour Hundreds of Billions of $$$$$$'S and Tons of Food into Foreign Countries!

They call Social Security and Medicare an entitlement, even though most of us have been paying for it all our working lives and now when its time for us to collect, the government is running out of money. Why did the government borrow from it in the first place? For "bridges to nowhere" and pet projects at home to buy votes?

We have hundreds of adoptable children who are shoved aside to make room for the adoption of foreign orphans.

AMERICA: a country where we have homeless citizens without shelter, children going to bed hungry, elderly going without 'needed' meds, and mentally ill without treatment -etc., etc.

YET......................

They have a 'Benefit' for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and
planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical
supplies.

Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT* gave 'US' the same support they give to other countries.

SAD? YEAH. OK, SO WHEN DO WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?????

A suggestion: Make a copy of this. Print it out. And mail it to your U.S. Senators and Congressmen & women. Write a personal note at the bottom and tell them to do the job WE sent them to do and are paying them to do. Watch who responds. Who gets the job done. Those who don't? Vote them out ASAP

MAINE GOVERNMENT LESSON LEARNED - or How Patience can SOMETIMES change small power grabs by corporations

2011-07-18T15:08:00.002-04:00

The following is Part 1 of a series of postings which will take you, the reader, through the process of a case filed before the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) as personally experienced by this writer over the past seven months. I will state it is the first, but probably not the last, such experience I have had with such an entity of Maine state government. Consider this my offering in the challenges and opportunities of a United States citizen and Maine resident and taxpayer.

***

For those of you who have been following the travails of this case and writer since Saturday, January 1, 2011, when I first raised a hand in protest to the machinations of Bangor Hydro Electric Company (BHE), and through the 10 subsequent posting, I can now tell you - in synopsized form - of how that case evolved and has been concluded. At least for the time being. Since BHE files for residential rate increases at least every three years based on their claims of Stranded Costs, for which that company believes we, the residential ratepayer should be fiscally responsible, we can expect to go through it again beginning in December 2013.

NOTE: If you are interested in reading the previous postings, you can click on "Older Posts" and screen down to the following dates: Sunday, 5/22; Monday, 4/4; Thursday, 3/17; Sunday, 3/13; Thursday, 3/10; Wednesday, 3/9; Monday, 3/7; Sunday, 2/13; Monday, 1/24; Thursday, 1/13; Wednesday, 1/12 and the initial posting Saturday, 1/1 when it all began (for me).

A Bit of Background
The Commissioners of the MPUC are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Maine Legislature for, I believe, three-year terms. The latest appointment was Mr. Welch, Chairman. He is reported to have been a Commissioner (under a different governor) at the time BHE was directed by the Maine Legislature to sell off its electricity-generating resources. For that sale, BHE is reported to have received $750,000,000. BHE is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMERA, a Canadian Corporation. BHE is now a transmission and distribution (only) utility.

The MPUC, with offices in Hollowell, ME, employs a staff of individuals who serve in a variety of capacities. When a case first begins, the parties to the individual case (BHE v. others) work through the direction and management of a Hearing Examiner and his/her staff. Months will pass while the parties do (or don't) communicate their positions and negotiations through this Hearing Examiner before the case will ever be reviewed, heard and ruled on by the three Commissioners. Patience and tenacity are essential for anyone who really wants to see an acceptable resolution to even the smallest issue. A long-life is required if one wants to see bigger issues addressed.

Stranded Costs are defined as debts - both long-term and, apparently, the the mind of BHE management, those incurred related to management decisions. It is a big and broad umbrella in the mind of BHE management.

Over-riding ratepayer issues regarding BHE's requests for residential rate increases for Stranded Costs are (1) when these debts occurred (since the debts should have been a result of the re-organization of BHE following the sale of its electricity-generating resources and subsequently becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMERA), (2)why the proceeds of the sale (the $750,000,000.) were not required to be used/were not used to pay off any remaining debts - or conversely, why EMERA was not required to assume them, and (3) just how long Maine residential ratepayers (that is what we are called - ratepayers) are expected to be increasingly charged to pay off these debts.

This writer became involved only because of a much smaller - but, to me, significant - issue: The transparency of BHE's intent to comply with Maine law requiring notification to its ratepayers that it was filing with the MPUC for a rate increase that would only be applied to residential ratepayers. Leave even the smallest crack in a wall and a cockroach will find a way to crawl through.

You see, BHE "requested that the Commission authorize an increase to its stranded cost rates and approve a three-year levelized revenue requirement of $19.751 million per year for the period of March 1, 2011 through February 28, 2014. (As stated in the MPUC final ORDER, dated June 10, 2011)

Their legally required written notification to the ratepayers of this request did not even have BHE's name on the outside of the bulk-mailed, tri-folded, single sheet which contained only the recipient's name and mailing address.

I say "sometime" because no where on the document (on the address side or the page-long statement of intent inside) was there a mailing date.This document was mailed sometime in December - I received mine December 30, 2010.

Who knows where it was mailed. The bulk-mail stamp was issued out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

And THAT was my issue. I believed the notification had the appearance of end-of-the-year Junk Mail. Junk mail that is automatically through in the trash unopened.

Based on the content of their application, one might wonder if there was an INTENT to have as few ratepayers become aware of their request as possible. Apparently very few ratepayers were aware - or, if aware, thought they could do anything to stop or appeal such an increase.

Neither of those statements applied to yours truly. I raised my hand and wrote a letter with copies of both sides of the notification. By the time this series is finished, it is my hope that vast numbers of BHE ratepayers will do the same come December 2013, because corporate greed and underhanded ways to undercut ratepayers, voters, citizens - people - needs to be stood up against. We, the American people, need to become our own corporation.

A MOVIE WORTH WATCHING - AND THINK ABOUT WASHINGTON D.C. POLITICANS

2011-07-15T17:23:00.002-04:00

First of all, apologies are due for the absence of articles and commentary for the past few months. This writer has been inundated with writing deadlines (I am in a writers group that meets weekly, and have been working on two different manuscripts - more or less fiction crime stories for a big writers conference this coming November in the Boston area).

Additionally, a lot of time was required to stay current and participate in a case that came before the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in January (just finished) about which I will be writing in coming weeks. The case involved Bangor Hydro Electric Company’s every-three-year request for an increase in rates. Residential customers of BHE should be interested and possibly upset. I’ll leave that to you to decide.

However, today I want to bring something else to the table. I know of very few people who are not aware of the debacle that’s been going on for months in Washington D.C. over the issue of raising the debt ceiling, the requirement by many that any additional borrowing must be partnered with a decrease in federal government spending, etc., etc., ad nauseam. Everyone seems to have a “position.” Few seem to have the country’s welfare, particularly the members of the hard-working (or not working) middle class and poor. So that is the issue, in an indirect way, of today’s offering.

The other day while in Bangor, I needed to pick up something at the Bed, Bath and Beyond store at the Bangor Mall. While there I spotted a rack of never-used movie DVDs – at $5.00 each. Thinking there might be something worth watching (maybe during the endless commercial breaks on nearly ever channel, including cable), I was pleased to find two I had never seen but had wanted to when they first came out in theaters. “Frost/Nixon” – a Ron Howard movie, and “Swing Vote” starring Kevin Costner.

Last night, with nothing of interest on the TV, I decided to watch “Swing Vote.” I encourage everyone, regardless of political persuasion to watch that movie. Pick it up as a rental or check out the bargains at Bed, Bath and Beyond. There were several copies.

“Swing Vote” is as relevant to what is going on in Washington D.C. now as it was when the movie came out – maybe more so.

The premise is this: The final election for President of the United States has taken place. There is an absolute tie at the electoral college based on votes from every state except New Mexico. And all of the votes from Mexico have been counted – EXCEPT ONE (Kevin Costner’s). And that one vote will determine which of the two candidates the delegate/s from New Mexico will vote – in essence Kevin's character, named Bud, has THE tie-breaking vote for THE President of the United States.

Of course someone in the media has to figure out WHO is going to cast THE crucial vote and the world media descends on his poor ramshackle trailer. Bud is basically a looser. He drinks, can’t get up in the morning, has just been terminated from his job, hasn’t fixed the hot water heater so he doesn’t smell very good (can’t take a shower without hot water), and pays absolutely no attention to the state of world, (much less the local news.

BUT, Bud has this amazing daughter who is a student in probably the 6th grade (or thereabouts). And she believes in one’s Civic Responsibility – that voting is a Social Contract between the citizens of this country and their country. (Gee, does that sound like anyone you know from this blog?) And therein lies the first of Bud’s many challenges in this movie.

Now I won’t tell you anymore about the story OTHER THAN TO SAY there is one question Bud asks at the end of the movie (I won’t tell you to whom he directs the question) and it is as relevant today as it was during the movie’s timeframe.

I challenge any reader to answer that question – and ask why the people elected to represent us, the people of this country, can’t seem to get it. And get their job done.

It’s just a thought. We all know what that’s worth.

THE SQUEAKY WHEEL, THE IRRITATING PEBBLE - OR What I learned from Challenging Bangor Hydro at the Maine Public Utility Commission

2011-05-22T16:59:00.005-04:00

It requires Patience, Persistence and a big chunk of a “P.O-ed” attitude to challenge Bangor Hydro Electric Company (BHE). The same can be said when dealing with the Maine Public Utilities Company (MPUC).

This past Friday, May 20th, Case # 2010-377 was decided by the MPUC Board of Commissioners. Finally I was going to see and be in the presence of “the players” – or so I thought. The MPUC announcement, stating the meeting would begin at 9am at the Commission’s office in Hallowell, advised the parties need not attend and no testimony would be heard. Still, I expected the major players, who have argued and written endlessly for five and one-half months, would want to be there to hear the positions and decisions of the three Commissioners. I was wrong.

Newly-appointed Chairman Thomas Welsh attended via telephone; his coughing at the end of his statements verified the state of his immediate health. However, Commissioners David Littel and Vendean Vafiades were seated at the massive conference table, as were three members of what appeared to be MPUC staff. Two men sat in the area designated for observers. Two other women, who appeared to have official responsibilities, were seated at either the conference table or a table to the side. There was no indication of attendance by BHE, the Hearing Examiner, the Office of Public Advocate (OPA), or others who have participated lo these many months.

Because of weather and my tradition of getting lost the first time traveling to a new location, I didn’t arrive until 9:20am – just in time to hear Commissioner Vafiades reference Intervenor Gagnon (!). Glad I got there when I did. Since Commissioner Littel had already issued his primary positions, I have no idea if he, too, might have mentioned my initial letter (petition), Brief or Response to the Hearing Examiner’s Report. However, I was certainly gratified to hear Commissioner Vafiades affirm the position I have taken all along regarding the junk mail appearance of BHE’s mailed “notification.”

It was also rewarding to hear Chairman Welsh state his concern that some of the debts BHE is identifying as Stranded Costs (which BHE believes ratepayers should pay off through increasing rates) may not legally qualify as Stranded Costs. His position was that some debts may have occurred because of the restructuring BHE went through following its sale to Emera Corporation. He did not appear to feel subsequent debts following the sale qualified as Stranded Costs, a position Intervener Helen Patterson has been arguing during this case and others involving BHE and Central Maine Power, which also went through restructuring after selling out to Iberdrola USA. Therefore it was rewarding to hear Chairman Welsh indicate he wants the MPUC to explore and review that issue at a future unspecified time.

A major issue all along has been BHE’s position that “the remaining life of Bangor Hydro’s stranded costs is ...at least twenty (years)” and that a “conservative” rate of 8.5% should be attached to BHE’s Return of Equity (ROE) based on BHE’s calculations and methodology. The MPUC’s Hearing Examiner (and staff) had developed calculations and methodology which supported only a 7.04% ROE.

Each Commissioner weighed in with Littel leaning toward a 7.5% rate. Both Vafiades and Welsh leaned toward a 7.35% ROE and 7.35% was the final decision. During a conversation with Commissioner Vafiades following the meeting I learned the 7.35% rate will be applicable to the next three years (meaning ratepayers should not be faced with an increasing rate each of the three years of this “contract.”). Because of this rate being fixed for three years, the Stranded Cost recovery period will probably be extended to nine years instead of the six to seven projected in the Examiner’s Report. Overall, nine years is better than twenty and 7.35% is better than 8.5%.

It was also rewarding to hear Commissioner Vafiades tell me that she had read all of my submissions as well as the attachments.

There were many lessons this ratepayer/taxpayer/voter learned over this past five-month journey.

1. One individual can (and should) speak up when events that seem so automatic are wrong on their face. The notification form mailed by BHE, or their designee, back in December – or whenever, who knows when there is no mailing date stamped on the address portion on written on the enclosed message, carried no identification of the sender. From all appearances it was junk mail. If the intent was (should be) to provide proper advance notification to ratepayers and allow (encourage) individuals to petition in support or opposition, recipients need to recognize the mailing as something to open and read.

2. Petitioning the MPUC must follow strict protocol – written letters must be mailed or faxed to the MPUC Administrative Director with copies to the utility (in this case, BHE). Moreover, these "petitions" must be submitted by a specified date, even if the BHE notification doesn’t provide the date in its notification. Therefore, individuals must act swiftly upon receiving any notification.

3. The petitions must challenge specific actions with specific reason(s). In my petition it was (primarily) the lack of BHE identification as the sender and (the consequent) appearance of junk mail. Other specifics that could be used are: Maine is the 9th poorest state in the nation with electricity costs the 12th highest, the negative impact on a significant portion of ratepayers living on fixed incomes and the consequential impact of higher heating costs, etc. Just stating BHE rates are already too high or “I can’t afford BHE’s charges as it is,” won’t gain the ratepayer admission to the “Intervener Classification” which is the objective. Unless one obtains the status of a bona fide (admitted) Intervener one is fluff in the wind.

4. While the Maine OPA is charged with the responsibility of arguing on behalf of the public, the ratepayers, it doesn’t. You have to take on the responsibility and the work to argue for yourself, your issue(s), and your involvement. That means writing and faxing whatever documents you want to become a part of the case record. Emails don’t become a part of the record and disappear into the nether world, even though a lot of communication goes on via emails. No one will tell you this outright, but it is.

5. The case process goes on and on and there will be times when you want to chuck the whole thing. There will be times when you will feel even the MPUC staff want you to go away. They can be very dismissive and disregarding. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is. Individuals acting alone simply do not carry the weight of a massive corporation, especially when that corporation is armed with lots of attorneys and has paid staff to do the letter or document research and writing.
HOWEVER, none of those people is going to come forward and pay your bills, advocate for what you believe is right – or against what you believe is wrong.

It isn’t easy, however if you don’t speak up big corporations and government will do all the speaking and they will not be speaking for your interests. The battleground for your freedom to stand up and speak may have been won on foreign lands but you have to fight here at home to hold on to it.

One way to find fellow Interveners, once you have filed your petition – with your email address included, is to read all of the names of the people who will be receiving email communications from the MPUC. That is how Intervener Patterson and I connected and the result was more effective for each of us.

The PUBLIC must take the initiative, must speak up, must take an active role in controlling runaway energy costs here in Maine. Case 2010-377 provided this writer with the opportunity of being a student in MPUC 101. It will not be the last class in which I will enroll. Here is hoping I see a larger enrollment the next time.

LOONS AND LOONEY

2011-04-18T08:50:00.002-04:00

They're back. I heard the first loon singing last Wednesday at 12:49am (woke me up. I must have been listening for that haunting sound even in my sleep.). Then Wednesday I saw a solitary loon swimming in front of the house mid-afternoon. Saturday brought a pair. The singing continues every night, really prolific around 11:30pm. So, for all the rain and chilly mornings, there is visual proof - Spring is here and Winter is gone. Now, if that last snow mound in the shade would just take the hint.

***

Each Christmas I buy a day-by-day calendar for my kitchen counter. Usually the contents are humorous, sometimes interesting facts. This year's calendar is named, "Wild Words from Wild Women." Last Friday (April 15) the provided quote was from Peg Bracken, household humorist. With today being this year's tax-filing date, I think the quote still is usable. Ms. Bracken's comment:

"Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents?"

So true, so true. (No answer was provided, BTW.)

SPRING IS TRULY HERE

2011-04-12T18:52:00.002-04:00

Sometime between 9AM and 3PM today, the ice went out. True, there is a bit of thin "something" in the middle, but it will be gone tomorrow - for sure by the weekend. But from shore to the middle, waaaay out there - it is open water. Come on Loons!!!

BETTER NEWS - FOR A CHANGE

2011-04-08T12:28:00.002-04:00

Open water on Davis Pond and at Rooks Road Landing is in full progress.

Open water can be seen along the shoreline from the shore to maybe fifty feet out. Fissures in the remaining ice can be seen clearly, along with spots in the ice caused by "hot springs." Could be we'll see the ice go out within a week or so.

Next highlight will be the return of the loons! Yippee.

GEOTHERMAL GREENHOUSE TOUR TO BE CONDUCTED IN EDDINGTON

2011-04-06T10:52:00.002-04:00

From today's email inbox:

Geothermal Greenhouse Tour
April 13, 2011 ·∙ 10:00-11:30 AM
Hutchings Greenhouse, 445 Riverside Drive, Eddington

Come and see an open-loop geothermal system.

Hutchings Greenhouse hasn't burned any oil for two years!
This system was installed by Dan Herweg of Airotherm, who will be present to answer technical questions.

For more information contact Claudia Lowd: claudia@mainerural.org

Telephone: 949-5106

This workshop is organized by: Farm Energy Partners (Maine Rural Partners)

Workshop funding from: RMA

WHY VERRILL DANA LAW FIRM REPRESENTS BANGOR HYDRO

2011-04-04T17:15:00.003-04:00

The following information is presented on the web page of the law firm that represents Bangor Hydro before the Maine PUC. When the peoples "law firm", the Office of the Public Advocate, says nothing during negotiations and "discussions" to challenge increasing rates and the utilities' justification for same, it is no wonder Maine has such high utility rates and businesses give a Thumb Down to doing business here.

***

"William S. Harwood serves as Co-Chair of the firm's Energy Practice Group. He has devoted most of his 30 year career to representing public utilities before state and federal regulatory agencies. He has represented electric, gas, water and telecommunications companies in more than 50 major cases before the Maine Public Utilities Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including rate cases, prudence investigations, management audits, merger approvals, requests for certificates of public convenience and necessity and rulemaking proceedings. Bill counsels utilities on proactive strategies to both anticipate regulatory developments and efficiently manage the regulatory process.

Bill has been extensively involved in traditional rate setting issues, including CWIP in rate base, attrition, accounting orders and cost of capital. Bill has negotiated long-term alternative rate plans which include automatic inflation adjustments, service quality penalties, and recovery of mandated or exogenous costs. He has also negotiated numerous long-term special rate agreements between utilities and specific industrial consumers.

Bill was actively involved in the restructuring of the Maine electric utility industry, including representing utilities in the sale of their generating assets, recovery of stranded costs and providing standard offer (default) service. More recently Bill has represented developers of new transmission lines in securing Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity and wind developers in negotiating Interconnection Agreements and securing adequate transmission capacity for delivery of the output. Bill has served as Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Maine School of Law, teaching utilitiy regulation and administrative law.

PUBLICATIONS

Liability for Accidents at Construction Sites: "Do Water Districts Have Immunity," Journal of Maine Water Utilities Association, Vol. 88, 2009.
Co-Authored "Maine Regulation of Public Utilities," (2008).
Co-Authored: “Keep it Flowing: Basic Principles of Water Utility Interconnection Agreements,” Journal of the Maine Water Utilities Association, April 2005.
"Gun Control: State Versus Federal Regulation of Firearms," Maine Policy Review Vol. 11 No. 1 (2002).
"Codification of Maine Rules: An Idea Whose Time Has Come," Maine Bar Journal (March 1992).
Comment, "Liquidation Damages: A Comparison of the Common Law and the Uniform Commercial Code," 45 Ford. L. Review 1349 (1977).

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

Represented owner of hydro-electric facilities before FERC in defending claim by upstream owner for headwater benefits.

Represented 11 New England electric utilities in a dispute with the lead owner of a jointly owned generating unit.

Represented Canadian utility before FERC in dispute over restrictions in transmitting energy across international border.

Represented a water company in a five day jury trial in Superior Court to determine fair value of the company’s assets taken by eminent domain.

Represented the developer of a proposed 80 mile 345 kV transmission line.

Represented a Maine electric utility before Maine Supreme Judicial Court in appellate review of a PUC decision approving creation of an unregulated marketing affiliate.

Represented the developer of high pressure natural gas pipeline across Maine.

Arbitrated a dispute between two New England utilities involving rights to a jointly owned generating unit.

Represented a real estate developer before Maine Supreme Judicial Court in dispute over water utility system development charge.

Represented consortium of environmental advocacy groups before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in its efforts to force removal of a hydro-electric facility.

REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS

Aliant
Bangor Hydro-Electric Company
Biddeford & Saco Water Company
Central Vermont Public Service Corp.
Community Service Telephone
Emera Energy Services, Inc.
Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, LLC
National Grid
New Brunswick Power Corp.
Portland Water District "

***

To add to the ongoing pain, Governor LePage's nominee to become the new PUC Chairman is Mr. Welsh, a member of the PUC in the 90s and who advocated then (and now) for Bangor Hydro's generating power sources to be sold. In today's Portland Sentinel it was reported the Legislative Committee has approved this nomination 13-0, all the while Mr. Welsh states the $750 million dollar sale was beneficial to Maine ratepayers. (Which ones, Mr. Welsh?)

Interesting to note that Emera, the Canadian corporation which bought Bangor Hydro, assumed none of the utility's past or current debt and continues to issue Bangor Hydro stock (traded on the NYSE).

While Maine residential customers continue to be screwed, we can thank people like Mr. Welsh for being one of many screw drivers.

Strange how Governor LePage can't seem to find any commissioners for the state who didn't have the same jobs back in the 1990s. Yogi Bera time - "deja vu all over again." This is "people before politics"? A one-term governor is all we need of this one.

EDDINGTON TOWN MEETING

2011-03-28T11:42:00.004-04:00

Last week's Annual Town Meeting was the most attended gathering this writer has seen in several years. Attendance was 123.

Of course, when that number is compared to the number of full-time town residents or the number of registered voters, the attendance was abysmal.

There was little discussion regarding the basic warrant issues. One change was to define "long-term commitment" when it comes to grants and contributions that would generate a Special Town Meeting.

Two or three years ago, voters determined that the Board of Selectmen would have to receive the approval of the voters before applying for any grants (or accept any contributions) that require or would result in any financial long-term commitment by the town, such as a grant for a new position that would require the town to pick up the compensation and benefits after a set period. Last week the voters decided that "long-term" will mean two years or more.

Following quite a bit of discussion, the proposed Wind Ordinance as submitted by the Planning Board was approved. Perhaps the objections were overcome by the assurances by a member of the Board that the Ordinance could be "tweaked" in the future should the science change or issues justify such action.

Voting Results for the previous day's election were announced.

For the two Board of Selectmen positions, with three candidates: Donn Goodwin received 105 votes; Joan Brooks received 83 votes; and Mike Shephard received 81 votes. Although both Goodwin and Brooks were incumbents, Mike Shephard's showing is encouraging. Maybe there is a change in the wind. We can only hope.

For the 3-year term on the School Board, Jeff Thurlow (former member of the Planning Board) received 132 votes. Jeff ran unopposed.

For the 2-year term, to finish out former representative Karen Clark's term, Don McKenzie received 97 votes. Mr. McKenzie is retired from positions with the Fire Department and Code Enforcement in Massachusetts where he and his wife lived before relocating to Eddington.

Also running for that 2-year position was Dustin Rath who received 32 votes. The voting results may have been fortuitous since Mr. Rath was informed the day before the vote that he was being transferred out-of-state and would have been unable to serve had he been elected.

The total number of voters (for Selectmen and School Representatives) was 146, even more than the number of people who showed up for the Town Meeting. Once more, this was the largest voter turnout for a local election that has been seen in recent years. Now, if we could get the Board of Selectmen to schedule Candidates Night in conjunction with the Public Hearings prior to the Town Meeting, Eddington might actually appear to have a form of democracy and an informed voter base. With all the activities to celebrate the town's 200th birthday, it's time for Eddington to practice real democratic government. Of course, that also requires committed and involved citizens.

DIRECTIONS TO PUBLIC HEARING

2011-03-17T14:20:00.003-04:00

The Richard E Dyke Family for Business center on the Husson College campus. If traveling Hwy 95, get off at exit 185 (Broadway). Take Broadway (right turn) past shopping area (Governor's Restaurant, Hortons, Irving Gas Station, etc.) to Husson Ave. Left turn off Broadway to entrance into campus (Cross Lane). At the campus circle road, take right. Building appears to be first one (brick) on the left.

WHERE IS BANGOR HYDRO'S DEBT?

2011-03-17T10:06:00.002-04:00

With the hope there will be a decent attendance TONIGHT at the PUC's Public Hearing re: Bangor Hydro Electric's attempt to raise rates for residential customers, the following NEWS BREAKING information is provided. (Remember, these rate increases - called Stranded Cost rates are to address BHE's outstanding debts. According to the BHE spokesperson on the WABI TV news last night stated go back to when BHE sold its energy generating abilities to Emera, the Canadian corporation, approximately 10 years ago.) The Public Hearing begins at 6pm - Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson College in Bangor. (Access to the college is off Broadway.)
***
Yesterday, March 16, Emera issued a Press Release out of HALIFAX, (with the notation in Bold Letters "NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES" -

"Emera Incorporated ("Emera") (TSX: EMA) is pleased to announce today that it has completed its bought deal offering of 6,359,500 common shares (the "Common Shares"), which includes the exercise in full over-allotment option of 829,500 Common Shares, at $31.70 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds to Emera of approximately $201.8 million (emphasis added by this writer) (the "Offering"). The syndicate of underwriters was led by CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc., and also included BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and the National Bank Financial Inc.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of the indebtedness under Emera's credit facility.

The Common Shares have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This media release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the securities in any province, state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward Looking Information:

This news release contains forward looking information. Actual future results may differ materially. Additional financial and operational information is filed electronically with various securities commissions in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR).

About Emera

Emera Inc. is a growing energy and services company with $6.3 billion in assets and revenues of $1.6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation transmission and distribution as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera's strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of the clean energy to market. Emera operates throughout northeastern North America, in three Caribbean countries and in California. More than 80% of the company's earnings come from regulated investments. Emera shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol EMA. Additional information can be accessed at www.emera.com - or - www.sedar.com"

Questions for BHE ratepayers:

(1) Who owns BHE? Emera Inc.?

(2) Why aren't/weren't any BHE debts delegated to Emera at the time BHE sold its energy generating capabilities to Emera?

(3) Since the proposed stranded cost rates will be applied to the Transmission & Delivery portion of ratepayers bills, and Transmission & Delivery is part of Emera's business - why shouldn't Emera being absorbing any outstanding BHE debts (instead of Maine ratepayers being burdened with those debts)?

GETTING PREPARED FOR THE PUC/BANGOR HYDRO PUBLIC HEARING 3/17/2011

2011-03-13T15:22:00.003-04:00

The following QUESTIONS should be added to the earlier list. Maybe they will generate more questions in your mind as you consider them.

1. Since the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) will have to sign off on any Settlement that may be reached with Bangor Hydro Electric (BHE), WHO in the OPA will sign the Order to raise BHE's residential ratepayers' Transmission and Delivery rates in this Case (2010-377)? The Public Advocate Richard Davies? Someone else? How has that person(s) participated in this Case? Has he filed any Testimony, Data Requests, or responded to any data or issues raised by any other Intervenors (petitioners against the rate increases)? Has he attended and/or participated in any of the numerous Technical Conferences that have been conducted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) Hearing Examiner, Benjamin Smith? If not, Why Not?

2.Does the State of Maine support its pension system by investing in the companies the MPUC regulates? Specifically any of the electrical companies (EMERA, formerly BHE, or IBERDROLA, formerly CMP)? What about wind? solar? gas or other? Why is this not publically disclosed?

3. Any state employee (or teacher) has a vested interest in wanting MPERS investment assets to maintain or increase in value. The higher the rates BHE can charge its ratepayers, the higher the value on its stock/shares. Employees of the MPUC and the Maine OPA are state employees. IF MPERS holds BHE/EMERA shares, is there not a conflict of interest in their participation in BHE requests for rate increases?

4. How are EMERA/BHE board members and executives paid? Salary? Stock only? Salary and Stock?

5. How does EMERA/BHE define "customer?" (Companies that issue stock consider their "Customers" the stock holders.) Who are EMERA/BHE's "customers?" The stock holders or the ratepayers?

6. When EMERA bought BHE, how many shares of BHE stock were outstanding? Were the shares converted to EMERA stock? How many BHE/EMERA shares are now outstanding? In what name are the stock dividends issued and/or paid - BHE or EMERA?

7. How can BHE continue to issue stock shares after the buyout of EMERA of Canada?

8. EMERA Corporation of Canada is governed by Canadian law and regulation. They are not governed by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and/or State of Maine utilities' statutes. In the current case, Why is the MPUC using a Maine statute and FERC Rules to falsely justify rate settings to collect Stranded Costs from a Canadian Corporation, EMERA, over which U.S. utility regulators have no jurisdiction?

And now for a little information:

The issue of Stranded Costs came about in the late 1990s when deregulation went into effect. United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 888, issued November 25, 1997, governs the calculation and collection of Stranded Costs. An excellent explanation is available in the October 1998 report published by the Congressional Budget Office, titled “Electric Utilities: Deregulation and Stranded Costs.”

Stranded Costs are defined as a company's debt or lost income. Why are Maine ratepayers being expected to pay for a Canadian Corporation's debts?

Page 9 of the above referenced report contains the following two paragraphs:

Estimates of utilities' total stranded costs nationwide have ranged from $10 billion to $500 billion, although most estimates fall between $100 billion and $200 billion. Various financial houses, government agencies, and consulting firms have produced independent estimates of stranded costs, mainly looking at individual states. Three independent estimates that look at such costs nationwide come from Moody's Investors Service, Resource Data International (RDI), and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. They are all administrative ex ante estimates.

Those three sources give remarkably similar numbers for utilities' total exposure to stranded costs. Oak Ridge's estimate is the lowest because it nets out taxes (assuming a federal tax rate of 35 percent) if those losses are written off. The three sources also give similar estimates of stranded costs by region. All three report that utilities in New England and the West face the highest stranded costs.

Neither the Maine PUC nor Bangor Hydro want people to be raising this issue or have a court of jurisdiction (federal court) address the issue of whether or not BHE/EMERA have the right, under FERC rules, to collect Stranded Costs from Maine customers.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission will be conducting a Public Hearing on this issue. It is scheduled for Thursday, March 17 at 6pm at the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson College in Bangor. The Hearing Examiner was reminded that date was St. Patrick's Day. He continued to schedule the PUBLIC Hearing on that date. Could it be it was with the intention (hope) few people would attend?

The issue is Bangor Hydro Electric (BHE) Company’s attempt to raise residential stranded cost rates. BHE’s intent is to apply these rate increases to the Transmission and Delivery of ratepayers bills. Attend, Speak Up, Ask Questions.

QUESTIONS PEOPLE SHOULD ASK AT THE PUBLIC HEARING NEXT WEEK

2011-03-10T15:00:00.002-05:00

The previous post today provides information on the Public Hearing scheduled next Thursday at 6pm at Husson College in Bangor re: the increased rate change Bangor Hydro is seeking.

Today there was another telephone conference between various parties to this case (2010-377). Out of these conferences much has been learned the average Maine resident (ratepayer) does not realize about their Bangor Hydro Electric bill and related charges.

For instance Did you know:

The vast majority of these rate increases are levied only on residential customers and small businesses. Large corporations have hired private attorneys who have succeeded in gaining exceptions to the typical rates.

The higher the charge to ratepayers, the higher the individual stock shares pay. The executives of EMERA, the Canadian company that owns Bangor Hydro, are paid with stock options. That means, the higher the cost to us, the ratepayers, the higher the value of compensation (salary + value of stock shares) to the executives. The higher the cost to us the ratepayers, the greater the profit margin for EMERA/Bangor Hydro.

And yet, Bangor Hydro is trying to justify part of the rate increase because the pension fund for their own employees in underfunded. So, we the ratepayers are needed to bail out Bangor Hydro's employee pension plan AND increase the stock share value AND pay for the pay raises for EMERA/Bangor Hydro executives. Do you have a problem with that? I do.

The official responsibility of the Maine taxpayer funded Office of the Public Advocate is to look out for the rights of the ratepayers - not the corporations but the people, the residents. The issue of the legality of charging ANY stranded costs to Maine ratepayers has been raised in both writing and during these telephone conferences. (See the postings of the last two days for information on the federal statute which appears to show that the MPUC should never have approved ANY stranded cost rates requested by Bangor Hydro.)

This morning, Benjamin Smith, appointed Hearing Examiner for the MPUC on this case, directly asked Agnes Gromley, Senior Legal Counsel of the OPA, if she planned to file any action re: the legal standing of the Bangor Hydro stranded cost rates based on the federal statute that has been brought to the attention of all. Ms. Gromley stated the OPA did not plan to bring any action.

This means, while the OPA knows there is a federal legal issue that challenges ANY stranded costs charged to Bangor Hydro residents, OPA does not plan to challenge what has been the MPUC's practice of allowing these charges for the last ten years. Our public advocate appears to think ripping off the residents of Maine illegally should not be questioned in court. How's that for your tax dollars?

If you are not upset by YOUR public advocate (the legal office charged with looking out for your interests) that your taxes are paying for, YOU SHOULD BE.

Maine residents need to plan to attend the Public Hearing next Thursday and ask these questions.

1. Ask if it is EMERA or Bangor Hydro that is issuing thousands of additional stock shares annually?

2. Ask how much a share was worth five years ago, three years ago, and last year.

3. Ask if the Maine state pension fund (for state workers and teachers) currently holds ANY EMERA/Bangor Hydro stock? If it does, how many shares? For how long?

If our taxes are going to go up to pay the unfunded BILLIONS in liability of THAT fund, on top of state programs being cut back to help fund the deficit, should we also have our delivery of electricity rates increased as well to help increase the value of those shares?

4. Ask why EMERA/Bangor Hydro isn't funding their employees' pension plan out of their profits?

5. Ask why the highest rate is charged to residents and small businesses and why corporations are exempted or granted a lower rate? Corporations are not living on social security that has seen NO cost-of-living increase in two years.

6. Ask why the Office of the Public Advocate is not filing a class action suit in federal court prohibiting Bangor Hydro from charging ANY stranded costs under the federal statute which only applies to American corporations.

I'll be providing more questions people should ask next Thursday at the Public Hearing. Do not assume one or two people can carry this fight alone for all of Northern and Eastern Maine. YOU have to show up, stand up and speak up. This is your state and it is your money you have to fight for.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR BANGOR RE: BANGOR HYDRO PROPOSED RATE INCREASE

2011-03-10T09:40:00.007-05:00

To All,

A NEWS RELEASE was sent out Wednesday, March 9, 2011, by the Maine PUC Hearing Examiner, Benjamin Smith, to announce a PUBLIC HEARING will be conducted
THURSDAY, MARCH 17 at 6pm at the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson College in Bangor, Maine.

The issue (for members of the public to know speak up) is Bangor Hydro's request for a "stranded cost rate hike". This increase will be added to the "delivery and transmission" portion of your Bangor Hydro bill - not the cost per kilowatt portion.

The rate increase was intended to become effective March 1, 2011. However, because various individuals (and groups) have protested the legality of ANY stranded cost increases under federal law, and the negative impact any utility rate increase will have on Maine residents and businesses, those of us protesting are unwilling to sign any settlement before (1) Public Hearings are conducted and (2) a court of appropriate jurisdiction rules on the legality of stranded costs being charged to state residents when the utility company is owned by a non-United States company. EMERA, which owns Bangor Hydro, is a Canadian company. The federal statute being cited by Bangor Hydro as justification for charging stranded costs only applies to U.S. owned companies.

This writer has fought for Public Hearings to be held in Bangor (instead of the behind-the-scenes-telephone-conferences which have been going on ---the normal
procedure for the PUC).

I URGE YOU TO forward this information to all of your friends in Northern and Eastern Maine (Bangor Hydro customers). Please ATTEND THIS MEETING AND SPEAK UP. We need to pack that room!

It is time to speak up and object to the standard rate increases that Bangor Hydro has been granted every year since the company was sold to EMERA.

If you want to review the entire (public) documents and filings for this case, go to the Public Utilities Commission's website (www.maine.gov/mpuc) and access the Virtual Case File. Enter docket number 2010-377 in the Case ID field to retrieve available documents. Be advised, you will NOT be able to read any of the Confidential data or discussions that have been going on in recent weeks.

You can also send letters to the Commission (referencing Docket Number 2010-377), attention Administrative Director, Karen Geraghty - 18 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0018.

Be aware, one of Bangor Hydro's original justifications for the rate hike was their unfunded liability for Bangor Hydro employees.

Just how many corporate responsibilities are we, the taxpayers, supposed to carry on our backs? This lack of corporate responsibility needs to stop somewhere. Time for Mainers to stand up and say "ENOUGH."

For more information on this issue, read previous postings on this blog. For more information re: the Federal Statute in question, yesterday's posting has some information.

Thank you

THE UNDERLYING (AND UNADDRESSED) ISSUE BEHIND THE BANGOR HYDRO PROPOSED RATE INCREASE

2011-03-09T10:34:00.005-05:00

What follows is a copy of a faxed communication sent to the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) challenging the legal authority of both Bangor Hydro Electric (BHE) and the MPUC to issue any Stranded Cost rate increases to be paid by Maine ratepayers (residents and businesses in Maine). These Stranded Cost rate increases have been granted by the MPUC ever since the BHE hydro generating powers (and BHE) were sold to EMERA, a Canadian corporation, ten years ago.
***

STATE OF MAINE
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
BANGOR HYDRO-ELECTRIC COMPANY
Investigation into Bangor Hydro's
Stranded Cost Revenue Requirement and Rates
Docket No. 2010-377
MARCH 7, 2011
INTERVENOR
RESPONSE

BHE was purchased outright by Canadian Company, Emera Corp. almost ten years ago. Therefore, it is a pretty fiction to pretend that Bangor Hydro Electric ratepayers can be forced to pay Stranded Costs under USA FERC RULES and State of Maine Statute.

Instead Canadian rules and statutes apply. (refer to Intervenor's exhibits faxed to PUC & N. Healy 3-6-11)

(History:) After USA nationwide deregulation, it is estimated that $200 Billion of Stranded Costs were owed by United States' utilities companies. In order to prevent a massive transfer of wealth from shareholders to consumers, the US utilities' industry was given Federal Regulatory Commission permission to shift their bad debts onto US ratepayers. State statutes were then promulgated to enforce this.

But this is cold comfort for BHE because they were sold. They are NOT an American company. They are EMERA. Emera is a corporation of Canada. Emera is responsible for BHE's bad debts ever since the buyout. (Meaning: EMERA should have become responsible for any BHE debts at that point.) BHE cannot lawfully continue to issue more shares and deny to its State of Maine ratepayers all the protections and benefits that all the other Emera electricity ratepayers enjoy. (The) Stranded Cost rate setting in (case) 2010-377 before Maine PUC is (therefore)illegal.

Therefore, I oppose the net 1% rate decrease in 2010-377. I am writing in Response to the telephone call from Bangor Hydro Electric Company's attorney, Nora Healy, that I received on Friday night, March 4, 2011. In it she mentioned the net one per cent figure. A 14% rate decrease granted to other Emera ratepayers would be more appropriate at this time.

(Signed) Helen Patterson
33 Henderson St, Brownville, ME 04414
***

Why is this important to Maine ratepayers?
If the federal statute applies, ALL of the BHE Stranded Cost rate increases, which the MPUC has approved these past several years, may well be illegal. It would mean the ratepayers have been overcharged for delivery and transmission of electrical power.

If that is the case, Maine ratepayers are owed significant refunds and both BHE and the MPUC are in trouble.

Why has the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) stayed silent on this issue when it has been raised in this case? The OPA is charged with being an advocate for the people's interest.
It has been proposed that the State of Maine's pension fund holds a significant number of BHE shares (and BHE issues thousands of additional shares annually). If BHE/EMERA had to refund the ratepayers the millions of dollars it has collected these last ten years in Stranded Cost rates, what would that do to the already indebted pension fund for state employees and teachers?

On the other hand, IF the state pension fund does hold BHE/EMERA stock-shares, could that be the reason why the OPA is not arguing the issue of illegal collection of Stranded Cost rates?

Would that not be a Conflict of Interest?

Would it not continue to be a Conflict of Interest if the case were taken to the office of the Maine Attorney General?

IF the federal statute referenced in Ms. Patterson's statement applies to BHE/EMERA, the only course for Maine ratepayers may be to file a complaint on behalf of the ratepayes with the Federal Appeals Court.

This case will be coming to some kind of a head at a PUBLIC HEARING in Bangor soon and BHE ratepayers from throughout the region should plan to attend and speak up. The time, date and place will be posted here so keep reading.

Something to Consider: If responsible people had spoken up four and five years ago, Wall Street Bankers and Investment firms would have been stopped in their tracks before they drove this country to its knees three years ago. Maine's financial recovery cannot happen while the price of delivering purchased energy continues to break the backs of both residents and businesses trying to live and survive in this state. Nor should Maine's people be forced to serve as pack animals to carry the burden of mismanagement and self-serving organizations whose licenses-to-operate require they serve the public good.

Maine people used to be known for their backbone and independence. Time to find it. Act like sheep - be treated like sheep. Speak up - or be silenced.

THE LATEST REVOLUTION - RIGHT HERE IN MAINE

2011-03-07T11:31:00.004-05:00

In the mailbag this morning:

"2010-305 is a CMP Stranded Cost Case run by Ben Smith simultaneous to 2010-377, the case dealing with Bangor Hydro Electric's proposed rate increase that several residents and the Maine Office of the Public Advocate are challenging.

The procedures (for the CMP case referenced above) are exactly the same as in 2010-377, the case against BHE proposed rate hike, - telephone conferences, hasty premature agreements to Stipulations, you name it. They're doing it all the same. It's weird!"

The Governor will have the opportunity to appoint a new Commissioner after April 1 when one of the seats becomes vacant. Hopefully, the new Commissioner will take a strong stand for business in Maine which means at least preventing any increase in utility rates. Better yet - reduce them. When the Governor said in his Inaugural Address that it was time to put people before politics, we can only hope he also meant putting survival before greed.

Some of the Intervenors in the Bangor Hydro case, of which this writer is one, have already notified the Commission (via the appointed and taxpayer paid Hearing Examiner, Ben Smith) they will not agree to the current stipulated settlement on the table. We want this case to go before the full board of Commissioners. It is unlikely the case could be conducted until after April 1, 2011.

We want to give the ratepayers a chance to be heard. That includes year-round residents who may be living on fixed incomes (while Social Security does not recognize the "inflated cost of living" we experience here in Maine).

It also includes businesses like Lemforder who closed up shop in Brewer after five years because they were paying 5 cents/kilowatt doing business in Virginia but 16 cents/kilowatt in Brewer,ME (Bangor Hydro Electric rates).

If the Governor wants to turn the business environment around in this state, he must resolve the ever-increasing costs of electricity and power. That begins with BHE and CMP and the position that has become entrenched at the MPUC - that annual rate hikes are acceptable.

One Intervenor believes "The reason for making the ratepayers pay utilities bad debts is $200 billion in stranded costs are left over from nationwide deregulation. It would be a massive transfer of wealth from shareholders to consumers if the utilities (companies) were forced to pay their own bad debts." Just TARP all over again. Didn't we learn that wasn't such a great idea?

She has a point if one looks at some of the "justification" points BHE used initially for the proposed rate hike currently under review.

For instance: Why should Maine ratepayers be responsible for the "unfunded pension liability of BHE employees"?

A question all Maine voters should be addressing to their state representatives and senators: Did the Maine Legislature REQUIRE BHE to sell off their generating power sources back in 2000? (That is a gem of information one of the BHE attorneys stated to this writer in a recent telephone call. Supposedly the rationale was that a free market would reduce utility rates.) Or could the "gem" have been to transfer my irritation at BHE's greed? All I have seen is rates for "delivery" of my kilowatt usage go UP year after year until they now exceed the cost of the kilowatts used.

Write to Governor LePage and URGE him to appoint a new PUC Commissioner who will be an advocate for the people and businesses of Maine. http://www.lepage2010.com

As to BHE's rush for a settlement, knowing that many of the Intervenors' issues have not been resolved, perhaps it is because BHE does not want this case to go to trial before the full Board of Commissioners. With the current environment and political administration, there might be some justice for Maine's people and businesses if all this information was exposed under the bright light of public scrutiny.

THIS WEEK'S PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED 2011-2012 TOWN BUDGET

2011-03-06T14:18:00.002-05:00

The Public Hearing will begin at 6pm at the Eddington Town Office according to the sign in front of the Town Office. The second/follow-up Public Hearing will be conducted March 15 and will also commence at 6pm. Anyone planning to attend the Town Meeting, where the budget will be voted on, should attend at least one of these Public Hearings - both is better.

PROTECTIONS PROVIDED IN PROPOSED WIND ORDINANCE

2011-03-06T14:11:00.002-05:00

The Eddington Planning Board's proposed Wind Energy Facility Ordinance, which will be voted on (Accept or Reject - maybe with amendments should any be introduced at the Annual Town Meeting) does contain some "protection" against abandoned non-functioning wind towers, should any company ever meet the strict/conservative requirements within the bill.

Individuals planning on voting on the issue should obtain a copy of the proposed ordinance before the March 22 Town Meeting. The "protection" is within Section 105.14 "Decommissioning and Site Restoration Plan and Requirements."

PUBLIC HEARINGS IN PREPARATION FOR UPCOMING TOWN MEETING - 2011/2012 TOWN BUDGET

2011-03-02T13:13:00.003-05:00

There will be two Public Hearings at the Town Office, March 8 and 15, during which the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen will be going over the proposed 2011-2012 Town Budget.

Based on this writer's previous experiences, it's a good idea for voters to attend BOTH Public Hearings. Frequently, issues are raised at the first meeting that need to be corrected or "fixed." Depending on whether or not the materials for the Town Meeting have already gone out for printing at the time of the Public Hearing, those corrections may not show up in the Town Meeting documents. Unless the voters actually know about the errors or corrections needed, they may not point them out and require the changes before voting.

The same issues need to be addressed at the second Public Hearing because there may be people in attendance who were not at the first Public Hearing - for the same reasons.

The Public Hearings are the ONLY opportunity to hear the explanations and understand the proposed budget and individual line items in the different sections. This is particularly important because the format used at the Public Hearing is not the same as the one used for the Town Meeting when the voting takes place. And there is no explanation and discussion provided at the Town Meeting UNLESS THE PEOPLE INSIST on them.

This is why voters should like to take their "crib notes" from the Public Hearing to the Town Meeting. Town Meeting is all about how YOUR tax money is going to be spent, people.

AS A SIDE NOTE: It would be wonderful if the candidates for the School Board were in attendance at both Public Hearings - even more so if they were given the opportunity AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING (because no one sticks around for the last five minutes) to introduce themselves and give a brief presentation. Of course people may need to really push the idea on the Selectmen (and the Chair in particular) to do this. But it will be the ONLY OPPORTUNITY for the largest number of people (the only gathering of people inclined to vote) to "meet the candidates."

What harm can a little civic responsibility do where so few actually turn out and vote in a local election? The vote at the Town Meeting and the vote to accept (or reject) the school budget are the ONLY TWO VOTES where town residents directly decide where their tax money is going to be spent and how much tax money is going to be collected.

You can turn out to vote for the President of the United States but how much direct impact do you really have on what that person does? Minute. Your vote for your local town budget and school district budget is as close as you will ever have in making a real tax/fiscal difference.

Think about it. Become informed on the issues and costs. Then - VOTE.

UPCOMING LOCAL EDDINGTON ELECTIONS

2011-02-28T14:04:00.004-05:00

The candidates papers must be in; they were due February 4.

There are two three-year positions for the Board of Selectmen. We can expect Don Goodwin and Joan Brooks are running again for the positions they have held for years. If they have no opposition, no reason to think they won't both be re-elected. Just as there's no reason to believe Joan won't be made Chair again. The earth turns.

Then there are two vacant School Board positions: One three-year position and one two-year position to represent Eddington on the more-or-less AOS 63 School Board (the two-year position is to fill out the one previously held by Karen Clark who moved out of town and is no longer eligible). The three-year position has been held by Pam Dorr who chose not to run for re-election.

This writer has heard there were two, and maybe three, individuals considering running. Their names are unfamiliar. All three appeared to be men.

Tomorrow night, March 1, will probably be the last Selectmen's meeting before the elections scheduled for March 21 (the Town Meeting is scheduled for 7:30 the following night at the Eddington Elementary School).

Unless the candidates for any of the positions plan to put out some kind of mailer, which is unlikely, what will be the basis for any votes cast?

*Has anyone seen any information regarding the qualifications of any candidate posted anywhere? Perhaps the government access channel (cable channel 7), which is prepared and posed by staff at the Eddington Town Office? Could be done, but doubtful it will be.

*Has there ever been anything printed on any ballot regarding any candidate other than his/her name and the office which s/he is seeking? It's done in other states, but I've never seen anything here in Eddington.

There was one candidate three years ago who mailed out postcards to over 300 registered Eddington voters. That same candidate successfully argued with the Board of Selectmen to hold a Candidates Night so candidates could present their qualifications and interest in running for the positions being sought. People who attended were able to ask the candidates questions and hear the candidates' positions on relevant issues. It wasn't a perfect solution but it was better than nothing, which is the norm.

The average School Board member in Eddington, where there are over 2,000 registered voters, is elected with less than 50 votes. Sometimes significantly less than 50 votes. The election of Selectmen don't fare much better. And yet, of the property taxes collected, 56 percent (a higher percentage will be the case in years to come) goes to pay for the School District budget.

This writer is a witness to the fact that the people who vote for the town's representative to the School Board NEVER attend School Board meetings and NEVER observe how their School Board members represent the town's voters and property owners.

There will be some who will argue the School Board members are there to manage the school district. They are wrong. That is the function of the District Superintendent.

The responsibility of the School Board is to hold the District Superintendent accountable for adhering to the District's policies and procedures - and to represent the best interest of the district's taxpayers. That is why each of the towns in the district has its own representative(s) on the Board. (It is the duty of the District Superintendent to supervises the District Central Office, which includes the District's Business Manager, and the District's school principals. The school principals supervise the teachers.)

But how do we, the voters, know which, if any of the candidates running from Eddington for the School Board are qualified or capable for the positions they are seeking?

*Do we know them? I don't.
*Do we know their educational or professional backgrounds? I don't.

Maybe they are good and honest people. That doesn't tell me anything about their abilities to do the job.

*Have they reviewed the requirements of the positions?

Do they know they will be required to participate on at least two committees, in addition to attending School Board meetings?

Are they willing to learn AND CHALLENGE, if need be, each and every line item in the monthly budget and finance reports, even if they are not on that committee?

Are they willing to hold both the District Superintendent AND the Business Manager accountable if (A) the monthly budget and finance reports are not produced and submitted on time? (B) the expenditures and explanations are not acceptable, logical or understandable? and (C) the Annual Audit documents are not ready for the Auditors by September 1 of each year?

The Bottom Line: The Controlling Bodies in Eddington (the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, and the three representatives on the School Board) have never shown any interest in finding out why there is a declining interest in voter participation in local issues. Surveys are resisted, but what else do we have?

*There is no local newspaper.
*A lot of people live in areas where they don't receive cable television (or can't afford it).
*Many of the older people in town don't have (or don't want - or don't know how to operate) a computer.
*The Post Office will only post legal and official notices.
*Notices are posted at the Tradewinds and the Eddington Store but many residents don't frequent those businesses on a regular basis.

Other than for national or state elections with high profile issues or candidates, there is a low voter turnout in Eddington.

Look at the number of people who turned out overall for the two Public Hearings regarding the proposed Wind Ordinance that will be voted on at the March 22 Town Meeting (see previous posting for more information), or the Public Hearings on the grant request for the Fire Department.

The lighted sign in front of the Town Office/Fire Department is blank most of the time. The Fire Department uses it more than the Town Office (other than for birthday greetings).

Last year there were fewer than 200 people at the Town Meeting. There may not be more than that number this year. The voting for these four offices on March 21 will probably generate fewer than 100.

In truth, how can anyone cast a vote for a name when the voter doesn't know what the name represents? Does a responsible citizen vote for a NAME when the citizen knows nothing about what is behind the name?

This citizen doesn't.

GOOD NEWS FOR BANGOR AND BORDERS - AND AMAZON IS ON THE MOVE

2011-02-18T16:03:00.000-05:00

In my email news bag today, there was good news for Bangor's Borders Bookstore. It is NOT on the Hatchet List. Yahoo. The complete list for the USA, from Alaska to Hawaii was included. Nothing listed for the state of Maine. I have no idea how many Borders stores there are in Maine, but however many there are - none are on the list. Good news for us.

Another piece of book news that could relate to Maine is that the state of Texas decided to go after Amazon.com for $270 Million in taxes. Seems the distribution center for Amazon.com is located in Austin, Texas. Guess what? Amazon.com is moving that distribution center out of Texas. Not only will the state not collect those taxes, they won't be collecting any payroll taxes from the individuals who were working at the distribution center. Worthy of note: Texas does not have a state income tax. Maybe the state of Maine should consider marketing a business opportunity to Amazon.com. Of course that might require the Maine Public Utilities Commission to rein in utility costs across the state. Anyone still believe in Christmas miracles around here?

WHAT WILL THE BORDERS BUST BODE FOR BANGOR?

2011-02-17T13:13:00.002-05:00

From today's email bag, an article by Joshua Bodwell, President of Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance (MWPA). As some of you readers are aware, I write mystery novels (under a pen name) and am working toward becoming a published writer. Not an easy journey for anyone these days. It never was but in recent years with the large publishing houses buying up the smaller independent houses, it has become even more challenging. So this week's news regarding Borders and Barnes & Noble, the future for any writer is daunting. For those trying to break into the business, it could be devastating. Are we all doomed to e-books and Amazon.com?
***

"HELLO ALL,

As I drove to Bangor earlier this week (the MWPA is co-sponsoring the Bangor Book Festival in October!), I listened to the radio squawk news of the pending Borders bankruptcy. The news made me cringe at the thought of how many small presses, publishers, and therefore writers would lose their hard earned dollars.

Later in the week, Publisher’s Weekly put numbers to how much Borders owes:

“Publishers are on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars led by Penguin Group (USA), which is owed $41.1 million, followed by Hachette at $36.9 million, Simon & Schuster at $33.8 million, Random House at $33.5 million, and HarperCollins at $25.8 million.”

The trickle-down effect of these losses—if in fact these publishers are not paid back by Borders—could have a serious impact on authors and writers hoping to be published—I don’t think devastating is too strong a word.

Then I came upon this other headline in Publisher’s Weekly: “Bookstore Sales Fell 1.4% in 2010.” An ominous tone?
Well, I was surprised to read the story and find that total bookstore sales equaled $16.50 billion in 2010. Billion. That could hardly be considered bad news, right?

Out of curiosity, I did a little research and found that 2010’s annual movie ticket sales totaled $10.65 billion—about $6 billion less than 2010’s bookstore sales. Pretty interesting, ay?

Wouldn’t conventional wisdom have us believe that far more people go see movies than read books today? I mean, aren’t we inundated with pundits bemoaning the death of books and reading? Well, this news about bookstore sales figures made me think of my favorite line in the book Freakanomics: “Conventional wisdom is often wrong.”

I was buoyed by the bookstore sales figures. And I hope you are, too. We know that things in the book business are changing. And quickly. But beyond that, very little can be assumed. So let’s keep faith, okay?

In the meantime: buy local."

THE EDDINGTON WIND ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING

2011-02-14T13:22:00.002-05:00

The Public Hearing last Thursday evening on the proposed wind ordinance was both interesting and informative. Unfortunately, only about twenty people attended – normal for Eddington. It was the last of two Public Hearings on the matter. The first one had an attendance of 57. Fewer than 100 people out of over 2000 registered voters. With so much on the line, no further comment is necessary.

This will be an important decision for the town.

The vote on the ordinance will be taken at the Town Meeting March 22. If this ordinance, as written, fails, anyone wanting to put up a wind turbine will be able to do so with few restrictions.

Two companies have expressed interest in exploring a project in Eddington. One is Cianbro in Brewer, ME; the other is Eolian in Portmouth, NH. If this ordinance, as written, passes, both of the two companies have indicated they will withdraw any consideration of bringing their business to our town. This can cost Eddington millions in the town's tax base and employment opportunities.

This writer listened with interest to some of those who spoke up Thursday. I will admit, some were so closed-minded to the thought of any wind turbines anywhere, not just in Eddington, I found it difficult to consider their comments objectively.

However, the following information did cause me to pause re the establishment of wind turbines here:

1. If a turbine fails, or comes to the end of its lifetime or the company that built it goes into bankruptcy, the town is left with a monstrosity and an environmental disaster area. (What I did not realize before the meeting: the entire site for the number of turbines would be leveled – trees and growth removed and the ground [probably] asphalted. We are talking about a significant area depending upon the number of turbines. If the site is the top of a mountain, scenic views are destroyed permanently.) Roads to the turbine site are may need to be cut through forested areas, as well. If the company abandons the project, the town is left with unattended roads and an eyesore.

A Possible Solution to this issue would be a required Bond to cover the cost of removal of any and all turbines and restitution of the site and road area prior to the issuance of any permit.

The town now requires Bonds from housing project developers to insure roads, culverts, etc. are completed. Something similar could be required for wind turbine developers. HOWEVER, this requirement would need to be added to the existing document. And should be. There is always the possibility that some developers could come along and meet even the conservative/stringent requirement in the proposed ordinance. It may be that this should be an addendum to be added at the town meeting EVEN if the current proposed ordinance is passed. Consider it an Insurance Policy.

2. The members of the Planning Board reviewed extensive documents, films, websites, etc. of wind turbine projects in Sweden, Norway and Germany as well as in the United States. Members of the Board stated that communities in the other countries are now trying to shut down and prohibit these projects in communities for a variety of reasons. It was obvious the Board has done a lot of work in preparing the proposed ordinance and they should be commended.

3. The Mars Hill Project. People in Eddington have heard of the problems people living in Mars Hill are experiencing. While their project meets the state’s requirements, doctors have tested people living up to 3,000 feet away from the turbines. Doctors have found those people are experiencing problems from either the constant noise or vibrations. The proposed Eddington wind ordinance has conservative setback guidelines for industrial/commercial operation turbines with specific requirements for waivers.

4. The Eddington proposed ordinance sets specific requirements for residential towers and for large commercial/industrial turbine operations.

5. It was reported that at least one of the businesses that approached the Planning Board stated they would not be interested in these projected if they did not receive federal stimulus money to do them. (If the stimulus money is cut, what happens to a project? To the town?)

6. One of the businesses expressing interest in a wind energy project in Eddington stated to this writer that negotiations with a town usually results in about $2,000.00/year per turbine for the life of the turbine. While this sounds great from the point of adding to the tax base, some people at Thursday’s meeting stated the more income the town receives from such a project meets with equal revenue sharing cuts from the state. Bottom line: Every dollar gained from a project would result in equal dollars lost from state revenue. Whether or not this is true, I don't know. However, it only adds more justification to obtaining a Bond up front for “end-of-project” take-down and clean-up.

In conclusion: Any resident who did not attend one of the Public Hearings should go to the Town Office and obtain a copy of the proposed Wind Ordinance and READ IT. Then plan to attend the Town Meeting March 22 at the Eddington Elementary School at 7:30pm and VOTE.

TELL ME THE MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION ARE REALLY OVERSEERS ON THE PUBLIC'S BEHALF? IF SO, WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN SMOKING THE LAST 30 YEARS?

2011-02-13T11:12:00.003-05:00

The following is a statement (written testimony) submitted by taxpayer and Maine resident, Helen Patterson. This statement has been sent to the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in opposition to the approved rate increase currently being sought by Bangor Hydro Electric Company.

This writer has both spoken with Mrs. Patterson and read her previously submitted questions to Bangor Hydro after reviewing the numerous documents they submitted to the MPUC in support of the requested original rate increase. This writer has found Ms. Patterson to be a very intelligent woman, not someone easily put down by "authorities."

For purposes of full disclosure, this writer has also submitted a letter to the MPUC in oppostion to the proposed rate increase.

A previous blog posted in early January discussed this issue.

The information (facts) which Ms. Patterson presents in her statement, which appears below, was acquired by her participation in one of the MPUC's designated Technical Conferences. (A Technical Conference is a convenient way of bringing all interested parties together by way of a telephonic conference to conduct a hearing where some parties can participate in presentation and cross-examination of witnesses and others can listen in.)

The Technical Conferences represented here involved the attorneys representing Bangor Hydro, the Maine Office of the Public Advocate and legal counsel for a group of Maine residents who petitioned to question witnesses. Other parties, including Ms. Patterson, were also "present" to listen and to ask questions.

This writer did not "attend" any of the Technical Conferences because, until Ms. Patterson was kind enough to actually explain how they worked, I expected my "testimony" to be presented at an actual hearing. The Hearing Examiner was not inclined to provide any information in "plain English" as to what the procedures were via email even though he was asked to do so. So much for being an objective examiner and weigh-er of facts and input or paid public servant.

For those residents of Maine who receive bills for electrical services from Bangor Hydro Electric Company (called Stranded Cost Customers), the following should be of interest:

NOTE: And Intervenor is (for purposes of this case, identified by the docket number,) those individuals who are petitioning/protesting the rate increase.
*****

STATE OF MAINE Docket No. 2010-377

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FEBRUARY 11, 2011

BANGOR HYDRO-ELECTRIC COMPANY INTERVENOR

Investigation into Bangor Hydro’s TESTIMONY

Stranded Cost Revenue Requirement and Rates

The title of this case is Bangor Hydro Electric Company investigation into Bangor Hydro’s Stranded Cost Revenue Requirements and Rates. Stranded costs are associated with power supply functions of a utility business.

Bangor Hydro Electric Company does not generate power. It is solely a T & D transmission and distribution company. No stranded costs whatsoever should be recovered in this case nor in any other by Bangor Hydro Electric Company.

What’s more all the money taken from ratepayers for stranded costs illegitimately is owed back to them. It should be paid back lump sum, cash.

The standard ROE, return on equity is 5.5%, not the 8.5% BHE asked for in this case.

(Refer to 2/8/11 ME PUC Technical Conference transcript questions, B. Smith Hearing Examiner)

In a series of cases BHE has been setting ROE’s without a PUC accounting order.

(Refer to 2/8/11 ME PUC Technical Conference transcript questions, B. Smith Hearing Examiner)

BHE has failed to seek lower interest rate refinancing that is standard in the utility business.

(Refer 2/8/11 ME PUC Technical Conference transcript questions, B. Smith Hearing Examiner)

Bangor Hydro’s unfunded pension liabilities that date from the time of the Emera

purchase contract are an inappropriate expense to ratepayers in this case.

Bangor Hydro Electric Company has failed to prove that its rate request in this case

is appropriate and necessary. It has not adhered to economic efficiency standards.

Therefore, BHE’s rate request should be Denied.

Helen Patterson, Intervenor
33 Henderson Street
Brownville, ME 04414 207-965-8442

****

Readers: If you would like to read the Virtual Case File for 2010-377, the docket number assigned to this case (all of the documents and testimony submitted and gathered to date), you can do so by following these steps using your computer:

www.maine.gov/mpuc
click online filing docketed cases, forms and rfps
click virtual case file
click enter virtual case file
click case id (ONLY) enter 2010377 (no dash)
click search entire case is there
PLEASE NOTE: Do not fill in any other information except the case id#, despite the fact there will be many other blanks to trick you

NOW, do YOU want to send a statement to protest the rate increase. Go Ahead. You, too, have the right to do so, especially since the Hearing Examiner has decided there will be NO PUBLIC HEARINGS to provide the public with any opportunity to tell the Maine Public Utility Commissioners what the public thinks about this proposed rate increase Bangor Hydro, a Canadian Company, wants Maine residents to pay.

Address your statements to: The Administrative Director, Maine Public Utilities Commission, 18 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0018. Or, you can fax your statement to: Ms. Paula Cyr, Clerk of the Commission, (207) 287-1039.

Copies of your statements should be sent to the following (fax numbers are provided):
Agnes Gormley, Senior Legal Counsel, Office of the Public Advocate (these are the good guys) (207) 287-4317; Norma Healy, legal counsel for Bangor Hydro (207) 253-4721

Bottom Line: Both individuals and business owners need to let the MPUC know this rate increase is both illegal, morally wrong and bad for the financial recovery of the State of Maine.

HOW POTENTIAL VENDORS VIEW EDDINGTON'S PROPOSED WIND ORDINANCE

2011-02-08T20:41:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I sent an email to Travis Bullard, Senior Development Manager for Eolian Renewable Energy. I asked him to respond to their company's perspective to the proposed Wind Ordinance as it is currently written. I did this based on my observations at an Eddington Selectmen's Meeting where Mr. Bullard and one of his associates presented existing wind noise charts for Black Cap Mountain, the only area viable for wind turbines in Eddington and which would be directly impacted by the proposed Wind Ordinance.

The following is the email response I received today from Mr. Bullard. Voters in Eddington might want to read his information, particularly if they have not, or will not be attending this Thursday's Public Hearing on the proposed Ordinance.

Please note, the bold emphasis in Mr. Bullard's response has been added by this writer. Since Maine must come up with several Billion dollars before 2028 to cover the unpaid retirement costs for Maine employees and teachers, all property owners can expect their taxes to go up in the coming years to meet that demand. Therefore, it would behoove all of us to look at anything that is going to add to our local tax base.*****

"Hello Rusty:

Thank you very much for your inquiry regarding the proposed wind energy ordinance in the Town of Eddington. As you know, Eolian has participated in the public meeting process surrounding the proposed wind ordinance and has offered detailed feedback to the Planning Board and Selectmen.

As you mention in your email, Black Cap Mountain has been identified as a potential location that may be suitable for wind turbines due to the available wind resource, the existing site impacts (access road and 11 communications towers) and relative proximity to transmission for grid interconnection, as well as the lack of nearby residences. Based on initial review it also appears to be free from any significant critical environmental restrictions. It is almost certain that this would be the
only possible location for a commercial wind energy facility in town. In looking for suitable locations to site wind energy facilities in Maine and throughout New England, Eolian focuses exclusively on sites that have existing impact such as this and that can lead to high performance wind facilities with minimal additional impact. And we focus only on projects in the smaller range of the commercial spectrum, which we believe are the best fit for New England landscapes.

It is our view that if this proposed Ordinance were passed, permitting a wind facility in Eddington would not be possible. Again, we have provided detailed documentation on specific sections of the Ordinance that we believe create onerous restrictions to the point where permitting would be impossible. Mostly, these relate to the sound regulations, which are not based on scientific studies or measurable impacts, but rather on arbitrary setback requirements that cannot be achieved anywhere in town. There are a host of other issues with the ordinance related to enforceability as well that I would be happy to discuss with you from our perspective. We believe that the record also shows that others who have experience with wind energy facilities concur with our concerns. So, very simply, we believe this Ordinance, in effect, prohibits commercial wind development in town.

With regard to the benefits of wind energy developments, if one were to occur in Eddington, there are many. First is revenue: wind facilities pay substantial amounts each year into a town's tax base. The exact amount of money depends on the total project size and other factors, but wind facilities are often the largest taxpayer in town and provide steady revenue every year for the duration of the project life. These additional tax benefits come at no additional cost to the town, because there is no increase in town expenses for policing, fire, schooling, road maintenance, sewer and other municipal services as there are with many other forms of economic development. In addition to direct tax revenues, there are substantial local benefits that accrue indirectly during construction and operation, including construction job creation, direct purchases from local vendors, lease payments to landowners, and creation of maintenance jobs.

In addition to direct and indirect economic benefits, wind energy often acts as a de facto open space preservation tool.Landowners who lease their properties to wind energy facilities receive revenue from lease payments from wind turbines that use a very small portion of the land. These benefits allow landowners to keep large forested parcels in tact. In some instances, wind facilities are able to directly conserve land as conservation areas associated with the project, and in other instances the preservation effect results as a natural by-product of the revenue from the wind turbines.On Black Cap, where there are currently 11 towers, four of them with lighting at elevations of up to 400 feet tall, bringing a wind energy facility would allow for removal of certain towers and consolidation of the remaining towers, hence cleaning up the skyline and arguably improving the scenic character. Turbines do attract visitors, which can help boost local tourism.

Finally, in New England, power prices are driven largely by natural gas, which is fossil fuel based and subject to great future price uncertainty, as well as deleterious effects from drilling for the fuel (or mining in the case of coal), and carbon emissions from burning it. Wind facilities bring stable long term power to the New England grid and Maine's domestic power supply from clean domestic sources.

In all, we believe that the Black Cap Mountain site in Eddington has the potential to be a successful site for a moderately sized wind facility. We are hopeful that there will be an opportunity to advance a project there someday in the context of an Ordinance that would properly regulate, but still allow wind to be a part of the town.

Thanks again for reaching out and please let me know if you would like to connect further by phone.

Best Regards,

Travis
___________________________
Travis Bullard
Senior Development Manager
Eolian Renewable Energy LLC
155 Fleet Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.570.4842 Office
603.457.0065 Fax
207.272.3898 Mobile
tbullard@eolian-energy.com
www.eolian-energy.com"

2011-02-08T20:09:00.004-05:00

THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 10 - PUBLIC HEARING AT EDDINGTON TOWN OFFICE

2011-02-07T09:53:00.002-05:00

This coming Thursday there will be a Public Hearing at 6:30pm at the Town Office. The topic will be the Eddington Planning Committee's proposed Wind Ordinance. Because there is a company, Eolian, interested in developing some wind towers on Black Cap Mountain which will generate both wind energy and income for the town, it is important for the residents and voters to attend this meeting if they didn't attend the one on January 27th.

This will be the second and final Public Hearing before the required Town Meeting to vote on the Ordinance unless the Planning Committee decides to go back and make revisions based on input from the community.

Considering the fact that Bangor Hydro is currently petitioning the Maine Public Utilities Commission for a rate increase, any alternative energy source for the town should be carefully reviewed.

This writer has been accepted by the MPUC as a "petitioner" to speak against the Bangor Hydro rate increase, along with other groups and individuals. A Public Hearing in the Bangor area is reportedly planned by the MPUC. When specific information is received, it will be posted here on this blog site.

In the meantime, Eddington residents are urged to become informed of the proposed Wind Ordinance being put forward for the voters. The Planning Committee has worked for over a year on the matter and the members' work should be appreciated and respected. At the same time, we should welcome business opportunities interested in coming to our town.

BORDERS BOOKSTORE RIGHT ON TRACK WITH JANET CHAPMAN SATURDAY

2011-02-02T09:01:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday, January 29, Janet Chapman, a local writer of Romance novels, was at the Bangor Borders Bookstore on Stillwater avenue. Janet, who lives in one of the small communities outside Bangor, has fans around the world and her novels are published in several languages.

So is should have been no surprise to the staff at Borders that fans showed up from Presque Isle to New Hampshire to hear her read and sign her books they wanted to buy. But it was. Oh my. Yes it was. Fortunately, Borders had had the forethought to have several of Janet's books mailed to the store from the Publisher overnight via Federal express. Just goes to show how loyal book fans are - the kind who read real books. (It's hard to sign an e-book, don't you know.)

According to one of the people present, a close friend of Janet and another novelist, even Janet was shocked to see how far her fans had traveled just to meet her. But she was their one and only reason for the trip.

Janet Chapman is her real name and it is the name under which she writes. Women are her primary fans, but even men sometimes get hooked on Janet's books. With her new publisher, her fans should be even happier because there will be more of her books published annually.

Thank you, Bangor Borders. It's a great store.

YOUR LAUGHS FOR SEVERAL DAYS - COURTESY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINE STATE TROOPERS

2011-01-26T17:46:00.004-05:00

Just so you will know, these lines have already been used. If you are stopped by any law enforcement officer, you need to have something better than what these officers were responding to:

These are reported to be actual comments made by South Carolina Troopers that were taken off their car videos:

1. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went
through."

2. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch
after you wear them a while."

3. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate
a worthless document."

4. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

5. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed
of the bullet that'll be chasing you!"

6. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can
write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?"

7. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it
will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?"

8. "Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I'm warning you not to do that again
or I'll give you another ticket."

9. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk
or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

10. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to
ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop."

11. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."

12. "In God we trust; all others we run through NCIC." ( National Crime
Information Center )

13. "Just how big were those 'two beers' you say you had?"

14. "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're
allowed to write as many tickets as we can."

15. "I'm glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of
yours. So you know someone who can post your bail?!"

AND THE WINNER IS....
16. "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't.
Sign here, please."

THE MPUC AND THE BANGOR HYDRO ELECTRIC COMPANY

2011-01-24T15:54:00.002-05:00

The beat goes on. Never listen to your Board of Selectmen when they tell you, with a shrug, the PUC sets the utility companies' rates, as though there is nothing you - or they - can do. Did you know there is a Maine Office of the Public Advocate who represents "the people" in the state, or that any group pf people can hire an attorney to petition the PUC against a utility company's proposed rate increase.

In fact, since the various towns and cities that pay dues to the Maine Municipal Association (with our tax money, thank you), would tell MMA that the MMA should petition the MPUC against utility rate increases, maybe those rate increases wouldn't be such a shoo-in.

But the people of Maine have been so cowed for so long, there appears to be no back-bone in the bunch.

Not that I can say much for the hired staff of that politically appointed bunch of Commissioners, either. This writer sent THREE separate emails to the rep doing all the emailing from the MPUC requesting two simply pieces of information. The physical address of the hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 25 and a "plain English" explanation of what the formatted Schedule meant - what was expected to happen at certain times. I had a sound reason for these requests: I am an acknowledged "Petitioner" in the action objecting to the rate increase. Seemed to me I needed to know (and had a right to know) where I should be either to present my issue, or to hear the information/evidence presented by any of the other Petitioners (or Bangor Hydro).

The first three emails I sent, I was polite and only sent it to one of two parties employed by the MPUC. No response. When I sent the fourth request - to EVERYONE, which means all of the attorneys, petitioners and Bangor Hydro and MPUC alike, then (and only then) did I receive a response from the Hearing Examiner - who suggested that if I couldn't understand what was going on, perhaps I should hire an attorney!

And this is someone whose salary is paid by Maine taxpayers.

Perhaps the MPUC and the utility companies would prefer they didn't have to consider the people, the taxpayers, the rate payers, the residents - the voters. Appears they have forgotten they have separate roles.

Tuesday's hearing has two purposes: Another group of PEOPLE want to be added to the list of Petitioners. Maybe they, too, received their notifications late like some people in Bangor who only received them the week of January 10, 2011 - long after the MPUC declared petitions closed. (Of course there are no dates mentioned in the Bangor Hydro notification. It would seem that might be relevant.)

The other issue to be addressed tomorrow is that one Petitioner has requested certain information from the Bangor Hydro which Bangor Hydro does not want to provide. Seems that information is part of on on-going litigation between Bangor Hydro and another entity. (You don't suppose this rate hike is to pay for the litigation, do you?) Anyway, Bangor Hydro is requesting the MPUC provide a Protective Order which would mean they would not have to answer that question even though the Petitioner believes it is relevant to why Bangor Hydro is requesting the rate hike...

So we will see who the MPUC is going to protect - Bangor Hydro or the Maine taxpayer/residents.

Maybe these little pieces of irritation are related to why the notifications were so camouflaged in the first place - all the better to scoot past you, dear customers and taxpayers, don't you know.

Life's a bit bumpy these days. Needs to be bumpier.

UPDATE ON THE PUC HEARINGS AND NEW PEOPLE TESTIFYING RE: BANGOR HYDRO'S RATE INCREASE APPLICATION

2011-01-13T12:44:00.002-05:00

In an email this morning, Maine Public Utilities Commission has granted four more people "interested person/non-party status." That means Ms. Heather LeClerc, Ms. Louise Mitchell, and Mr. Peter Berry, who wrote to the Commission, and Mr. James Alciere, who called and asked the Commission requesting to be added to the "service list" will be allowed to testify at the PUC hearing - in addition to Ms. Helen Patterson, this writer, Ms. Kim Pound, and the Town of Millinocket. One little catch though - these last four individuals (LeClerc, Mitchell, Berry, and Alciere) will not be provided with copies of the filings made by the Bangor Hydro in support of their rate increase. There were two. An original and an amended which somewhat reduces the amount of the increase.)

Since the email I received by the Associate Legal Secretary of the Maine PUC included the email address of Mr. Alciere, I have been able to contact him directly. If anyone reading this blog knows how to contact Ms. Leclerc, Ms. Mitchell or Mr. Berry, please advise them of the following:

I have both filings Bangor Hydro submitted to the PUC, as well as the responses the PUC has sent to me. All have been received via email with attached PDF files. I am willing to forward these documents to any of the individuals who plan to testify at the PUC hearing. All you need to do is provide your name and email or mailing address in the COMMENT section of this blog. I check it throughout the day.

I am just trying to find out where and when this blasted hearing is going to take place. The so-called schedule that was emailed by the Hearing Examiner was cryptic at best. I sent an email requesting something in plain English with more detail. So far, nothing has been provided.

I do find it interesting to see the written communication between the attorney for Bangor Hydro and the Hearing Examiner which has been on a first name basis. Not too professional, but quite friendly.

THE PUC HEARINGS RE: BANGOR HYDRO RATE INCREASE REQUEST

2011-01-12T11:51:00.002-05:00

Apparently there is some value in writing actual letters to the PUC protesting Bangor Hydro's actions for a proposed rate increase. Not only did the PUC acknowledge this writer's letter of protest, but they have acknowledged my request to testify at a Public Hearing against the rate increase.

Since my letter was sent and received (after January 1), someone else from Eddington wrote a letter protesting the rate increase. That individual did not specifically request to testify however. So now the Bangor Hydro is asking the PUC if that person (and others who wrote "late letters") need to be heard, especially if their letters did not specifically state they wanted to testify.

To state one wants to testify (or speak) apparently is considered a "petition." Does anyone other than this writer find it interesting to learn only now the definition of "petition." I thought a Petition required the gathering of names.

The latest "notification" this writer received from the PUC/Bangor Hydro (there have been several in the last two days) has to do with whether or not these last letter-writers are going to be considered for authorization to testify, especially if they did not specifically state (in their letters) that they wanted to do so. The following is that notification:

"Bangor Hydro has no objection to the Petitions to Intervene/Requests for Interested Party status listed in the attached Procedural Order (Ms. Patterson, Ms. Gagnon, Town of Millinocket and Ms. Pound).

We did have a few questions about other people appearing on the Service List.

1. The Procedural Order did not mention James Alciere, who apparently called the PUC and asked to be added to the Service List. Should we treat Mr. Alciere as an Interested Party?

2. The Procedural Order also did not mention Heather Leclerc, Louise Mitchell and Peter Berry who all filed comments, but did not request either to Intervene or become an Interested Parties. However, they all appear on the Service List. Should we serve the people who only filed comments with our filings or not?

Your clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Nora

Nora Healy

Verrill Dana, LLP

nhealy@verrilldana.com

207.253.4720 - direct phone

207.253.4721 - direct fax

NOTE: A previous "notification" which this writer received is the "Procedural Order" the PUC has written for this issue/Docket #2010-377:

"An initial deadline for the interventions was established by the December 13, 2010 Notice of Proceedings for December 20, 2010. At the initial case conference on December 21, 2010, the Hearing Examiner extended this deadline until December 27, 2010 in order to ensure that members of the public had an opportunity to intervene. The Commission has received several correspondences since the December 21, 2010 case conference and following the December 27, 2010 extended deadline for intervention. These include a petition to intervene by Ms. Helen Patterson dated December 20, 2010 (received January 3, 2011) as well as a January 1, 2011 letter from Ms. Rusty Gagnon (received January 4, 2011) seeking the "right to be heard," which is tantamount to - and should be treated as - a petition to intervene.* The Commission also received two correspondences from persons/entities seeking interested person/non-party status, including a January 5, 2011 letter from the Town of Millinocket (received on January 6, 2011) and a January 7, 2011 letter from Ms. Kim Pound (received January 10, 2011).

"Any party having an objection to the above-referenced petitions is directed to submit a filing with the Commission by the close of business, Wednesday, January 12, 2011 that states the grounds for such objections.

"Dated at Hallowell, Maine, this 11th day of January 2011

"BY ORDER OF THE HEARING EXAMINER

Benjamin J. Smith

* In her letter, Ms. Gagnon also requests that the Commission hold public hearings in the affected areas, "not just in Augusta." The Hearing Examiner reserves consideration as to the nature, time and place of any future public hearings in this proceeding until a later time, as appropriate.

Personally, I found it MOST INTERESTING to see the various December deadlines that were originally assigned by the PUC/Bangor Hydro to this issue in light of the fact that I did not even receive Bangor Hydro's notification of their intention to seek a rate increase until December 27, 2010. That is after the extended deadline to respond to the PUC. I am thankful my letter was even acknowledged.

YES, I said I wanted to testify (against the rate increase AND against the underhanded manner in which the notification was even mailed out to the recipients).

And I wrote to our newly elected State Representative and State Senator and Governor LePage. And I wrote a letter to the Bangor Daily News that was published January 5. I do not know to what effect any of this will achieve. Let's face it - Bangor Hydro is a monster entity. But I WILL testify that I believe ANY rate increase is bad for the state's economy, bad for those who are living on a fixed income, bad when people are tightening their belt so why isn't Bangor Hydro, bad when the state is trying to keep the businesses it already has and encourage new businesses to come for the state of increasing the tax base. And NONE of these interests will be well served by a rate increase by either one of the state's electrical power companies.

Whether anything I say will have any influence against the Monster power company, but at least I will stand up to them and I will say it. The question is - how many others with backbones will do the same?

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN MIKE MICHAUD

2011-01-07T15:42:00.002-05:00

From today's email:

Dear Fellow Mainers,

Every two years a new Congress starts. Now, more than ever, both parties need to use this new session to work together to pass policies that will boost our economy and create jobs. We also need to focus on reducing our national debt.

But so far, this Congress’s actions are a mixed bag. On the one hand, the House voted in a bipartisan way to pass a bill to trim the budgets of members of Congress, committees and leadership offices. During these tough economic times American families are tightening their belts and Congress must do the same. The measure that passed the House is expected to save approximately $35 million. While this is a symbolic vote in many respects, I am hopeful that it leads to more serious deficit reduction efforts moving forward.

In the same week, after members of the House were sworn in, the rules that govern the way the chamber works were adopted. This vote on the rules is important because it sets the stage for how the House will conduct business day in and day out for the next two years. Unfortunately, I think we’ve gotten off to a bad start.

The rules package that was passed effectively guts “pay as you go” (PAYGO) budget rules, which led to the budget surpluses in the 1990’s and were reinstated a few years ago. PAYGO requires that spending and tax provisions be paid for through offsets in the budget elsewhere. The rules package that the new majority was successful in passing actually exempts tax policy and other major items from these rules, including an extension of the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, a repeal of health care reform and the cost of new trade agreements.

Mainers I’ve talked to know that both tax policy and spending affect our overall debt, and they want our entire fiscal house to be put in order. We need to get serious about addressing our record deficits. But this rules package represents a huge step back that puts us on the wrong track, making it unlikely that we will be able to enact serious change.

But I’m not saying this just because I now find myself in the minority party in Congress. When Democrats sought to make these types of exemptions two years ago I opposed their rules package as well. In fact, I was one of only a few members to vote against my own party on it. But this year, especially with the American people clearly clamoring for action on the economy, our debt and a slew of other top issues, we’ve seriously stumbled right out of the gate.

But to make matters worse, the new rules package could also upend the way states receive federal transportation funding.

Federal highway funding is currently distributed to states through a formula. The funding comes from user fees and things like the gas tax, which are deposited in a trust fund and used specifically to reinvest in each states’ transportation and infrastructure priorities. In Congress, the amount of funding that states receive and the programs they have access to are revisited and adjusted every 5 or 6 years to reflect national trends and needs.

This funding approach is used for a number of important reasons, including that it provides states the ability to plan longer term infrastructure improvements that can often span a number of years. And previous House rules protected this. In fact, former Republican Congressman Bud Shuster championed a rule that prevented the funds that build up in the trust fund to be used to mask the size of the federal deficit.

Unfortunately, the rules package that passed the House changes these important rules that protect states’ highway funding, opening the process up to potential cuts and the whims of the broken, annual appropriations process. This would directly affect not only our aging infrastructure, but also the jobs that result from its updating. Despite being strongly opposed by everyone from the new Republican Chairman of the Transportation Committee to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, it made it into the final rules package that passed.

I’m disappointed that the new majority has decided to slip these major policy changes into an arcane rules package. This runs contrary to the message of open government and reform that a majority of Americans sent last fall. Despite this, it is my sincere hope that the new Congress can work together to build on our shared commitment to improving the economy while avoiding the same old Washington ways that the American people have clearly rejected.

With warmest regards,

Mike Michaud
Member of Congress

NOTE: If there are issues within this letter to which you object or applaud, write a letter or send an email to Congressman Michaud or Senator Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins. It is time for Mainers to Speak Up and Be Heard. If you, too, don't defend our country then why ask our young men and women to be prepared to sacrifice their lives for it.

WORLD-WIDE PUBLISHED AUTHOR TO APPEAR AT BANGOR BORDERS

2011-01-05T20:44:00.002-05:00

Janet Chapmen, writer of the romance Highlander series, will appear at the Bangor Borders bookstore on Saturday, January 29th at 3pm for a reading and book signing.

Janet's books are published is several languages all over the world and her fans eagerly await each new book in her Highlander series. These stories are set in Maine. While her characters are involved in romantic relationships, certain individuals have been gifted with supernatural powers that make her stories a hit with both women and young adults.

Janet lives close by in the Bangor area and this writer has been fortunate to meet her and her husband, the one she considers the "guardian at the gate" because he protects her writing time from intrusions as mundane as people knocking at the door to the ever incessant telephone. At the same time, Janet is generous in sharing information about the writing and publishing business with other writers.

It is indeed fortunate to have Borders bookstore, the most northern bookstore in Maine, be so supportive of Maine writers. This event is indicative of that support. Hopefully it will be well attended by readers and bookstore supporters alike.

For those unaware of its location, Borders is on Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, right behind the Bangor Mall and off Hogan Road. It shares the same parking lot with Staples.

BANGOR HYDRO'S SNEAK ATTACK - AND YOU THOUGHT IT WAS JUNK MAIL

2011-01-01T11:40:00.006-05:00

During this past week, Bangor Hydro Electric customers allegedly received a written notification via the U.S. mail. It came in a one-sided, tri-folded, piece of paper with a Presort Std U.S. Postage Paid Permit 214 out of Cedar Rapids, IA. There is no time date. There is no return address on the address side of the sealed form and none on the back side either. There is absolutely nothing indicating the "item" is an official notification from Bangor Hydro Electric, much less that it is anything other than junk mail. Who can guess how many Bangor Hydro Electric customers simply threw it into the trash unopened.

What the Notification Says:

"On or about December 7, 2010, Bangor Hydro Electric Company (Bangor Hydro) filed a stranded cost rate case with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission). The filing is pursuant to the provisions of 35-A M.R.S.A. Section 307 and Chapter 120 of the Commission's rules. In its filing, Bangor Hydro requested that the Commission approve an increase in its stranded cost rates for all core customer classes to be effective March 1, 2011 through February 28, 2014. This stranded cost revenue requirement increase represents a total annual increase of approximately $5 million over annual revenues from the previous stranded cost period (March 1, 2008 through February 28, 2011), and would result in a 41.21% increase in stranded cost rates, corresponding to approximately a 4.6% increase in overall delivery rates (including stranded costs, distribution and transmission), for all of Bangor Hydro's core customers....."

The notification goes on to describe how people can contact the PUC if they wish a public hearing to be held or petition to intervene. There is absolutely NO DATE by which the people must contact the PUC.

Gee, if the Bangor Hydro really didn't want anyone to petition to intervene or request any public hearings, they couldn't have found a better way to notify anyone of what they planned to do, could they?

I have several objections to this rate hike (not to mention this underhanded way and timing of notification. It's not as though we weren't just a bit busy this last week).

First: The manner in which this "notification" was sent out is underhanded at best. It was not forthright. There was absolutely no indication it was an official notification from Bangor Hydro Electric. There was nothing on the face of the blank white paper indicating it had anything to do with an essential utility's intention to file with the PUC for a rate hike or that we citizens had any rights IF we took certain actions within a limited and specific time period.

Second: Maine's electricity costs are already reputed to be some of the highest in the country.

Third: We have a significant number of retired people living in this state who are having to do so on a fixed income. Social Security has not provided a COLA for two years. There will be none in 2011. And yet look at what the increasing costs are in Maine for heating oil, gasoline, food, - and now electricity.

Fourth: Electrical costs in Maine are already making it near impossible for existing businesses to survive, much less succeed. How can Maine attract new businesses if electricity costs are going to increase? Only by increasing the business tax base can property taxes be reduced and school district budgets be shared with the state instead of being cut - or carried primarily on the backs of home owners.

Somehow, the Legislature has got to take steps with the PUC to put an end to this type of utility hijacking. Bangor Hydro provides some of the worse preventive maintenance during the decent weather months that this writer has ever seen.

Bangor Hydro Electric bills are divided into two parts - one being the cost charges for the number of kilowatts used (how much electricity). The second is the cost for "delivering" the electricity to our homes and businesses (as though it shows up in a truck like our heating oil). The Delivery Charges are always more than the cost of the amount used. And the sum total of these costs are outrageous. No other word for it. OUTRAGEOUS!

Maybe this is because the PUC allowed Bangor Hydro to shut down the hydro dams/plant that used to operate right here in Maine. I know. I worked for Bangor Hydro when I was in high school and attended UofM/Orono. This is when their primary office was downtown in Bangor at the intersection of State and Exchange Streets.

If you think this "notification" was underhanded, if you think this rate increase is outrageous then you can do either of the following:

Contact your elected representative/senator in the Maine Legislature - or Governor-elect Paul LePage. The newly elected Representative to the House for the Eddington/Holden/Clifton/Bradley area is Dave Johnson.

His email is - DJHouse20@gmail.com

To send a message to Paul Lepage, go to www.LePage2010.com On his home page you will find a section on the right side with the heading Transition. Click on that. It will take you to a new page where you can send him a message. You will need to provide your name and other information for feedback and the verify you are a Maine resident. Tell him/his team what you think about this piracy and how it will hurt taxpayers and new businesses.

Or - you can write to the PUC's Administrative Director at Maine Public Utilities Commission, 18 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0018, with a copy to Bangor Hydro Electric Company, attn: Bradford A. Borman, P.O. Box 932, Bangor, ME 04402-0932

If you have any questions, you can call the PUC Commissioner at (207) 287-3831, or contact Bangor Hydro at (207) 945-5621.

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FROM EDDINGTON NEEDED

2010-12-23T13:48:00.004-05:00

Two Eddington candidates are needed to run for the AOS (Alternative Organized System) School Board. Eddington has three positions on the Board, each of which holds a three-year term. Currently, one position is vacant. A second position is up for re-election. Elections are conduction in March.

Last March, Karen Clark was re-reelected to a three-year term. However, Karen and her family moved to Holden this past September or October. She did not officially notify the Town Office of this or change her official residence status until November 2, Election Day. Because she no longer resides in Eddington, she is not eligible to serve as an Eddington School Board member. Someone is needed to run for the two-year remainder of her term.

Pam Dorr's term of office expires in March. She has held the position for three years. This writer has been told Pam may not run for re-election. I do know she has missed meetings and experienced poor health during her term.

The only other Eddington School Board position is currently being held by Therese Anderson. Therese was re-elected two years ago. She is the Chairperson of the Board and is doing a fine job. But she can not represent Eddington alone.

Interested candidates need to go to the Eddington Town Office to pick up Filing Papers soon. Anyone interested in running will need to gather signatures of approximately 25 registered Eddington voters who support that candidate for the position. The Filing Papers need to be turned in to the Town Office by a specific date - some time in February, I believe.

Voting takes place shortly before the Eddington Town Meeting and the results are announced at the Town Meeting.

Things to know and consider:

Candidates need to be Eddington residents.

They do NOT need to be parents of children currently enrolled in any of the three schools within the school AOS.

Each school board member is required to attend the monthly school board meeting which is usually the fourth Monday of the month from 7pm to whenever business is concluded. Meeting sites rotate between the three schools (Eddington, Holbrook, & Holden).

School board members are required to participate on a certain number of standing committees. I believe three committees is the norm.

School Board members are required to attend the May Public Hearing to review the Proposed Budget for the coming year and to Listen to the Public's concerns and questions regarding that budget. Following that Public Hearing, the Board may make revisions to the Proposed Budget which is then voted on at another Public Meeting which School Board member are required to attend.

(It is also beneficial for School Board members to attend, if not actually participate on, the Budget and Financial Committee Meetings that take place prior to that Public Meeting. Those meetings usually begin in March. It can be expected the next three years will be challenging financial years for the School Board, teachers, AOS staff and taxpayers.) This makes it all the more important for people who are concerned about the quality of our schools' education AND costs, as well as AOS budgeting and financial management to be on the School Board.

Being on the School Board is not a light-weight responsibility. It is not for someone who is unwilling to consider new ideas or able to face hard financial realities. It is not for someone who is unwilling to face the fact that a disproportionate amount of the school budget will be bourne by senior citizen residents who are trying to live on not only fixed incomes - but incomes that are decreasing each year since social security has seen no cost of living increase in two years. And there will not be a COLA in 2011 either.

At the same time, we need School Board members who believe that having our students test at the State's Average is not good enough - not if this state is going to get out of the economic hole it is in. Academic Excellence is what we should be striving to provide for every student who is willing to work for it.

Are you someone who is willing to step forward to serve? If so, contact the Town Office Staff and ask for a School Board Candidate Filing Form. Consider it another way to serve your community and your country.

G.I. BILL BENEFITS BILL ACTED ON BY CONGRESS THURSDAY

2010-12-17T11:35:00.002-05:00

According to today's IAVA (Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America) emailed newsletter:

Congress passes expansion of GI Bill benefits
For the second time in two years, Congress has approved a major overhaul of GI Bill benefits, this time simplifying the formula for college tuition payments and awarding housing stipends to students attending classes online. The measure, which passed the House in a 409 to 3 vote Thursday afternoon, would also allow more veterans to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to pay for vocational school and on-the-job training.

THE WOES OF A LAZY DELIVERY DRIVER

2010-12-11T08:52:00.002-05:00

Ever depend on some service only to find the driver of that service's truck is too lazy (or perhaps lacks to incentive) to take the "challenge" of a winter's weather? Happens here every winter. Living on the shoreline means having a driveway with a downward slope. And, granted, it is a long driveway. But it gets plowed. Especially if this writer needs to get out or a delivery is expected. For sure if there is more than a dusting of snow.

On the other hand, there is the inevitable contribution at the edge of the driveway left by the DOT plow as it cleans up the Maine Road, otherwise known as Route 9. If that mound is significant, either the family plow/plower will come back and clean it out or I trudge up the driveway (or drive up) with a shovel and clean it up. But most of the time my car and others drive through it so many times the mound becomes worn down to nothing but crunched snow. Certainly easy enough for a large fuel truck to drive over - except when the truck is driven by a driver who would "rather not" it seems. And so it was this past week.

Having checked the driveway on Wednesday, in anticipation for a delivery on Thursday, I knew there was no ice that would require sanding (at a cost of approximately $60.00 this year). And the driveway had been plowed Monday. But when there was no delivery, I called Friday morning to be told that the driver had left his company a note stating he had not delivered the oil because "the driveway needed to be plowed and sanded."

The heat in this house is not because of anything this writer can be billed for this week. We'll see if Sunday and Monday's projected three inches of rain will clear the driveway to that driver's satisfaction. Maybe it's time to look for a heating oil company that is hiring drivers who actually do the job they're paid to do. At $350.00 a delivery, one would hope so.

NO COMPLAINTS

2010-12-03T14:53:00.002-05:00

It would appear the lake is just not ready to succumb to winter. Within the last two days all signs of ice have disappeared. We are back to open water, again. No complaints. Even with this weekends projected rain or snow or who knows what, there may just be open water for one more week. Have at it. Just fine by me.

****

With all the discussion in Washington regarding the recommendations from the President's Deficit Reduction Committee, the one he had to appoint because Congress refused to take on the problem, it is no wonder the Committee failed to garner the necessary 14 votes to move the Bill on to the floor. One of the recommendations was to freeze the salaries and benefits of the members of Congress but not those in the military. Now that is one recommendation I can support, I know too many military families who are in real financial difficulty, especially during repeated deployments. (And kudos to the President for appointing the Committee - no pat on the back to the members of Congress who wanted to walk away from the issue.)

There are a few of the other recommendations I have a problem with, such as eliminating the tax deduction for homeowner mortgage interest. That would be a "killer" for the housing industry, not to mention those of us already paying the interest and increasing property taxes and what would also be higher income taxes. For retirees trying to survive on fixed incomes, I just don't know where the money would come from to pay any taxes at all unless we stopped paying for the heat, electricity and gasoline we already can't afford. Even the taxes on gasoline would double. Just means we couldn't go anywhere except to the grocery store to buy food we couldn't afford.

Looking at the scenario this Debt Reduction Committee has put full square in the spotlight, one has to wonder why Congress has a problem on raising the income taxes on those making more than $250,000? Maybe an argument can be made for $250,000. It was explained to me today that many small business owners file a certain tax form that includes their personal and small business taxes together. So being taxed at a higher rate at the $250,000 level would hurt the job creation aspect. But this same person agreed that raising the limit to a compromise amount of $750,000 (instead of $1,000,000) would be equitable.

Leaving the tax break for those earning under $750,000 but increasing it for those earning over that amount would generate plenty of increased taxes - cut into the deficit, and still provide a tax break for the middle income Americans. A fair compromise if anyone in Congress would sit down and compromise. Talk about a Christmas Miracle.

LATEST NEWS FROM MAINE HERITAGE POLICY CENTER

2010-12-02T15:48:00.002-05:00

From Thursday's Maine Heritage Policy Center newsletter (via email):

On Monday, the U.S. Senate voted on an amendment that would ban earmarks, the legislative direction of federal funds for pet projects within an elected official's home state. Although the amendment was defeated by a vote of 56 to 39, Maine Senator Olympia Snowe cast her vote in favor of the earmark ban.

Below is a statement released yesterday by MHPC Communications Director Chris Cinquemani:

"The Maine Heritage Policy Center thanks Senator Olympia Snowe for her vote in favor of an amendment to ban legislative earmarks. This amendment, although largely symbolic, is an important step in demonstrating to taxpayers that the message they have sent has been heard. Maine people expect and deserve a federal government that is committed to fiscal restraint and common sense spending. Senator Snowe has shown that she has heard that message, and that she will abide by the will of Maine's struggling families and entrepreneurs. The Senator can count on our support as she and her colleagues search for ways to restrain government spending and improve the job climate."

Contact Senator Snowe's office today to thank her for standing firm against congressional pork: (202) 224-5344

Under the Statehouse Dome
Many of the officials who won on Election Day ran on a platform of lower taxes, less spending, less debt, and greater liberty for Maine citizens and entrepreneurs. Now that they are in office, we have two important tasks: first, to support those officials who advance these pro-growth policies in Augusta. Second, to hold officials accountable, and make sure they keep their word.

NOTE: To contact our
newly elected Representative, Dave Johnson: DJHouse20@Gmail.com
State Senator Richard Rosen: www.SenatorRichardRosen.com - or - rrosen113@aol.com

Supreme Court to rule on Matching Funds

On November 29, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case originating in Arizona to strike down The Grand Canyon State's matching funds provision included in its Clean Elections Act, on the basis that the provision violates free speech.

Matching funds "are distributed by the state to publicly funded candidates in order to offset private fundraising advantages of candidates who raise money the traditional way by soliciting donations from private interests, as well as spending on behalf of candidates by independent political groups."

Like Arizona, Maine's Clean Elections Act includes a matching funds provision. Earlier this year, The Maine Heritage Policy Center, in partnership with the James Madison Center for Free Speech, filed suit against Maine's matching funds provision. Our case has been appealed to federal court, but the outcome of the Arizona case in the Supreme Court may render our case in Maine a non-issue. If the Supreme Court rules Arizona's matching funds provision unconstitutional, Maine's will be as well.

Stay tuned...

FICKLE FINGERS - IT IS OUR FATE I FEAR

2010-12-01T12:21:00.002-05:00

With the rain projected for tonight and tomorrow, and even the temperatures not quite at freezing, we may have good ice skating on the lake should snow hold off for a week or so. Why? Because the water that was open only a few days ago has surrendered to the cold night air.

This morning, when at rising I thought I spied a single sliver of open water way out there in the middle, hope has dwindled. Not that anything or one should venture out heavier than a bird or perhaps a small chipmunk - not that there would be one so unwise. But ice there is, even though the patches of snow that remained a few days ago have gone. The lawn is a frozen, crunchy green. The few small piles of leaves are frozen hard. Not even a breeze moves them.

Driving through Bangor and Brewer yesterday on the way to mail out the last large box of Christmas gifts to the west coast, I had no problem in spotting entire driveways already covered with snowy ice. Perhaps they are so shaded even the sun of recent days never got a chance to shine into those areas. If so, winter started early for the cars and drivers there.

So far, my driveway is clear. Even the section in the upper part shaded by trees that was covered by crunchy snow as I drove out yesterday morning was clear with the gravel in control by the time I returned. That section is always the last to see the hard earth. However, behind my new neighbor's house, right at the base of their stairs where they often park, it is all icy. Perhaps there is a dip in the ground and the ice and snow has a greater depth. The sun can easily pour heat on the spot. Lots of ice melt will be applied there in the coming months.

But if the snow holds off, and the coming rain freezes hard on the lake, it will make for beautiful ice skating for those who venture forth when the time is right in a month or so. Time will tell. Right now the frozen water is high, much higher than it was this fall.

The fish will be going deep. It is time to pull out winter sweaters and gloves.

THE POWER OF SUNSHINE

2010-11-29T12:52:00.003-05:00

The other day icy fingers were forming across the lake's surface. Winter was moving in. It is inevitable, I know, but not welcome in this household. Even Saturday morning when there was little snow left on the ground, just enough water from the day before had frozen on tops of the wooden steps outside to make walking treacherous. One good slip and down I would go for sure - a good bruise or broken bone awaiting at the bottom.

And yet, after just a single day of sunshine the forming ice on the lake is gone. There is open water once again. Of maybe there is something solid - white at least on the far side. I noticed it easily this morning. Over in one of the far inlets where the sun has to work to find access. But here, it is all sparkles with the slightest of ripples. No ducks though. And I haven't heard a loon in weeks. But I will be happy for the open water.

There are a few small patches of last week's snow. It has been that cold. Even the sunshine hasn't been enough to melt the snow on the cold ground. And the squirrels run up and down the trees playing tag with one another. Two jets fly over head in the bluest of skies leaving white trails behind.

I glance one more time at the water before going back to work. It sparkles clear across the surface in the sunlight from shore to shore. And Elizabeth thinks she has white diamonds.

WINTER IS SETTING IN

2010-11-27T15:38:00.002-05:00

Looking out over the lake it is easy to see Winter has dipped more than a toe into the ever-darkening waters. The snow flurries from yesterday, last night and today, along with the freezing temperatures have left a snowy frosting in spots and a dark semi-slush in others. Yes, there are still large places of open water but even the eye can see how cold it must be there, even in the remaining liquid state. Not a time for anyone to venture out in any kind of craft.

There is no current today whereas just two days ago the current was free and flowing from east to west. Two days before that there were white caps on the waves as the brisk current whipped up from west to east. But today, the surface of the lake is a cold, still mirror of blackness with fat fingers of white and dark hardening slush. At least on the north side. Looking across the lake, from just past the midpoint toward the opposite shore, the water appears more open, fewer fingers.

Who knows. Maybe it's still late Fall over there. But here, on this side - Winter is checking out the landscape.

NEWS ABOUT TOWN AND ABOUT

2010-11-19T16:49:00.002-05:00

The November 16th meeting of the Eddington Selectmen was moved to the 23rd - one day after the (scheduled) November School Board meeting. Since the Selectmen's meeting will be held after the school board, it would appear Eddington will only be represented by TWO instead of three members. One of the items on the Selectmen's agenda is to appoint a replacement for Karen Clark, elected to the school board last March. Karen and her family have moved to Holden and, as a registered Holden voter, she can no longer legally represent Eddington on the school board.

If the Selectmen had met on the 16th (the third Tuesday of the month as scheduled), the Selectmen could have appointed Karen's replacement in time for the School Board meeting on the 22nd.

***

On Saturday, December 4 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, MWPA (Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance) member Jeff Foltz will be at the Bangor Public Library and then at the Rockport Public Library from 3:30 PM to 5:00PM with his new historical novel, Birkebeiner.

This writer encourages all writers and readers to support this event. MWPA has a full calendar of events in the Portland area, but there are few events planned on a regular basis here in Eastern Maine. There are several writers in Eastern Maine who would appreciate and need the support of communities in this part of the state.

****

With SNOW season soon to be upon us, there are people looking for available snow PLOWING services at reasonable rates. Anyone having or knowing of such services in the Eddington and Clifton area are free to use the Comments section here to post the name, contact telephone number and rates for services (rates per plow/storm or rates per month). At least we have a better Maine Road this year. It will be interesting to see where the snow banks end up (aside from the ones at the end of the driveways).

FROM TODAY'S BANGOR DAILY NEWS

2010-11-18T17:18:00.002-05:00

ORRINGTON, Maine — New rules that went into effect this summer regarding alternative organizational structures under the 2007 school consolidation law are allowing communities such as Orrington and Dedham, and Eddington and Clifton, to keep local control.

“The AOS structure changed” and now “it’s very similar to the old school union,” Superintendent Allen Snell said at Tuesday’s Orrington School Committee meeting.

Community leaders in town and nearby Dedham are working together to create a new cost-saving regional school unit.

Under the proposed AOS, “The Dedham School Department will have [its] own budget and the Orrington School Department will have its own budget,” Snell explained Wednesday. “And there will be a combined superintendent and special education office” that will fall under the AOS.

Earlier this month, SAD 63 and CSD 8 approved an AOS plan that is very similar to the one being considered in Orrington and Dedham. The SAD 63 and CSD 8 plan made formal a partnership that has been in place for years, Superintendent David Anderson, who serves both SAD 63 and CSD 8, said Wednesday.

“This makes it official,” he said.

Under the new AOS rules, a school unit may keep its own school board and assign members of that panel to the joint AOS board.

In the Orrington-Dedham partnership, “the AOS board will have six members, four from Orrington and two from Dedham,” Snell said. “That’s based on the population” and each vote is weighted. “That AOS board would be charged with hiring a superintendent and creating a central office budget.”

Dedham and Orrington have already agreed that the AOS office will be located in Orrington, since Center Drive School has more space, he said.

Most of the school consolidation plan is complete, but one big piece that remains to be worked out is a nonexclusive contract with a community that provides secondary education.

With a majority of the high school-age students in both communities attending Brewer High School, the decision was made to contract with Brewer.

“Under the K-8 contract, they would become our public high school, but school choice is still preserved,” school board Chairman Kyle Casburn said at Tuesday’s meeting.

Details of that contract are expected to be presented to the public in December or early January at the latest, Snell said.

“We would discuss it in an open forum, then [the school board] would vote on it and then we would vote on it as a town,” school board member Glendon Rand said.

The Orrington School Committee will next meet Dec. 1. On Dec. 7, some members of the panel will meet with their counterparts from Brewer and Dedham. Orrington and Dedham school officials then will hold an AOS planning meeting Dec. 15. In order to consider the final AOS draft, which will include the contract with Brewer, the Orrington school board is likely to hold a special meeting in mid-December, Snell said.

“By Dec. 15 we hope to have the whole plan complete, then we have to submit it to the state,” he said. “Once the state approves it, then we have to set up a day for the [public] vote and hold public hearings” in both Orrington and Dedham.

“We would hope to have a [public] vote in January or February,” Snell said.

If approved by residents, the new Orrington-Dedham AOS school board will need to be appointed. The new board would hire a superintendent and create a new school budget before the July 1, 2011, start date.

Voters in the SAD 63 communities of Holden, Eddington and Clifton and the CSD 8 towns of Amherst, Aurora, Great Pond and Osborn approved their AOS in the Nov. 2 election by a nearly 2-1 vote, Anderson said.

“The next step is to form the AOS board,” which will immediately be tasked with negotiating a nonexclusive contract with Brewer, he said.

The AOS board for SAD 63 and CSD 8 will consist of seven members, one from each town, and will have weighted votes based on population, Anderson said.

Since each school unit will maintain its school board and each community is represented on the joint AOS board, “there will still be local control,” Anderson said.

NOTE: Considering that Orrington and Dedham received permission last April to form their own RSU (and now an AOS), it is interesting that the SAD 63 and CSD 8 Boards were able to get their acts together in time for the voters to approve our AOS on the Nov. 2 ballot - an election paid for by the state. There is no more money for school consolidation votes so Orrington and Dedham residents will be paying for their vote out of their own pockets.

ODDS & ENDS AT THE CLOSE OF THE WEEK

2010-11-13T11:39:00.002-05:00

Looking out over the lake I am treasuring the open water. This morning it looks as still as cold, dark glass. Earlier a few ducks came in for a quick landing, rested for a while and then took off again.

On any given day, at various times throughout the daylight hours the surface displays varied personalities. Even here directly in front of my office home it is still. The few leaves floating on the surface are barely moving. The color of the water is a polished pewter. But there are spots to both the east and west where I can see patches of shiny dark surfaces streaking the polished pewter. And the far shore looks shiny. It's like that some days when there are currents moving in as many as three directions simultaneously across the lake's surface. Once can sit for hours just watching the "lady" as her personality flits from mood to mood. Then, as the sun comes into full force, it cause "diamonds" sparkling in places. In particular at the moment, right in front of my neighbor's home next door. Every "lady" does need her diamonds don't you know.

***

My neighbor is out one more time with his lawn mower, or maybe it's the blower, dealing with the last remnants of fallen leaves. It is not just a pleasure to be out these days when the sun is shinning and the temperatures are in the mid-to-high 50s. It is a necessity. Next week there will be rain. Again. And soon there will be the inevitable S-N-O-W. As I said to a visitor at the post office the other day, I have no problem with the "S" word, if only it would stay out of my driveway and walkways. Unfortunately, I think God has far too many big things to be dealing with these days for me to bother him/her with such a pithy request. Besides, I will be talking with him/her steadily as I am shoveling in the months to come.

***

This coming Tuesday is Selectmen's Meeting. It will be interesting to see how they chose to deal with the School Board representative replacement issue. It seems that state regs allow an individual to continue serving even if that person has moved "temporarily" out of the town which s/he has been elected to represent. The state provides NO definition or parameter of "temporarily." Fortunately, Karen Clark appeared at the Eddington Town Office on November 2 to change her voting record to show her residence as Holden (and not Eddington) which makes the record official. The relocation is no longer considered "Temporary" even by state law.

***

I find it interesting to read comments in the online version of the Bangor Daily News where individuals - hardline Republicans - accuse our state Senators of being RINOs which is supposed to mean something like Republicans on the outside but Democrats on the inside. I see these two women as hard workers trying to bring much needed business to this state and major cheerleaders for Mainers regardless of who is in power in Washington, D.C.

Just the other day, when Senator Collins was at her home in Bangor, she received a call from Senators McCain and others who had been diverted to BIA because their place could not land in Nova Scotia, their destination. Although she was waiting for a call from Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Senator Collins went to BIA only to find that Homeland Secretary Janet Neapolitano had also been diverted to BIA. (Same destination, same reason.) Because of other circumstances, Senator Collins was able to arrange dinner for all of her/our unexpected guests at Thistles Restaurant (a great place to eat on York Street, BTW) and to have these very influential people participate in greeting two departing flights of troops along with our every-present Troop Greeters.

Yes, it was an awesome opportunity for the soldiers about to be deployed to Afghanistan. But it was also an opportunity for these unexpected guests to see how valuable BIA is for the refueling stop for our military - something Senator Collins has been fighting for (and against having cut back in the ongoing battle for budget cuts). Some beaucoup political help for Maine and this area was dropped in our lap that night because our Senator put forth an extra effort.

Now read the following from a recent IAVA (Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America) newsletter:

"A Navy proposal to award lucrative contracts for a new class of speedy warships to the builders of two competitive versions could cut out Bath Iron Works from future bidding, Senator Collins said."

OUR Senator is working for us. And that is the job we elected her to do. Seems like she is on the job - derogatory labels from the far right aside.

A SOLDIER'S ADVOCATE - HIS WIFE

2010-11-11T10:04:00.003-05:00

This posting is a continuation of yesterday's posting - "The Other Side of Veteran's Day." It is also a true story.

This past August I traveled from Eddington, Maine, to Bethesda, Maryland, for a writers' workshop. To get to Bethesda, I flew from Portland, Maine, to Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.

Transportation from the airport to my hotel in Bethesda was easily arranged before I ever left home using the Internet. There is this wonderful system called The Blue Van (www.bluevan.com). An individual can reserve their one-way or round-trip transportation with door-to-door pick-up and delivery at a better rate than it would cost using a taxi. While there are personal chauffeur-driven cars available, there are also vans which transport several individuals that involve multiple stops along the way. (Each trip is one-way; a trip is not a pick-up and drop-off sort of affair which speeds up the process.) Van transports are less expensive than the chauffeur-driven cars.

Needless to say, I was a "Van" person.

There were about five or six people, including me, on the van as we left Dulles around noon. I chose a seat on the rear bench next to a young woman who was looking out the window.

She looked tired. I could understand that. My plane out of Portland had been a 6AM flight, which meant leaving the hotel at 4:15AM.

In the course of time I came to learn her name was Rosie. She looked to be in her thirties. Rosie was on her way to Walter Reed military Hospital to see her husband, Jose, for the first time since he had been returned home after being injured in Afghanistan. They had only been married six months.

Rosie worked as a civilian at the military base from which Jose had been deployed. Rosie said there was a policy (maybe the military's maybe the base's, I wasn't clear)that they were responsible for providing a voucher (a check) to pay for the spouse's travel within 48-72 hours of notification of the injured soldier's arrival at Walter Reed.

Rosie advised her military employer as soon as she received that notification because she would need to leave her job on base. No problem. And yet weeks passed with no voucher.

By the time I met Rosie, Jose had been at Walter Reed for several weeks. Both she and her military boss had inquired about the voucher but it had still not arrived. In frustration Rosie had taken personal funds to buy her plane ticket. Jose's mother had no ability to travel to Walter Reed.

Fortunately, there are housing facilities for family members available on or near the hospital grounds where Rosie was going to be able to stay. That was where the Blue Van was going to drop her off because she had to check in there first to get her clearance to Walter Reed before she could see her husband.

During the time Rosie was at home waiting for the voucher, she had been able to talk with Jose on the phone. He said he wasn't able to tell her very much about his injuries. She didn't know if that was because the doctors weren't telling Jose very much - or if Jose was trying to spare her. What she did know is that the lack of information only added to her anxiety.

What he was able to tell her was that his dressings were supposed to be changed twice a day. But, because of staffing shortages at Walter Reed, his dressings were only being changed once a day. And his wounds were weeping onto the bed linens. Unfortunately, his bed linens were only changed once a day as well. So he was lying in the seepage of his wounds.

Rosie was angry. I was angry for her as well.

As she said to me, "My husband is a career soldier. He wants to get well and go back. He can't say anything. But I can. I don't have a chain of command. I have my husband. If they don't have the staff to change his dressings, then I can learn and do it myself. If they can't take proper care of him, I will. I will be my husband's advocate. Because I will speak up, even if he can't."

I had no doubt she would.

But I had to wonder what happened. It was a couple of years ago that Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense fired the General who was in charge of Walter Reed. Mr. Gates ordered the deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Hospital be corrected. Apparently they haven't been - for all of the good artificial limbs that are being developed for our military men and women.

There was one good thing Rosie had to look forward to. "At least we'll be celebrating our first wedding anniversary together," she said. True. It was only a few months away. Chances were it would be there at Walter Reed Hospital.

I have thought or Rosie and Jose several times since last August. I am thinking of them today. I am thinking of all the men and women at Walter Reed Hospital - and all the military hospitals and VA hospitals across this country and in places abroad. We still have work to do for our veterans beyond parades and flag waving.

THE "OTHER SIDE" OF VETERANS DAY

2010-11-10T12:22:00.003-05:00

Thursday, November 11, will be Veterans Day. Most families have a Veteran in their family. Mine does, as well as the career Navy man currently working his way toward becoming a veteran. Of course we all hope and pray he lives to become a one - a healthy one at that. It's not something any family can take for granted.

Each day I receive the IAVA (Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America) newsletter. It provides a variety of information about what's happening in Washington D.C. as well as in the two war zones. So much of what I read is never reported on ANY of the news channels - not just the three major networks but on the cable news networks either. During the recent political campaigns nationwide, neither the wars nor veteran issues were mentioned above a whisper, if at that.

And so, with tomorrow's National Holiday when some of us will be watching parades or attending special ceremonies, maybe there are other groups of veterans we should all be thinking of. For that reason I thought the following article should be of particular interest, particularly for those who have one of those "Support our Soldiers" magnets on the back of their cars, or who campaigned for lower government spending, or those who believe America IS (or should be) strong - a leader in the world. When you hear the phrase "Freedom isn't Free" think of the following and ask yourself what you really mean by that - and who is really paying the price.

I'll post a personal story tomorrow that has haunted me from my trip to Bethesda, Maryland this past August when I met a military wife on her way to Walter Reed military hospital.

And now - from today's IAVA newsletter: ****

More than nine years of war in Afghanistan and seven in Iraq have so far cost America nearly 5,800 lives lost in combat, close to 40,000 wounded and more than $1 trillion.

Even if America starts withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in July 2011 -- the stated goal of U.S. President Barack Obama, who inherited the conflicts from his predecessor George W. Bush -- the impact of the wars will last generations.

Beyond the additional nearly $1 trillion two prominent economists estimate it will cost just to treat veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq for the next 40 years, the potential human cost is huge.

Since the war began in October 2001, there have been periodic reports about substance abuse, depression, domestic violence, suicide, homelessness and violent crime among traumatized veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq. High unemployment in a bad economy has merely compounded their troubles.

The experience of America's last major conflict, Vietnam, shows these problems have staying power. Many Vietnam veterans are still filing in and out of the U.S. criminal justice system. They are considered a high-risk group for suicide, alongside veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The trouble with assessing the legacy of Vietnam, however, is a paucity of data. Despite advances in technology, the same goes for today's wars. With a few localized exceptions, there is little data in this statistic-loving nation on how many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are in jail, homeless or committing suicide.

JOBS, JUSTICE AND SOMEONE TO TALK TO

A three-month search for data and many dozens of interviews with officials, veterans, their families and veteran advocates provides some insight on future challenges for America's government and people.

The first is while Americans have been focused on their economy, a rather frank discussion appears to be ongoing in military circles on how worn out America's volunteer military is after nine years of war. Just 2 million men and women out of a population of 300 million have been deployed.

"As a result of the multiple tours involved with these two wars there is a huge amount of burnout across the military," said retired Brigadier General Stephen Xenakis, a psychiatrist and advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007 to 2009. "If the situation doesn't improve it could have an adverse effect on America's ability to sustain a top-flight military in the field."

Multiple tours are obviously tough on families. They also multiply the likelihood of PTSD, which in turn leads to higher substance abuse and domestic violence. Dubbed the "signature wounds" of Iraq and Afghanistan, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury) make it harder for veterans to reintegrate into society with each additional tour.

In its landmark 2008 study "Invisible Wounds of War," RAND Corp estimated up to one third of those previously in Iraq and Afghanistan were suffering PTSD, TBI or major depression.

Yet, finding veterans with PTSD can be difficult. The illness is apparently grossly underreported because of a stigma attached to mental issues. In addition, troops fear opening up about it will harm their careers.

"I believe our hardest work is yet to come," said Jan Kemp, who heads the VA's national suicide prevention program.

Gallup asked voters in September to rank the country's "most important problem." One percent mentioned Iraq and less than half of 1 percent said Afghanistan. A group that is keenly aware of their plight is Vietnam veterans, many of whom now work on behalf of the new generation of U.S. veterans.

Vietnam veterans speak of the hostility they encountered upon returning from a deeply unpopular war and feel they were abandoned. While Americans are more supportive of today's troops, those who fought in Vietnam say inattention and a lack of understanding could produce the same result.

"We are determined not to let you cast aside these new kids like you did us," said Tom Berger, national chair on substance abuse and PTSD at Vietnam Veterans of America.

According to veterans' advocates, a lot of problems can be avoided by helping veterans find jobs (though funding for new programs may prove tough given the Republican Party's stated intent of cutting government spending.) They say it is also imperative to provide someone to talk to, preferably a veteran. A safety net to redirect them away from the criminal justice system and allow them to rebuild their lives is also critical.

"America faces a decision over whether we want to change history or doom ourselves to repeat it," said veterans advocate Robert Alvarez. "The time to make that decision is now."

Veteran advocates also warn that if Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are neglected, future recruitment could suffer.

"100 PERCENT UNEMPLOYABLE"

Stephen Edwards is not sure when the IED hit his Humvee, but it was either November or December of 2004 in Iraq. The blast bounced him up into the vehicle's roof, knocking him unconscious.

"I felt like I'd been kicked in the gut," said Edwards, 44, a former combat engineer in the National Guard.

Sent to the company medic, he was given painkillers and told to rest. "We had a mission to run and people relying on us, so I went back out instead," he said.

For two years after his return, Edwards complained to the VA of chronic back and neck pain until he underwent an operation in 2007 that left him with a titanium plate in his neck. He walks with a cane and takes multiple medications.

Edwards' marriage fell apart because of his PTSD. "I don't blame my ex-wife," he said. "She said she felt like she was married to a stranger. And it's true, I am not the same man that left."

Five years after leaving Iraq, he still does his surveillance routine when parking his car and never sits with his back to a door at a restaurant. He tried returning to work at his old company in the customer service department. But that went sour when he encountered a condescending customer.

"Before I went to Iraq I could have laughed it off as his problem," he said. "But I was about to punch him in the throat when my supervisor stepped in and suggested I take a break. The VA heard about it and now I am listed as 80 percent disabled and 100 percent unemployable."

The mild TBI he sustained has left him with memory problems and trouble reading.

Apart from occasional "dark" periods, Edwards lives contentedly in Tracy, California, looking after his girlfriend's children and dogs, "enjoying the quiet and solitude" and avoiding contact with most people.

Edwards is part of a new generation of patients for the VA, which prior to Iraq and Afghanistan was focused on an aging veteran population.

At the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital 12 miles from downtown Chicago, which sees 2,000 outpatients a day, an influx that has wrought changes at every level. "A few years ago the main recreation here was bingo," said spokeswoman Maureen Dyman during a tour. "Now we have family fun days."

SIGNATURE WOUNDS

The new wars have also brought new problems. While PTSD has been recognized as a condition since 1980, TBI has become a major issue in Iraq and Afghanistan because while armor protects troops from external injuries, blast waves affect their brains.

"In previous wars a lot of veterans never had these issues," said Mike Erwin an active duty captain and founder of Team Red White and Blue, which pairs up volunteers with wounded veterans to help them reintegrate into society. "They never made it home because they died on the battlefield."

Of the more than 178,000 TBI cases reported from 2000 to the first quarter of 2010 in the U.S. military, 1,891 were severe and 3,175 were penetrating. Those are the easy ones to diagnose as there is physical damage to the outside of the head. But more than 168,000 were mild or moderate, where there is no external sign of injury.

At Hines VA, a team of rehabilitation specialists tries to diagnose veterans with TBI and PTSD. This is difficult because the symptoms for both are similar. What is more, mild and moderate TBI often does not show up on an MRI or CAT Scan.

"Screening is not the issue when it comes to TBI, diagnosis is the issue," said Melanie Querubin, whose job is to provide a diagnosis. "What we do is detective work, piecing together events from two or five years ago based on veterans 'vague recollections."

"It is particularly frustrating if you get it wrong."

Staff here said it is even more frustrating when troops are redeployed, as a fresh tour delays treatment and can make the injury worse.

The Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE), set up by the military in 2007 to deal with psychological health and TBI issues, are researching technologies to screen for moderate and mild TBI. But Katherine Helmick, DCoE senior executive director for TBI, said it could be 12 to 18 months before they may be widely used.

The long-term effects of TBI are unknown. Clinical psychologists like Jaine Darwin, co-director of SOFAR, a group providing free counseling to veterans' families, compared the issue to the growing school of thought that multiple concussions in the National Football League may cause early dementia.

"Wounded people don't age well and we could see a lot with dementia 30 years early," Darwin said. "I believe we're going to face a public health crisis for the next 20 years."

The VA's Kemp said another unknown is what impact TBI will have on veterans' suicide risk. From 2005 to 2009, some 1,100 active duty service members killed themselves, one every 36 hours. In a report unveiled in September, officials said suicide prevention efforts were failing partly because troops do not trust the military to help.

"The force is out of balance," Colonel John Bradley, chief of psychiatry at Walter Reed Hospital said of America's overstretched military. "The force is fatigued. Anyone who doesn't believe that has their eyes closed."

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Robinson, the DCoE's senior executive director of psychological health, mentions a sergeant he has been counseling who has spent five years in combat plus a year in Korea in the past decade and is struggling to go on.

"He's just worn out and tired of it all," Robinson said. "We're starting to see more and more of that."

There is little reliable data on veteran suicides. Only 16 U.S. states collect data on veterans for death certificates and the VA gets that with a two-year delay. "It is very frustrating," said the VA's Kemp, who noted that the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki has been pushing for all states to provide more recent data. "The data we do have suggests that suicides are maybe lower among veterans receiving treatment," she said.

There are some 950 recorded suicide attempts a month within the VA system, though Kemp said the real number could be twice that. The VA's suicide prevention hotline gets up to 13,000 calls a month.

"We are looking to communities around America to help us avert veteran suicide," she said. "This is a national issue."

$1 TRILLION UNFUNDED LIABILITY

Lori Goodwin is another sign of changing times for the VA, as she is one of a growing number of female veterans.

Goodwin, 28, joined the military in 2000 out of high school in tiny Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania, with the aim of eventually going to college. She served in Iraq from July 2007 to October 2008 in a "medevac" team, and for much of the time she was there the base where she was stationed was pounded daily by mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.

Goodwin recalls explosions that would bounce her out of her bed, but as she was asleep, she does not know if she lost consciousness. She was discharged last April with fibromyalgia, despite mentioning she thought she had TBI. "I was told if you don't remember being knocked out, you don't have it," she said.

Since then Goodwin has been wading through the VA system in California and complains she could not get an appointment for nearly five months. "We were promised we'd be taken care of if we served," she said. "But instead of taking care of us we have to fight for everything."

"We already had to fight overseas. We don't want to fight here to get help."
Complaints about maddening bureaucracy, lengthy delays and a tendency to overmedicate at the VA are common. But veterans' advocates say the VA has come a long way in the past few years under Secretary Shinseki, who was appointed by Obama.

"Shinseki is a leader for our times," said John Driscoll, president of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

The VA has hired 6,000 mental health professionals over the past four years and is seeking new ways to reach veterans outside the system.

The U.S. Congress has fewer fans in these circles. Tom Tarantino, a legislative associate at nonpartisan group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), said 2009 was a revolutionary year where Congress passed a new GI Bill and a law providing funding for the VA two years in advance. But 2010 was a dud.

Bills to overhaul the VA disability process and provide veteran employment opportunities went nowhere. An October IAVA report card on the current Congress gave Democratic leaders mostly Bs and Cs, while Republican leaders all got Ds.

(NOTE: Maine's two Senators received a "B" rating as did Congressman Mike Michaud. Congresswoman Chelli Pingree received a "C" rating. The ratings were based on three factors: 1. Improving the outdated VA disability claims process, 2. Upgrading the post 9/11 G.I. Bill, and 3. Helping Vets find jobs in a tough economy.)

"I guess they were all busy seeking reelection," Tarantino said. "I'm sorry, but Congress doesn't get to take a year off in the middle of two wars. That's unacceptable."

Another major critique of the government is while the Bush and then Obama administrations have sought massive appropriations to fight two wars, no one has tallied the future cost of veteran care.

Linda Bilmes, who teaches at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and Columbia University Professor Joseph Stiglitz estimated in their 2008 book "The Three Trillion Dollar War: The True Cost of the Iraq Conflict" that taking care of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan would cost between $400 billion and $700 billion over the next 40 years.

But because disability applications have already passed their original expectations for 2013, they have raised that estimate to a range of $589 billion to $934 billion. Bilmes described this as a "massive unfunded liability." By comparison, America's unfunded social security liability is often estimated at $8 trillion.

"We think it is very bad policy to appropriate large sums to wage war without including the inevitable cost for treating veterans," she said.

Veterans groups like Veterans of Modern Warfare (VMW) plan to pressure Congress to assess the total cost of war before future conflicts. "If Congress has to assess 60 years of care, maybe they'll think twice about the cost of future wars," said VMW executive director Donald Overton.

"FIGHT OR FLIGHT"

Before the VA can treat veterans, it must find them.

David Cifu, VA head of physical medicine and rehabilitation, says while nearly 500,000 veterans have undergone TBI and PTSD screening "there are another 500,000 out there who aren't coming to us."

As TBI worsens with time, Cifu said this is a concern. "Three years out my chances of treating your TBI are less than 10 percent to 20 percent," he said.

The problem is often a matter of geography or stigma.

When Jessie Bratcher, 28, came back from Iraq in 2004 to Prairie City in rural eastern Oregon (population around 1,000) he found it hard to adjust. So he went to the nearest VA hospital 180 miles away, where he was given "weird meds," diagnosed with PTSD and took part in a few counseling sessions.

While in Iraq with the National Guard, Bratcher saw his best friend die after taking his place in a convoy and was near a large number of blasts. In one incident, his Humvee was hit so hard by an IED the soldiers in the vehicle behind it thought it had disintegrated.

Back home, Bratcher bought guns (he never owned a gun before Iraq) and went on night patrols in the mountains. He lost his job at a grocery store because he could not deal with the customers.

In late 2007 Bratcher fell in love with a girl and was delighted in the summer of 2008 when she said she was pregnant. Delight turned to horror when she said she had been raped and the baby might not be his.

After spending nearly 48 hours awake and nearly committing suicide, he bought a handgun and went to confront the man, Jose Medina. Bratcher says Medina threatened and then shoved him, at which point "it was a choice between fight or flight."

"I felt threatened, so I pulled out my gun," Bratcher said. He shot Medina six times.

At his murder trial, Bratcher's defense team successfully argued he was insane at the time of the shooting (a defense allowed under Oregon state law) and he is now in Oregon State Hospital.

"I just want to get out of here and get back to my family," he said in a telephone interview.

Markku Sario, Bratcher's lawyer, noted the hospital does not have any programs focused on PTSD. "If there's no treatment for Jessie, he'll just end up stuck in there until he's 60," he said.

STIGMA AND GEOGRAPHY

A significant obstacle to treating veterans with mental health issues is that so many are from remote rural areas.

In October Hines VA opened a satellite clinic in Peru, a small town in central Illinois. Around 350 veterans appeared on opening day, though most were older veterans and not those who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Another issue is the stigma associated with admitting mental issues, which the military and the VA have been working hard to counter.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said during a visit to the Executives' Club of Chicago in August that "PTSD is a natural reaction to what troops experience in combat."

The DCoE runs the Real Warriors program to battle that stigma, with videos of soldiers saying opening up shows strength, not weakness. The U.S. military has more mental health professionals in forward areas to help soldiers in combat.

But the reluctance to talk about PTSD also stems from soldiers' fears they will be separated from their families and their future prospects will be damaged.

For a study on veterans released in September, Mary Beth Dunkenberger, senior program director at the Institute for Policy and Governance at Virginia Tech, held focus groups in which veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan said just before being reunited with loved ones they were asked if they had PTSD.

"If they admit to having PTSD, they know it could be weeks until they see their families so there is a tendency to minimize their symptoms," she said. "Also career soldiers are reluctant to speak up because they're afraid it could hurt their future prospects in the military while those returning to civilian life are afraid that no one will employ them if they're known to suffer from PTSD."

That study also showed that decades after that war ended, Vietnam veterans still have a higher rate of PTSD and depression than veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bruce Roberts, head of mental health at Hines VA, said many returning troops want to go into law enforcement, but cannot if they have mental health issues.

"So they say nothing in order to get on," he said.

MEAT GRINDER

Another problem is that symptoms of PTSD often do not appear until weeks or months after demobilization. Having been in a high-stress situation for months on end, it is natural for veterans with PTSD to experience nightmares and be in a constant state of hyper-arousal and hyper-vigilance.

"We are not designed to survive for long periods of time at that level of arousal," said Portland, Oregon-based neuropsychologist Robert Stanulis. "It has a damaging effect."

The strain of untreated PTSD can cause high-blood pressure, as well as heart and other problems. Studies have shown up to 80 percent of PTSD sufferers resort to substance abuse to ease their symptoms, from alcohol to illegal drugs.

PTSD is also linked to domestic violence. A study published by researchers in the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in 2007 showed that 53.2 percent of PTSD sufferers in a test group reported at least one act of aggression in the previous 4 months.

April Gerlock, a research scientist in the same system, is conducting research with couples across age groups where one partner is a veteran and said the tendency toward violence actually increases with time.

"I think this has only just begun," she said.

PTSD can last years. According to the National Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Study, conducted in 1987 (long after the war ended in 1975) and based on interviews with more than 1,600 veterans, 15.2 percent met the criteria for suffering from PTSD. Among men with a high combat exposure it was 35.8 percent.

Some 18.7 percent of veterans in the study had served more than one tour. Most did not because America had a draft in the Vietnam era.

"There is general agreement that there is a connection between multiple tours and PTSD," said Randy Petzel, the VA's Under Secretary for Health.

According to the U.S. Defense Manpower Data Center, as of September 2010 more than 270,000 active duty Army and Marine Corps personnel had been deployed more than once. That is more than 50 percent of the total deployed for both services. Roughly a third of National Guard and Reservist troops in both services had served more than one tour. More than 110,000 active duty Army and Marine Corps troops have served three or four tours, more than a fifth of the total deployed.

Multiple tours grind down families. "The divorce rate is so high on some bases it's called the Black Plague," said Brad Gallup, who runs the Colorado section of hirepatriots.com, which links veterans to employers. "It's a meat grinder."

Ivy Lloyd, who heads a program for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at Hines VA, said simply: "The greatest casualty of this war has been the family."

Between 2002 and the third quarter of 2010, 156,866 veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq have received a provisional diagnosis of PTSD from the VA, or 13 percent of those eligible.

Bob Adams served in Vietnam 42 years ago as a medic and still experiences unexpected flashbacks of events his mind had blocked at the time. He now runs the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, a Chicago suburb.

Adams has seen Iraq and Afghanistan veterans end up on the streets faster than Vietnam veterans did because their multiple tours have eroded family bonds. He expects many more.

"The worst affected Vietnam veterans we've seen had more than one tour," he said. "When you have multiple tours in any war you're going to see problems you don't get with one tour. One tour is enough."

Also, Iraq and Afghanistan are unlike Vietnam in that there is no rear area and troops have served under constant duress for months at a time.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that last year around 13 percent of America's homeless population were veterans.

THROWAWAY SOLDIERS

Two groups that fall outside the system may be additional cause for concern.
The first is former soldiers with a less than honorable discharge -- including misconduct and drug use -- who have little access to VA services. According to Army data, there have been around 50,000 such discharges since 2002. VMW's Overton said many of those men and women may be PTSD sufferers forced out because their condition made them unfit for duty.

"These young men and women have become our throwaway soldiers," he said.
The other group consists of private contractors, used extensively in both wars. According to a July report to Congress, there were almost as many contractors in Iraq as troops in March of this year and 1.4 contractors for every service member in Afghanistan. Many of the contractors providing security formerly served in special forces units.

"One thing that makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck is the trigger-pulling military contractors being repatriated to the United States," said Jonathan Shay, a psychiatrist who specializes in war trauma. "They may not get the benefits and support services they need down the line."

"The royal road to recovery lies through talking to other veterans. If you don't have that, the road may be closed."

JUDGMENT PROBLEMS

After his second tour in Iraq in 2006, Steven Jordal's family noticed something was wrong.

"We knew war changed people so we thought if we left him alone he'd work through it," Steven's father Dale said. "It turns out we were wrong."

Steven got divorced in early 2008, then tried to commit suicide. He also almost crashed his motorcycle a couple of times going at 155 mph. At least two men in his old unit have died in crashes since returning.

His nightmares were so bad he ground his teeth so hard in his sleep that three broke. To stop them he started smoking marijuana.

Then his drug dealer in Oklahoma City asked him to make an incendiary device to burn a rival's car. Steven agreed, but the drug dealer was arrested and offered the authorities Steven instead. He was arrested in December 2008.

Robert Mitchell, an attorney who represented Steven, said the multiple concussions he had sustained had affected his frontal lobes and impaired his ability to tell right from wrong. Neuropsychologists confirmed that is a common outcome.

The charges against Steven could have landed him in prison for up to 30 years. Led by Rhonda, the Jordals fought back for nearly two years until a doctor told them Steven was deteriorating and needed treatment. So a deal was struck and Steven will serve 10 years probation.

"To their credit, the authorities did come around and finally agreed with us," Mitchell said. "This is Oklahoma City after all."

"But the criminal justice system needs to understand this is a legitimate mitigating circumstance, if not a complete defense."

Oklahoma City lives in the shadow of the 1995 bombing by Gulf War veteran Timothy McVeigh, who blew up the Alfred P. Murrah Building, killing 168 people.

VETERAN JUSTICE

There is scant data on Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in America's prisons. The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has previously conducted surveys of veterans in prisons. The last one was in 2004 and found that Vietnam veterans made up 36 percent of the veteran population in state prisons and 39 percent in federal prisons. Only a few years into the war in Afghanistan, 4 percent of veterans in state and federal prisons had served there or in Iraq.

The next survey is not planned until 2013, with the results due in 2015. A BJS spokeswoman said in an email those dates are "subject to change, pending funding and other considerations."

Guy Gambill, a senior justice fellow at the Open Society Institute, has worked with over 300 families over the past nine years and said 2015 was "simply too late."
So instead there is fragmentary local data.

In 2007, for instance, William "Bud" Brown, a sociology professor at Western Oregon University and a Vietnam veteran, surveyed jail inmates in Marion County. Only 31, or about 5.5 percent of the total, said they were veterans. But 19 had served in Iraq or Afghanistan. All had experienced combat.

"No one really wants to know how many veterans there are in our jails," Brown said. "I guess that would be too embarrassing."

Brown is currently helping 16 veterans in criminal cases, 14 on murder or attempted murder charges.

The jail in El Paso County, Colorado, counts veterans as there are five military bases nearby. Charles Corry, president of the Equal Justice Foundation, says preliminary data show up to 270 veterans are booked there monthly and noted three murder charges in the three months up to the middle of October.

Veterans' advocates say America's tough criminal justice system creates more problems by giving veterans a criminal record for petty crimes like substance abuse (a natural reaction to PTSD) cutting them off from most jobs and leaving them to drift, often toward violent crime.

Floyd "Shad" Meshad, a medical officer in Vietnam, says the uncompromising attitude of many courts undermines Americans' claims to back soldiers, typified by the yellow stickers on many cars saying "support our troops."

"If you are blown away 15 years from now by a traumatized vet who didn't get a second chance, I wonder what good that sticker will do you," Meshad said.

Instead, many advocates say "veterans' treatment courts" may be a solution, as they offer a way out of jail for veterans if they clean up and stay out of trouble. There are more than 40 of these courts operating around the country and about a dozen more are planned. Many, though not all, try to leave veterans who clean up without a criminal record.

Robert Russell, a judge in Buffalo, New York, launched the first veterans' treatment court in 2008. There is a VA representative in his courtroom and volunteers, many of them veterans, help defendants, for example by getting them treatment for PTSD or substance abuse.

"When one veteran speaks to another it appears to have an encouraging and motivating effect," Russell said.

So far 181 veterans have been through his court, 86 percent of whom have stayed clean. About one third of those veterans served in Iraq and Afghanistan, another third in Vietnam.

Veterans' courts can also save states money.

Judge John Kirby started his veterans' court in Cook County, Illinois, in February 2009 and has so far seen 75 veterans come through. In the year before his court began, there were 278 arrests in that group at a cost of $432,000. The year after, there were four arrests costing $32,000.

Others say veterans' treatment courts show potential, but may need to include domestic violence cases, which the BWJP's Tinney says could make up to between 25 percent and 50 percent of all cases involving veterans.

"COMING BACK IS HARD"

Alex Garcia, 26, considers himself lucky, though it was not always that way.
When he first came back from Iraq in September 2005 to the Chicago suburb of Aurora after a 15-month tour, his life began to unravel. He became angry for no reason, flashbacks and nightmares led him to alcohol, which provided temporary relief from his PTSD.

"There was a lot of emotion I pushed down," he said. "I didn't want to talk about it because I didn't want to seem weak and look like a crazy guy."

But in 2007, Garcia heard there was a job opening at the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. He got the job, which was his first piece of good news.

"I was feeling lost and I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't found this job," Garcia said.

Before long he was opening up to Vietnam veteran Bob Adams, "who got what I went through." Now, Garcia has a girlfriend, an infant son and is getting used to civilian life.

"I take it a day at a time. I am comfortable now knowing that a part of my soul is and always will be in Iraq."

Veterans' advocates say a job is a major step toward reintegrating into society.
"Mental health support is important, but all the mental health support in the world won't solve the problem," Meshad said. "The key to helping these veterans reintegrate into society is jobs. What we need is a national jobs program for them."

But John Keaveney, founder of New Directions, which helps homeless veterans in Los Angeles, warns that in the wake of the midterm elections resurgent Republicans want to cut spending.

"We're going to have to do more with less," he said.

At his Executives' Club of Chicago visit Admiral Mullen asked local businesses to hire veterans. When asked to sum up veterans' best qualities Mullen said emphatically they are loyal, disciplined and honest. But then he struck a plaintive note.

"For those who don't know us, take a chance," he said. "It's worth the risk."

But with the national unemployment rate at 10.2 percent for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (advocates believe the real number is higher) in September, above the national rate of 9.6 percent, jobs are scarce.

Rajiv Srinivasan is CEO of myvetwork.com, a job service for veterans that teaches them how to translate their wealth of military experience for prospective civilian employers.

"No piece of legislation, no derivative on Wall Street is going to get us out of this economic mess," he said. "Veterans are the independent leaders and thinkers who will lead the way."

Srinivasan says failure to provide jobs for these new veterans would be a disaster for the U.S. military.

"This is not just an economic issue, it's a national security issue," he said. "If American kids see veterans without jobs, without healthcare and no education, then they're just going to see military service as a dead-end career and they won't sign up."

"Hundreds of thousands of soldiers will leave the military in the next few years," he added. "This is only going to get bigger."

As for Steven Jordal over in Forest City, Iowa, he regrets that he tore ligaments in his knee on his second tour and cannot serve. Otherwise he would be in Iraq.

"Getting deployed is easy," he said, with a flash of the smile his mother said he wore constantly before the war. "It's coming back that's the hard part." (Editing by Jim Impoco and Claudia Parsons)

WHEN IS A REPRESENTATIVE NOT A REPRESENTATIVE?

2010-11-09T18:35:00.002-05:00

I heard a few comments last week after the election that some people were surprised at the number of votes against the AOS (Alternative Organized Structure) "consolidation" for the school district. It surprised me, too, until I heard that some people never receive the brochure that was mailed out. This was particularly true for some residents in Clifton. In a town with a high population of elderly people, many of who do not get out of the house (and therefore would not have gotten to the Public Hearing on October 19th even if they had heard about it) and do not have or know how to operate a computer. Without the brochure, they had no information explaining what the AOS was or would be as compared to the current system. They certainly would never go to the SAD 63 website to read the proposed plan. And without the brochure they would have had no information regarding the Public Hearing. And, No, they don't read this blog. They have friends who do, which is what generated the phone calls.

I discussed this with the Eddington Town Manager and he indicated that he provided mailing addresses for Eddington residents to receive the brochure. I have no idea how the Clifton addresses were (or were not) obtained for mailing purposes. Too bad because every property owner will be paying for the school district, even though, in the end perhaps we are going to be better off than we would have been if we had consolidated with school districts that didn't want to partner with us or would have driven up our local costs with nothing to gain in exchange.

So now, with the addition of an AOS Board to govern the governance of the shared administration and related administrative costs, we resume business pretty much the way we've been doing business all along - with some necessary changes in the wind.

A School Board Member is elected to represent his or her community which, of course, requires that that representative live and reside in the community he or she has been elected to represent. Seems simple but at the moment, it is not the case with one of Eddington's School Board representatives. Last March (2010), Karen Clark ran unopposed in Eddington for her seat on the School Board and she was elected. Since that time, Karen and her family have moved from their residence in Eddington to another community.

While Karen has done an admirable job on the Board, she no longer meets the requirement of being an Eddington resident. Therefore there is a significant question as to her eligibility to be a member of the School Board as one of the three Representatives from Eddington.

At the November 16th Eddington Selectmen's meeting (at 6PM) the matter is expected to be on the Agenda. At that time the Selectmen may be asked to appoint someone to fill Karen's seat on the School Board - someone who resides in Eddington and who is interested in the issues and responsibilities of the schools in (whatever the name will be) SAD 63. While the Eddington Selectmen usually go to one particular individual for appointments relating to school board matters, this appointment cannot involve anyone who is currently employed in any capacity by the school district. It also needs to be someone who will speak up for Eddington's town interests as well as the academic interests of the students and the financial interests of the taxpayers of the property owners who consistently end up significantly paying for the costs of the district. This writer hopes the Selectmen will consider all of these qualifications when they fill the position on the school board.

THE LATEST SCHOOL TEST SCORES FOR THIRD & FOURTH GRADERS IN SAD 63

2010-11-05T13:44:00.004-04:00

Back on September 27, 2010, this writer posted data regarding the three schools within SAD 63 (Eddington Elementary School, Holden Elementary School, and Holbrook School). The data was found on Educationnation.com, a national public education awareness project sponsored by NBC and other companies. (If you are interested in reading the data, you can screen this blog site to "older posts" to the posting of that date.)

Yesterday, November 4, I met for over an hour with Don Spencer, principal of the Eddington Elementary School, who graciously explained data he provided after that posting. (See the posting on Oct. 7 for more information.) The following is a result of yesterday's meeting and previous research by this writer. My appreciation is extended to Mr. Spencer.
*****

The Educationnation data came from 2008-2009 Maine Education Assessment (MEA) test results. Under the MEA system, third and fourth graders took the tests at the end of the school year, before the break for summer.

There are many explanations offered as to why Maine changed from the MEA testing system to the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). Some say it was for cost efficiency. Others say it was to meet the documentation required under the “Leave No Child Behind” program, otherwise known as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). And others say it was because the MEA gave a false sense of academic achievement for Maine’s public education system. Whatever the reason, effective October 2009, the testing element used for elementary students in Maine’s public schools became the NECAP. To be clear, these grades are now 3rd through 5th grade.

There are many differences between the MEA and the NECAP. Unlike the MEA tests, which were conducted at the end of the academic school year, the NECAP tests are conducted during the first two weeks of October. The test results not only provide information regarding the individual students knowledge. The results also impact federal and state funding for the school and the district.

Let us look at Entering Third Graders being tested as an example. On or about the second week of October, they will be tested on what they learned, on an accumulative basis, during their Second Grade Year – after an entire summer vacation period. The third grade teachers will have only September to review all of the material taught during the Second Grade Year which will be tested.

We know children will have forgotten a lot over the summer unless parents have been involved with their children and have helped them children retain what they learned that Second Grade Year. How many parents will have known or done that? Fewer than the number who attend Parent-Teacher Conferences, I expect. Fewer than those who review their children's homework during the school year or who read to them nightly throughout the year if the child is under twelve.

To complete the scenario, Entering Fourth Graders will be tested on what they learned in the Third Grade. And Entering Fifth Graders will be tested on what they learned in the Fourth Grade.

The subject matter being tested is Reading (to test both reading and literacy), and Math - basic skills upon which all education and professions are based regardless if one becomes a carpenter, a mechanic, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher or a homemaker.

The AYP sets overall Annual target scores for the elementary grades (3, 4 & 5) in the areas of attendance and academic achievement (math and reading). These targets are set in terms of a percentage. For the 2009-2010 NECAP testing, the target percentage for SAD 63’s elementary grades was 92 percent. The actual testing result for SAD 63’s elementary graders was 95 percent. Good job - on the overall. Certainly an improvement over the 2008-09 scores.

What comprises Reading for testing purposes?
The subtopics are: Word identification & Vocabulary; The type of text – Is it Literary or Informational; and the Level of Comprehension – Initial Understanding and Analysis & Interpretation.

What comprises Math for testing purposes?
The subtopics are: Numbers & Operations, Geometry & Measurement, Functions & Algebra, and the Data & Statistics & Probability.

How are the tests graded?
There are four (4) grading levels:

Level 1 is the lowest. It is labeled as Substantially Below Proficient. Basically, it is the equivalent of an F.

For the Reading test, it is defined as follows: Student’s performance demonstrates minimal ability to derive/construct meaning from grade-appropriate text. Student may be able to recognize story elements and text features. Student’s limited vocabulary knowledge and use of strategies impacts the ability to read and comprehend text.

For the Math test, it is defined as follows: Student’s problem solving is often incomplete, lacks logical reasoning and accuracy, and shows little conceptual understanding in most aspects of the grade level expectations. Student is able to start some problems but computational errors and lack of conceptual understanding interfere with solving problems successfully.

Level 2 is the next highest level. It is labeled as Partially Proficient. Basically, it is the equivalent of a D.

For the Reading test, it is defined as follows: Student’s performance demonstrates an inconsistent ability to read and comprehend grade-appropriate text. Student attempts to analyze and interpret literary and informational text. Student may make and/or support assertions by referencing text. Student’s vocabulary knowledge and use of strategies may be limited and may impact the ability to read and comprehend text.

For the Math test, it is described as follows: Student’s problem solving demonstrates logical reasoning and conceptual understanding in some, but not all, aspects of the grade level expectations. Many problems are started correctly, but computational errors may get in the way of completing some aspects of the problem. Student uses some effective strategies. Student’s work demonstrates that he or she is generally stronger with concrete than abstract situations.

Level 3 is the next highest level. It is labeled as Proficient. Basically, it is the equivalent of a C (average).

For the Reading test, it is defined as follows: Student’s performance demonstrates an ability to read and comprehend grade-appropriate text. Student is able to analyze and interpret literacy and informational text. Student makes and supports relevant assertions by referencing text. Student uses vocabulary strategies and breadth of vocabulary knowledge to read and comprehend text.

For the Math test, it is defined as follows: Student’s problem solving demonstrates logical reasoning with appropriate explanations that include both words and proper mathematical notation. Student uses a variety of strategies that are often systematic. Computational errors do not interfere with communicating understanding of most aspects of the grade level expectations.

Level 4 is the highest level. It is label as Proficient with Distinction. Basically, it is the equivalent of an A or B.

For the Reading test, it is defined as follows” Student’s performance demonstrates an ability to read and comprehend grade-appropriate text. Student is able to analyze and interpret literary and informational text. Student offers insightful observations/assertions that are well supported by reference to the text. Student uses range of vocabulary strategies and breadth of vocabulary knowledge to read and comprehend a wide variety of texts.

For the Math test, it is defined as follows: Student’s problem solving demonstrates logical reasoning with strong explanations that include both words and proper mathematical notation. Student’s work exhibits a high level of accuracy, effective use of a variety of strategies, and an understanding of mathematical concepts within and across grade level expectations. Student demonstrates the ability to move from concrete to abstract representations.

NOTE: This writer has taken the liberty to allocate the Letter grades to the aforementioned Levels. There are only four levels. Some might argue Level 1 = A, Level 2 = B, Level 3 = C, and Level 4 = D. In such a world, there would be no failures. Of course, in such a world there would be no need for Special Education classes, either. The system would just keep “passing along” the D level students and eventually they would fall off the grid. Since the “real world” and high school does include the grade “F”, somewhere in the NECAP grading system, failure also needs to be acknowledged. Level 1 is it. Personally, being “average” is no guarantee of success, either.

So, how did Eddington Elementary School do in the 2009-2010 NECAP testing? And how did the SAD 63 district do overall?

There were 27 Eddington Elementary Beginning Third Graders who tested.
In the Reading Scores, 2 achieved Level 4; 19 achieved Level 3; 5 achieved Level 2;, and 1 achieved Level 4. Their “Mean Score” of 346 equaled the State’s Mean Score (with 13,415 students testing).

There were 24 Holden Elementary Beginning Third Graders who tested.In the Reading Scores, 5 students achieved Level 4; 18 achieved Level 3; 1 achieved Level 2; and 0 who achieved Level 4. Because of Holden’s higher scores, the District’s Mean Score turned out to be 350, 4 points higher than the state’s.

For the Math test (same Eddington Beginning Third Graders), the results were:4 students achieved Level 4; 12 achieved Level 3; 9 achieved Level 2; and 2 achieved Level 1 for a Mean Score of 343, which was 1 point above the state’s Mean Score of 342.

For the same Holden Beginning Third Graders, the Math test results were: 9 students achieved Level 4; 28 achieved Level 3; 11 achieved Level 2; and 3 achieved Level 1. Once again, because Holden’s Mean Score was slightly higher than Eddington’s, the District’s Mean score of 345 ended up being better than the state’s.

When it came to the Beginning Fourth Graders, the scores were better. (Remember, these students were being tested on what they had learned the previous year in the third grade and after the summer vacation with only the month of September to refresh their academic knowledge.)

There were 31 Eddington Beginning Fourth Graders who tested.
In the Reading Scores, 7 achieved Level 4; 15 achieved Level 3; 8 achieved Level 2; and 1 achieved Level 4. Their “Mean Score” of 447 exceeded the State’s Mean Score of 444 (with 13,461 students testing).

There were 32 Holden Beginning Fourth Graders who tested.
In the Reading Scores, 13 students achieved Level 4; 35 achieved Level 3; 13 achieved Level 2; and 2 who achieved Level 4. Because of Holden’s slightly higher scores, the District’s Mean Score turned out to be 448, 4 points higher than the state’s.

For the Math test (same Eddington Beginning Third Graders), the results were:4 students achieved Level 4; 17 achieved Level 3; 7 achieved Level 2; and 3 achieved Level 1 for a Mean Score of 445, which was 2 points above the state’s Mean Score of 443 (with 13,481 students testing). NOTE: There is a difference of 20 in the number of students statewide reported to have tested with no explanation.

For the same Holden Beginning Fourth Graders, the Math test results were: 11 students achieved Level 4; 36 achieved Level 3; 10 achieved Level 2; and 6 achieved Level 1. Once again, because Holden’s Mean Score was slightly higher than Eddington’s, the District’s Mean score of 447 ended up being better than the state’s by 4 points.

Two important pieces of information came for this data: (1) The test scores in 2009-2010 were better than 2008-2009, and (2) Our schools and parents still have a ways to go to achieve the high standard of education taxpayers hear about at the Annual Public Hearing in May.

Finally, we need to remember how important these scores are not only for the future of our students, but also for state and federal funding for our schools. When that outside funding goes down, our property taxes go up. As we continue to watch the budgeting process in the district, maybe it's time to start questioning ways we can bring more parents into the process of active participation in their children's educational future as well - particularly over the summer months.

WE HAVE A NEW GOVERNOR AND OTHER ELECTION CHANGES

2010-11-03T12:21:00.002-04:00

Election Results:

The Following email was just received from the Eliot Cutler Campaign Office at 11am:

"At noon today I will announce at a press conference here in Portland that I have spoken with Mayor Paul LePage and congratulated him on his victory. The results that are available to us this morning are unofficial and informal, but I believe that it is unlikely that there will be a material change in the outcome.

"Although we all will await the official tabulations by the Secretary of State, I do not want to make it more difficult for Paul to assemble the team he needs to govern the State of Maine and to prepare a budget for the next biennium. In all likelihood, he will be the next governor for all the people of the State of Maine, and all of us who love the State of Maine should give him our support as he sets out on a difficult journey.

"I am unendingly grateful to you for your investment in the effort we have made and your support for our vision for Maine.

"I am proud of the fact that we came from literally zero to just a few thousand votes short of winning in a mere 16 months. And I am prouder still that we stuck a dagger in the heart of negative campaigning in the State of Maine, that we never ran a single negative attack ad nor made a single personal attack, that we withstood an onslaught of lies, slander and deception directed against us and that we emerge from this race with our heads held high and our integrity intact.

"You should be proud of your participation in this campaign, and I hope that you are, as I am. I am indebted to you and grateful to you.

Thank you.

Signed by Eliot Cutler
Authorized by the Candidate and paid for by Cutler 2010

Dave Johnson is the NEW Representative to the Maine House of Representatives for our District, having won 54.95 percent of the votes.

The proposed AOS for our school district was approved. So now, what SAD 63 and CSD 8 have been doing since 1977 (before mandated consolidation) is "legal." Suppose we could get back that $178,000+ the state took last year. After all, we were doing exactly what the state wanted before they even mandated it.

Clifton's proposed "amendment to the amendment" for the wind tower ordinance was defeated. Good thing. According to a reliable source, portions of the "amendment to the amendment" were illegal and a costly court action was sure to have occurred if it had passed.

BOTH of the state's Congress persons were re-elected. It should be an interesting "arena" under John Boehner as Speaker of the House. This writer won't miss Nancy Pelosi as Speaker but I won't be bringing out any horns and whistles for Mr. Boehner, either. I'd just like to see the children start playing together in the sandbox with some degree of civility - for a change.

THIS CASINO QUESTION ON THE BALLOT

2010-10-27T08:43:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, while in Bangor, I had the opportunity to read Question #1 on the November ballot. This is the Question regarding the proposed casino in western Maine. As with all things, there are good aspects and bad (notwithstanding the gambling issue with which I have no problem).

I will admit that, prior to reading the entire proposition, I was inclined to vote for the casino. I have changed my mind.

The following are the reasons Why:

1. For all of the television ads about the immediate construction jobs the project would bring, once the casino is built, those jobs are gone. So those jobs are not a selling point.

2. Yes, the casino would provide several permanent jobs - but only for that immediate area. Not for any other areas in the state.

3. That casino would have table games (roulette, black jack, craps, etc.) which I think is great. I'm no fan of slots. Personally, having a "relationship" with a machine that is, in fact, programmed to pay off even on a random basis is no relationship. It just makes for a dead butt. I like sitting or standing around with other people and playing, whether it's cards or watching the spin of a roulette ball - not that I play often or expect to win, but I have on occasion. But the relationship, though temporary, with the people can be fun and enjoyable.

4. And there is a fair amount of pay back to the state defined in the proposal.

There is a set formula for net proceeds from the slot machines as well as a separate formula from the table games (lower percentage from the table games than the percentage from the slot machines - about 16% and 46% respectively).

From the slot machines, about 23 percent of the proceeds goes to SUPPLEMENT (not supplant which is important) K-12 public education. Less goes to the UofM system. Less goes to the Community College system. Even 4 percent goes to the Penobscot and Passamaquody tribes. Harness Racing gets into the act, too, with proceeds from the slot machine.

Sounds good so far, doesn't it?

But there is always a hook. The hook is that passage of Question #1 also locks in a provision that table games will not ever be allowed at any other location in the state. That means no table games ever at Hollywood Slots. No table games at any other casino that might ever be approved anywhere else in the state.

AND, there are requirements and restrictions regarding any other casino that might ever be built that it is easy to see, the intent is to make sure none will ever be allowed anywhere in the state that might be in competition with the one being proposed for western Maine. NOT GOOD for any Indian Nation that wants to have a casino built on their lands. NOT GOOD for any group that might want one in northern or coastal Maine that might attract the tourist ships coming into port.

One more time this is a case of "I'm getting mine but I'm making sure no one else will ever get theirs."How can this casino, even a four season resort casino, located in one county in western Maine be good for the entire state when it locks up all other future opportunities for the rest of the state?

I don't have a problem with quality resorts that provide casinos. I do have a problem with greedy people.

TODAY'S MAIL BAG

2010-10-25T17:01:00.002-04:00

From today's Email bag:

Maine Heritage Policy center Announced:

At a Brewer press conference today, MHPC announced new data on MaineOpenGov.org that details Maine's nearly $15.4 billion government retiree pension burden.

The 25,727 individuals currently enrolled in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System will receive a combined $15,383,315,649-an amount equivalent to $11,834 for every man, woman and child in Maine. Of that nearly $15.4 billion total, retirees have paid in $882,274,785-less than six percent of the total pension cost.

The MaineOpenGov.org updates include the names, years of service (work), final employer, and age of retirement for the nearly 26,000 current government retirees.

The new data also provides the amount each government employee contributed to the retirement compared to the projected amount they are expected to receive in taxpayer-funded pension benefits over their lifetime.

CEO Tarren Bragdon demonstrated the disparity between what some employees contributed, and what they can expect to receive in pension benefits.

Other information presented at today's press conference:

· More than 2,000 government retirees will receive a lifetime pension worth $1 million or more.

· The average annual Maine Public Employees Retirement System retiree pension has increased by 129% since 1991.

· 50% of retirees retired with 25 or fewer years of service (work)

· Total pension payments have increased 213% since 1991 (from $165 million to $516 million).

All this information, and more, is now available on MaineOpenGov.org.

Visit today.

And on the phone: A call from Maine Senator Olympia Snowe urging a vote for Paul LePage. Could it just be the national RNC is behind this? At the moment my vote is leaning toward Eliot Cutler (still). But I'm still firm on Anyone BUT Mitchell.

New MainePolicy.org Web site is finally here!

Last week, The Maine Heritage Policy Center unveiled its brand new MainePolicy.org Web site.

See new features, search functions and more

CAN'T TELL THE SEASONS BY THE BIRDS

2010-10-23T16:14:00.003-04:00

For the last two weeks I have had flocks of robins on the lawn. How they can find any worms through the blanket of leaves is beyond me. And Robins? I associate robins with Springtime. Consider my amazement - confusion is more like it this past Friday as I was driving west on Route 9 to the Post Office and then to the Town Office and there were at least ten (10) turkeys having a go on one of my neighbors front lawns fairly close to the road. Turkeys in the Fall I expect. But robins AND turkeys at the same time just boggles the mind.

And the chipmunks not only have the squirrels helping themselves to the black oil sunflower seeds, now the chickadees and thrushes are packing in for "Feed Time", too. At least the loons are still here. For the moment.

Did you see the full moon last night? Silvery white and beautiful over the water.

LOST DOG:

Last Sunday a little Pomeranian named Foxy got loose at the top of Merrill Road. Just 1 year old and 8 pounds, she was running back and forth, dodging cars, even came down my driveway to stand and bark. But she wouldn't come. People tried to catch her including her owners.

A flyer is posted at the Eddington Town Office. If you spot her - better yet if you have her or know someone who has her, call 843-0415. They miss her. She was the light in the household.

HOW MAINE LEGISLATORS DID ON VET ISSUES THIS PAST YEAR

2010-10-20T14:31:00.002-04:00

From my incoming emails TODAY:

"IAVA (Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America) Action Fund just released its 2010 Congressional Report Card – and we want you to be the first to check it out. This critical tool shows who in Congress took action for new veterans and who was full of hot air.

The grades are not good. The Report Card shows just how little Congress accomplished for Iraq and Afghanistan vets this year. Out of 535 legislators, only 20 legislators earned an A+, and more than a third of Congress earned Ds and Fs.

Check here to see if your Senators and Representative made the D List or the Dean’s List. (I did. Checked out both of our Senators and Representatives. See results below.)

Congress showed promise for vets in the first half of this session, but by the second half, everything went downhill.

They failed to achieve real reform in our three most critical areas: improving the outdated VA disability claims process, upgrading the Post-9/11 GI Bill and helping vets find jobs in a tough economy.

As we head into the midterm elections, Americans must hold Congress accountable for their voting record. Vets can’t wait for the gridlock to clear in Washington. IAVA Action Fund is keeping our nation's lawmakers honest, and ensuring that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans remain a priority on Capitol Hill. This is what the Report Card is all about.

Check out the Report Card now to find out if your elected officials flunked this session.

This Report Card brings veterans’ issues back into the national dialogue before the midterm elections and shows Americans who really has our backs.

Paul

Paul Rieckhoff
Executive Director and Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Action Fund (IAVA)

Both Maine Senators Collins and Snowe earned "B" grades. Mike Michaud also earned a "B" grade. Chellie Pingree earned a "C" grade.

If America signs a contract with our men and women promising certain benefits if they will put their lives on the line to defend our country and freedoms, is not our country responsible for fulfilling that country when they come home? Even if they come home more wounded than the "experts" projected or than we expected the enemy to be able to achieve? If our elected government's word isn't worth the paper the "contracts" are printed on, what does that say about our government? Our country?

At least Maine's representatives aren't in the "D" and "F" range. Wonder where John Boehner and Mitch McConnell ranked?

FROM THIS MORNING'S INTERNET NEWS

2010-10-20T10:48:00.002-04:00

FARMINGTON, Maine — A former student at the Farmington State Teacher's College in Maine now has a postcard that was sent to her in the fall of 1946. The postcard, a thank you note, was sent to Ruth Webber at Purington Hall by "Gert and Charlie." It was mailed from Winthrop.

"POSTCARD FROM MAINE ARRIVES AFTER 64 YEARS"

Farmington, Maine. The postcard showed up recently in the mailroom at the University of Maine at Farmington. Mailroom employee Andrea Butterfield says the postcard was in mint condition and the ink wasn't faded. It had a 1 cent stamp on it.

The Sun Journal of Lewiston said there's no explanation about where the card has been.

On Monday 83-year-old Ruth Webber McGary, received the card. She said she worked with the Charlie who sent the card, but doesn't remember why it was sent.

___

Information from: Sun-Journal, http://www.sunjournal.com

Just just more proof that things move a little slowly around parts of this state.

SOMETIMES PLACES JUST WON'T LET YOU GO

2010-10-19T11:00:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was one of confusion. And then amazement at the sheer stupidity of government. I'm not even talking about places here in Maine. I know. You need to sit down and fan yourself. Get another cup of tea, dear. Or something stronger.

It all started Saturday when I picked up the mail. There it was. This postcard with the ominous title "Failure to Appear." Makes your skin crawl, doesn't it. Shoot! (or words a bit stronger). What did I do (or not do)? Things like that make you have to read the thing two or three times just to see what it is saying.

Seems I missed some kind of jury call. Was supposed to be in a jury pool on 10/4/10. OK. That would have been a Monday. I know because it was the Monday following that three-day writers' retreat - where the Friday drive was in that downpour. I posted about that - with the drivers who don't turn on their headlights. If you didn't read it, you can scroll down. It was a pip. Anyway, I know I was here for the 4th. I also know I never received any Jury Summons to be downtown on the 4th.

This Failure to Appear notification states I was to call the Jury Commissioner's office immediately or else I could be held in Contempt of Court and be fined. Shoot! (or that other word). So all day Sunday I am fit to be tied. Monday - yesterday morning, first thing, I start calling the number at 8:05AM (figure I should let whoever is at the phone in the Jury Commissioner's office have enough time to sit down with her cuppa and get her coat off. It was cold yesterday morning. The line was busy. I called again three minutes later. Line still busy.

I come up here to the office. There's a phone on the desk and I can call while I'm working. (I've been working on a novel and trying to get it polished and ready for the writers group and then to a published writer for a review/edit/critique before it's time for the tulips to come up or me to be planted - whichever comes first). I keep calling THAT NUMBER. It keeps ringing busy. Golly. Must have been a LOT of people who missed that date with the jury pool. I counted my calls. 47 and ewach time it was BUSY!

About 2PM, I call 411, just to be sure there's nothing wrong with the line - or the number. Number's fine, but the operator offers another number and for an extra charge, they will connect me directly. Heck, I'll take the extra juice. Do NOT want to be in Contempt of Court. Well, I get connected - to an automated answering system. It tells me I am now at the number for the Grand Jury. If I want the Jury Commissioner - or If I received a Failure to Appear, yep - I have to call that other number. Shoot (or that other word). Back to square #1. And it is still busy. Except that's when a dim light bulb goes on.

When the operator gave me the second number - the one I paid extra to be connected to - it had a 916 area code. That's Sacramento CALIFORNIA. Excuse me?! Only being a little slow on the draw, I look more closely at this postcard. Very faintly behind the print I can see a seal. Dang it if it's not the Great Seal of California!

Wait a minute. Now I turn the card around and Really look at the return address. True it does say Superior Court. Sacramento Superior Count! I never saw the Sacramento part in all the times I read the thing - never saw the Great Seal of California. Well, it is pretty faint. All that debt ($19 Billion - that's with a B) maybe they're cutting back a bit with the ink.

So I call that 916 area code, which is NOT part of the number printed on the post card, BTW... Got right through don't you know.

Seems the court system there pulls their names for jury duty from lists they obtain from the state Dept. of Motor Vehicle which still has me on their lists! (Does this constitue dual-citizenship by any chance?) And the original Summons went to the house I sold in Sacramento waaaay back at the beginning of 2007. Of course the Summons was never forwarded here. But when I "failed to show" on 10/4/07, the court then went the extra mile and somehow found my current address in MAINE and mailed the Failure to Appear anyway.

I asked the young lady in the Jury Commissioner's office if they were that hard up for jurors that they really needed someone from Maine to show up, not that I think a non-California resident would be allowed.... No, she didn't think I would be required to appear or that a judge would hold me in Contempt.

But you sent the notification anyway, I stated. Yes, she said. And it might happen again unless I notify California DMV that I've moved, she said. Did she have their address, I asked. I don't have any California telephone books any more, you see.

No, she said sitting in her Sacramento, California office. "But, you can probably find it on the Internet."

I am still shaking my head in wonderment over this. "They keep pulling me back." Wasn't that a line from The Godfather? I am beginning the business they were in.

NEIGHBOR AT THE DOOR

2010-10-16T21:24:00.004-04:00

An unexpected surprise occurred this afternoon when a friend quickly dropped by to leave some information at my door. I know this person from Clifton. He was a delegate to the Regional Planning Committee for the school district and a regular citizen attendee at the Clifton Selectmen's meetings. He's regularly at SAD 63 school board meetings. And he was at the "Meet and Greet" Republican candidate Dave Johnson held at Comins Hall before the primaries earlier this year. But I've never had the pleasure of opening my door to see this individual at my door before today.

Fred was out and about, in not the best of weather (certainly not nearly as bad as Friday's) with another supporter of Dave Johnson distributing information for and about Dave. They were driving and going door-to-door in Eddington. Aside from the fact that the incumbent, Ben Pratt, lives right here in Eddington, I have never received any information from Ben other than a party-produced postcard in my mailbox - certainly no one coming to my door.

Aside from seeing Ben at the annual Town Meeting or back when there used to be the summer town picnic, I have never seen or heard anything from Ben about his positions regarding anything in August. Certainly no responses to any emails sent to him or phone messages left.

But the information left today was certainly enlightening about Ben's voting record and Dave's positions. The following was very interesting:

LD 1495: Enactment of 102 new taxes including tax on labor, movies, and increased meals & lodging tax. Ben Pratt voted YES on LD 1088, the predecessor of LD 1495 and was ABSENT for the vote on LD 1495 (Roll Call #199) but is reported to have Supported the Bill. Dave Johnson Opposed the Bill.

LD 290: Legislation to allow Maine citizens to buy health insurance across state lines. (Roll Call #71). Ben Pratt Voted NO. Dave Johnson Favors the proposal.

LD 254: Welfare Reform - This Bill enacts a 5-point welfare reform package, including requiring a 90-day residency for welfare recipients. Ben Pratt Voted NO (Roll Call #177). Dave Johnson Favors the reform package.

LD 333: Legislation raising the gasoline tax by 10 cents (included in the highway budget). Ben Pratt Voted YES (Roll Call #219). Dave Johnson is Opposed.

If you want to ask Dave questions or contact him, he puts his contact information on all of his fliers:

Tel.# (207) 843-6929; email:djhouse@gmail.com; FacebookDJHOUSE20

For those voters in Maine District 20 (Bradley,Clifton,Dedham,Eddington,Holden and part of Brewer), this writer asks you to consider when the last time was you actually experienced any direct interest shown in your interests and concerns by our current representative in the Maine House of Representatives, Ben Pratt. Ben is a nice person but has he shown any genuine interest or knowledge in what his constituents want done in Augusta? Isn't that his job?

Maybe you should think seriously about supporting Dave Johnson in the voting booth on November 2 and send him as your representative to Augusta this time around.
Maine needs to be more business-friendly if it's to get out of the fiscal mess it's in.

It's time to send a business person to Augusta to work on the problem.

The person for District 20 is Dave Johnson.

ONE LIGHTBULB AT A TIME

2010-10-13T10:04:00.002-04:00

From one of my email friends today.
***
A physics teacher in high school once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.

Good idea .. . one light bulb at a time . .

Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China. The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA. Start looking.

In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more.

My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico. Now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past week I went to Acme. I needed 60W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled "Everyday Value." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats. They were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand, but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA, in a company in Cleveland, Ohio.

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here.

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets. Yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada. The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA ! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA. The job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!

We should have awakened a decade ago.

Let's get with the program to help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U.S.A.

***

People are losing their homes because of jobs being shipped overseas. Homes and jobs lost here are reducing the tax base which is dragging down our economy and placing a terrible burden on all of us. Seems a little thing we can do that will help all of us. At this point I don't care about those on Wall Street any more. With the news yesterday about the same ones who got our money to bail them out now filling their personal pockets with even more profit dollars - and small businesses still receiving no help at all - I say it's time for us to bail out our own boats with our own tin cans made right here in the USA.

TYPICAL EXHAUSTING TUESDAY

2010-10-12T19:49:00.002-04:00

Tuesday's are my Writers' group meeting day. Great group. Productive time and really good writers from whom to learn and with whom to share. But by the time the group is done and then on to physical therapy and what ever other errands need to be done in Bangor, HOME is a place to crash on the couch and do nothing. Adsolutely nothing.

And that is every Tuesday. So those Tuesdays that include Selectmen meetings, or next week's Public Hearing at Holbrook regarding the proposed AOS vote Nov. 2 make for a long day. Which is why tonight's posting is short.

Just want to add a Big AMEN to the sign outside the Town Office. You don't know what it says? Take a drive. And then say your, "Amen." The drive will be a joy, too. Don't know when Route 9/Main Road got striped but it looks purdy. Bright and shiney.

And a Big Thank You to great neighbors. Sometimes the job of getting summer furniture in and stored in the basement is too much for a lower back that is developing an "attitude." I have been blessed with new and good neighbors - who have a sweatheart of a dog.

IN YOUR MAIL - AND POST OFFICE PARKING WOES

2010-10-08T15:08:00.003-04:00

In your mail today (or maybe yesterday), residents of Eddington, Clifton and Holden should have received the previously referenced brochure from the SAD 63 School Board describing the proposed Alternative Structure Organization (AOS) that will be on the November 2, 2010 ballot. Residents of Amherst, Aurora, Great Pond and Osborn (members of Airline CSD 8) should also have received a similar brochure from their School Board.

If this measure passes, and this writer hopes it does, the new AOS would go into effect July 1, 2011.

The following includes information contained in the brochure. To view the plan in its entirety, please visit: http://www.sad63.net/

The brochure describes how this AOS structure would work. There will be a Public Hearing on October 19, 2010 at 7PM at the Holbrook School on Highway 46 to cover the information. There will be a Public Hearing October 14, 2010 at 7PM at the Airline Community School.

This AOS plan will have no adverse impact on the instructional program of any school in either of the Member School Units.

Students of all Member municipalities may attend the high school of their choice, as allowed by state law.

The bottom line effects of this AOS structure are as follows:

A. The two school districts will continue to maintain their own School Boards. Those School Boards will continue to have the same composition, powers and duties over their same schools as they do now.

B. The two school districts will share the same Central Office, something which the two school districts have been doing since 1977. (NOTE: This blog may have stated in an earlier posting the districts have been sharing the Central Office services since 1987. That date was incorrect.) The shared Central Office under the AOS will be comprised of (1) the Superintendent, (2) one administrative assistant, (3) a business manager, (4) an operations/transportation director, (5) a special education director, (6) a special education secretary and (7) an accounts payable specialist.

C. There will be an AOS Board of Directors with a weighted means of voting authority (power) allocated on the basis of the individual towns participating in the AOS. While each town will have 1 member on the AOS Board of Directors, the member votes will be weights as follows:

Amherst: 3.5
Aurora: 1.7
Clifton: 12.1
Eddington: 34.5
Great Pond: .8
Holden: 46.4
Osborn: 1.0
TOTAL: 100.0

D. Real and Personal Property:
All real and personal property interests, including land, buildings and improvements, and all fixtures and equipment shall remain the property of each Member School Unit except for central office equipment that will be transferred to the AOS.

E. Debt:
The existing indebtedness and lease-purchase obligations of the Member School Units will remain with the respective unit.

F. Cost Savings:
Since 1977 the proposed Member School Units of Airline CSD #8 and MSAD #63 have operated as Joint Districts, sharing the costs and services of a central office. During this time we have consistently achieved operational efficiencies resulting in reduced costs. We will continue to search for opportunities to provide future savings in the proposed AOS.

G. Projected Cost Estimates:
In 2011-2012 it is estimated that $10,000 will be required for the legal costs associated with the formation of the AOS. Those projected costs will be allocated as follows:

Airline CSD #8: $699.
MSAD #6: $9,301.

H. Penalties:
If voters do not approve the formation of a regional school unit on November 2, 2010, the Member Units of the proposed AOS are estimated to lose State of Maine subsidy(state funding) for Fiscal Year (FY) as follows:
Airline CSD#8: $16,252 (tax penalty)
MSAD #6: $178,577 (tax penalty)

According to existing state law, A penalty will be assessed annually to each Member School Unit until a successful school consolidation is achieved.

This means EVERY TOWN MUST APPROVE THE FORMATION OF THE AOS in order for this measure to pass. Any resident who is confused or resistant to this measure is urged to attend one of the Public Hearings scheduled and listed above. Ask your questions there. How much more can local property owners afford to cover for the failure of Maine state government to pay its share of public education in our districts?

****

News from the Post Office

Seems the bids received to repave the Eddington Post Office parking lot were considered too high by the owner of the land. The land is leased to the U.S. Postal Services, and repair of the lot with potholes to China are subject to the landowner's willingness to reduce carnage to USPS customers. So he has decided to fill and patch - again. Which generates another question. If he plans to do it before the snow flies (which will in the course of time cause water and ice holes), he's got less than three weeks. As of November 1, according to one source, asphalt will no longer be available because of the cold temperatures.

Wonder if it's possible for USPS customers to sue the landowner for damage being incurred to their cars. Undercarriage impact, wheel alignments, tire balancing, etc. Seems to me I've seen fewer weaves and curves on a soccer field than what goes on in that parking lot when people are trying to get in and out with their mail without taking a header through one of those potholes. Someone's going to get hurt and it will be that landowner's direct fault and therefore his responsibility. It's not as though those potholes just suddenly appeared.

A MAN OF HIS WORD - AND OTHER NEWS

2010-10-07T09:38:00.002-04:00

Don Spencer, Principal of Eddington Elementary School, has sent me the the Fall 2009- Beginning of Grade 3 and Grade 4 NECAP Reading and Math Results. As readers may recall from the posting following the September 27 School Board meeting, Mr. Spencer promised to provide these results. He stated there had been improvement over the 2008-2009 data provided in www.EducationNation.com which this writer had previously posted.

According to the note from Mr. Spencer attached to the data sheets, the test results show Eddington students scored at or above the state average. While I am not disputing Mr. Spencer's statement, I must admit I do not know how to interpret much of the data presented. To address this, I plan to call Mr. Spencer with the objective of scheduling an appointment during which I shall be the student with the objective of learning more about what the numbers and symbols mean. This will be particularly beneficial since the 3rd and 4th grade students are about to venture forth and take the Fall 2010 NECAP Reading and Math exams.

Once I know and can explain what I am seeing, the data will be presented here. Perhaps the other two principals will also be willing to share the data from their schools as well.

****

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING NEWS:

Although Eddington uses the Brewer recycling site for most, if not all, electronic, computer and appliance equipment residents wish to dispose of and/or recycle, there is another convenient site: Best Buy in Bangor.

To learn more, check out: www.BestBuy.com/recycling. Once at that site, there is a place to select the state (Maine) to learn what items are accepted, how many, and what (if any) fees are involved. It is a great option and many electronic items can be turned in, up to three a day, free of charge.

Something to be aware of: Did you know copiers have a "brain" that retains the information contained on documents copied. Information such as social security number, name, date of birth, etc. How many times have you used your personal copier to copy 1099 documents or Income tax forms or a Driver's License? Think about it. And then the copier broke and you decided to simply replace it instead of repair it. So you sent it to the recycling center.

Did you know that many recycling centers do repair copiers and then re-sell them...to foreign countries or to used appliance centers With Your Personal Information Still on the "brain" Hard Drive!

This is particularly disturbing when you think of the number of government, business centers, banks, and even school districts that lease and then turn back copiers - or own and then "recycle" or trade in copiers with the Hard Drives in tact. Imagine the opportunities for theft of personal IDs. Scary isn't it.

FRIDAY ON HIGHWAY 95

2010-10-04T14:45:00.005-04:00

WOW! This past weekend was great. Getting there was beyond scary.

Back in September I received notification the one and only scholarship to the Fall Writers Retreat, sponsored by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, had been won by Yours Truly. It was only the second writing competition I had ever entered (the first being early this Spring where the reward was for a much smaller amount - but still prized, I assure you). The retreat was to be conducted October 1-3 at the Liniken Resort in Boothbay Harbor. A beautiful setting. But driving there this past Friday, southbound on the 95 in the driving rain, was more than a challenge.

I don't ride those death-defying monsters at the carnivals. Don't like roller-coasters. Never, ever get on the Ferris wheels. And my granddaughters still talk about when they got me on the "Tower of Death" at Disneyland. (That thing is appropriately named, BTW. Those screams you hear while buying your tickets outside are the people riding that thing inside, screaming God's name in one solid breath all the way down to the ground level. And those girls wanted to "do it again" - probably just to see all color drain from their Nana's face one more time. I have moments of being naive, but I am not THAT gullible.)

And so we get to last Friday's drive for what should have been a three-hour trip. Took five hours in that rain. Didn't start out raining when I left Eddington. Rather pretty actually. The colors of the foliage traveling toward Newport were lovely. Lots of red and orange and rusted gold amidst the deep green. And then it began to sprinkle. Just enough to turn the windshield wipers on intermittently. And then more often. Not so much as to throw up any great amount of water from the rear tires of those vehicles passing in the left lane. But still, I turned on the headlights. After all, that's what one is supposed to do. Turn on your headlights whenever using your windshield wipers. There were even large signs along the roadside stating as much.

The rain started coming down more heavily - and the sky got darker in spots along the route. Of course, never having been to Boothbay Harbor before, I had printed out the directions via Mapquest. (NOTE: One cannot take exit 51 at Gardner to get to 27 regardless of what Mapquest says unless you have an EZ pass. I didn't. One has to continue south on 95, get off at the next off ramp and double back. Then you can get off at exit 51. Believe me, I speak from experience.)

No, I do not have a GPS device. I need to watch the road when I'm driving - of course I can still get lost, but at least I am watching where I am going. Doesn't make a lot of difference some of the time, but I can explain to whoever what I did and where I did it so that they can understand while they're shaking their head and saying, "You can't get there from H'yah.".

Same reason, BTW I don't use my cell phone and NEVER text. Don't even put on makeup. I really have to seriously consider taking a drink container out of the cup holder, even though I use a straw to make it easier. When driving, even in good weather, I keep my eyes on the road. I've seen too often the consequences of those who haven't.

So back to Friady - somewhere this side of Augusta the rain was really coming down. I mean it was bad. And every vehicle that was on the road was throwing up huge amounts of water from their rear tires. Not just the big-rigs, which were pounding along at 70-80 mph regardless. But the SUVs and the pickups and the normal sized cars. Everything was throwing so much water there was a white-out for any vehicle behind them - even if you were five or six car-lengths behind. In spots the water on the pavements was causing planing. Highway DOT lights came on announcing reduced speeds to 45mph. Even that felt fast.

In a few places I moved over into the left lane just to avoid the throw-back water from some large vehicle in front of me in the right lane because I couldn't see anything. I know, Maine seems to have this thing about everyone staying in the right lane except to pass - and then jump back into that right lane. I don't understand it. A driver can not practice defensive driving when s/he can not see what is up ahead - can't see the moose or deer the signs warn about for the next 15-17 miles, can't see the accident just ahead, can't see that others are braking ahead but the vehicle right in front of you isn't for whatever reason. Whatever, there are a lot of things in Maine I don't understand and this column isn't long enough to list them.

BUT, when I saw this HUGE big-rig baring down on me in my rear mirror, I wanted to move back over into the right lane - except I couldn't see where that vehicle was that had been there just moments before - the one that was throwing up so much water and causing the white-out I wanted to avoid. Where was it? Was it safe to move back over into the right lane? Would I drive right into the car/SUV/whatever it was if I pulled into the right lane?

Why was I having this much trouble? - in broad daylight even if it was cloudy? Because at least one-quarter of the vehicles driving with their windshield wipers going pell-mell fast did not have their headlights on. No, those drivers probably didn't need their headlights to see where they were going. But us drivers behind them needed their tail lights on to see where they were.

And it wasn't just me. By the time I arrived at my destination there were others talking about the same stressed experience. For all of the "independence" Mainers like to brag about, sometimes the rules aren't for the one doing the driving or the ATV exploring or the one on the motorcycle or the hunter. The rules are sometimes for the others who are in the areas right behind you.

WAS LEPAGE KIDDING?

2010-09-30T14:08:00.002-04:00

A television news story this morning reported that Paul LePage addressed various school district superintendent at a local area meeting yesterday. At that meeting LePage is reported to have said he advocates two things voters should listen to and consider seriously.

1. Public schools should bring back vocational training programs. LePage's point was that not all students will be going to college. Not all public school children want to go into fields which colleges focus on or fields for which an individual needs a college education. Many students are interested in, and can become gainfully employed in work areas for which vocational training through the high school and community college level can and should be providing.

This writer finds no disagreement with this position.

2. The State of Maine should set its own criteria and standards by which a student has met acceptable education standards, and those standards should not be judged or dependent upon any federal or national standards.

Apparently Mr. LePage has either not read the Maine Heritage Policy Center's Education Committee's Report issued a year ago showing where Maine is spending $3,000. more per student than the national average and achieving a lower level of performance in Reading, Math and Science. Nor has he reviewed this past week's data in the NBC special project, Education Nation - much of which has been posted here on this blog - showing where the 8th grade average of Reading and Math puts Math 35th in the nation (using Maine's current standard for evaluation which is a lower standard than the national standard).

It seems to this writer that a plumber or a car mechanic or any other vocational program student should still be expected to Read and do basic Math. But perhaps this writer's standards are too high. I don't know, but I did graduate from Bangor High School and those were the standards then. Of course those were during the days when an East Coast education was considered to be one of the best in the country. Perhaps Mr. LePage thinks we should all lower our expectations in these days when we're expected to vote for a Bully in the pits of Augusta.

As for me, if lowering our educational standards is the future of Maine's public education and I still had children in the K-12 age range, I think maybe another state would be the place to be paying my taxes. Seems to me I heard Mrs. LePage bought a place in Florida, where there is a state constitutional law prohibiting state income taxes. I think that's where Mr. LePage's daughter is going to college, too, - as a Florida resident.

Does Florida's public education testing standard meet the national standard? Might be something to check out.

Eliot Cutler is looking better all the time.

SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING DATES FOR OCTOBER

2010-09-30T10:33:00.002-04:00

Budget & Finance Committee will be meeting: October 13, 2010 @ 5:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School

Curriculum Committee will be meeting: October 12 @ 6:30 p.m. @ Eddington School

Operations Committee will be meeting: TBD

Policy Committee will be meeting: (It was to be October 19 but that date was changed because of the Public Hearing scheduled that date for the explanation of the AOS to be voted on November 2 - see previous posting re: School Board Meeting.) Committee meeting date TBD.

Technology Committee will be meeting: November 9, 2010 @ 3:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School

EDDINGTON SELECTMEN'S MEETING - OCTOBER 28 - AN "ENERGETIC" AGENDA

2010-09-29T11:49:00.006-04:00

It was a busy agenda that was scheduled for last night in the Eddington Town Office - and an informative one. All Board member were present with the Exception of Don Goodwin.

This writer was a bit late and therefore missed most of Fire Chief Ellis's report, which had to do with Staff Scheduling and Regionalization. Readers interested in finding out what the Chief had to say should contact Town Manager Russell Smith for a copy of the meeting minutes.

Sheriff's Deputy Mason reported that the Route 9 road construction is supposed to be done by this Saturday, October 2. We'll see. The crew still needs to do the paint striping which shouldn't take much time but...we'll see. Deputy Mason said that, with the improved road and fewer obstructions, he's seeing more speeding, more OUIs, and more marijuana "problems." That is resulting in more tickets, etc. Just a warning, people. There have also been a few home burglaries and attempted burglaries. Deputy Mason suggested that some individuals may be trying to get in their last licks before the winter snows and summer folks lock up and leave for parts south. A word to the wise to lock up before going into town for shopping, one would think.

The BIG PARTS of the agenda came under New Business:

ECOMAINE, represented by Allison McReady, is making a bid to bring Single Stream Recycling to Eddington. Ms. McReady provided a PowerPoint presentation showing how Single Stream Recycling (where more items can be recycled than the ones currently processed by the Bangor Processing Center and which do not have to be sorted by item) can be gathered and compressed in a single truck) can save costs to a community.

It was a detailed presentation with many possible benefits to a community. The Bottom Line of the presentation was that, at no cost to the town, Ms. McReady will provide a cost analysis for the Town of Eddington to see if Single Stream Recycling would be beneficial for Eddington on both a cost basis and a potential recycling basis. What this writer liked, in particular was that ECOMAINE transports its collected and compacted recycled trash to Portland, ME where it is sorted and sold to various places all over the world (including places in Maine) to be turned into re-usable products. This generates jobs IN MAINE. While there is one other competitor in the single stream recycling business operating in Maine, that company transports its compacted trash to Massachusetts for distribution. No jobs for Mainers there. The more Mainers being employed, the better for our state's economy. And that's better for our tax base - our school district funding. What goes around comes around. Now THAT'S Recycling!!!

***

Then there was a loooong discussion about the Planning Board's proposed/work on Wind Energy Ordinance.

Bottom Line: The initial Eddington Town Moratorium had an expiration date of October 1, 2010. State law is that there can only be one extension to any Moratorium. The Planning Board was requesting one such extension to allow time for up to two Public Hearings on the proposed Wind Energy Ordinance. This would allow time for any Public Feedback and subsequent changes/corrections if needed before the proposed Ordinance would have to go to a Required Town Meeting for a Vote.

It was suggested the Board authorize a 180-Day extension (the maximum allowed) or until the Ordinance was approved or voted down. (What will happen if the Ordinance, with whatever changes may come to pass, is voted down - with no more Moratorium allowed, is unclear in this writer's mind. Maybe the town is then required to go with the standards the state has written which this writer has heard are less stringent than those being proposed by the Eddington Planning Board. Maybe not so good.)

At first the Board was equally split on extending any Moratorium at all. Chairwoman Brooks and Vice Chair Grover were for the extension; Board members Baker and Lyford were opposed. With Member Goodwin absent and unable to break the tie (he usually votes with the Chair) the Moratorium extension appeared dead in the water. Not so good. There was discussion that there were no applications for any wind towers currently pending; however, what would happen if there was an application after October 2 and there was no extension of the Moratorium. There would be no ordinance to prevent any wind tower farms to be approved (or maybe it would only have to meet the state's standards).

With reluctance, Chairwoman Brooks allowed this writer to speak up (it was not Public Access time and this writer in not a member of the Planning Board or the Selectmen). But I felt it was important to speak before the matter became moot. I pointed out that extending the Moratorium was only a Safety Net for the town. Without the extension, there was simply not enough time for the Public Hearings, feedback from town members, any changes, etc. or even the Town Meeting to vote on the Ordinance. It was clear, the only person who might change his vote was Charles Baker. Peter Lyford seemed adamant to let the Ordinance die. ???

The vote was reconsidered and Baker did change his vote and the Moratorium was extended for 180 days or until the vote is taken (one way or another).

And THEN...a presentation from EOLIAN Renewable Energy was made as represented by two men - Travis Bullard being the primary representative. Their presentation was worth listening to, I must say. Not the multi-page letter read with objections to various standards that are included in the Eddington Planning Board proposed Wind Ordinance. The issues read in the letter got lost in a blur of sound - BUT the power-point map that followed - showing sound levels from the top of Black Cap mountain which is the ONLY spot where EOLIAN is proposing to create a wind farm (of ?? wind towers) to where homes are located near Highway 46. That Map IS Significant - as are the sound levels NOW of numerous areas where there are NO Wind Towers. Then compare those NATURAL noise levels to the sound levels in the proposed Ordinance.

EOLIAN also stated they do have a project for Eddington they would like to submit for construction IF the final and approved Ordinance will work for them. It may generate up to $120,000/annually for the town in taxes and up to $2.4 million over the life of the project in addition to the employment opportunities. Something we may want to hear more about.

I saw members of the Planning Board watch that map and the sound levels and listen to the objections (and explanations) and it was my impression the members of the Planning Board may be talking today..... Perhaps there will be some changes in the proposed Ordinance even before the Pubic Hearings. Who knows.

BUT, in order for that map and that information to be presented/included at the Eddington Town Meeting where the final vote will be taken, the EOLAIN representatives will have to be allowed to speak (it's in the rules because they are not voters/residents). Just something to remember.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Like I said, it was a long night and a Big agenda. But a good one. well worth attending.

SAD 63 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27

2010-09-29T10:32:00.003-04:00

Board Attendees: Don Varnum, Rep. from Holden; Jessica Gray, Rep. from Clifton; Mario Tiesl, Rep. from Holden; Therese Anderson, Rep. from Eddington and President of the Board; Christopher Doering, new Rep. from Holden; Karen Clark, Rep. from Eddington; and Pam Dorr, Rep. from Eddington. Absent: Kevin Mills, Rep. from Holden.

It was an interesting and well attended meeting Monday night at the Holbrook School. Since this writer hadn't been to any meetings since the close of last year (and the budget hearings), it was nice to see so many members of the public in attendance in addition to the school principals and district department managers. Of course there wasn't the number of parents who were at the Budget and Finance Committee meetings last spring. Which was too bad because the Board is already talking about next year's budget - cuts, the possibility of moving next year's 4th grade to the Holbrook School and the various impacts to other operations that will impose (food, transportation, etc.)

It was pointed out that the trailing class (this year's second grades in both Holden and Eddington) are large classes. The only reason the plan is being considered for moving what will be the incoming 4th grade to Holbrook in the Fall of 2011 is because the current 3rd grade classes at Holden and Eddington are small.

Question: Is it wise to made all the cost adjustments and school operation changes for fiscal year 2010-2011 (associated with moving the 4th graders to Holbrook School in the Fall of 2011) when the Fall of 2012 4th graders may need to be moved back to Holden and Eddington Schools because the number of students will be too large to be accommodated at Holbrook?

Granted, Mario Teisl stated they are only beginning to look at the issue because the Board understands it is/will be complicated. And Board President Anderson stated there are many months before next years budget has to be finalized. But - the more time people can take to look at any and all issues, the better the chance the outcome will be better. As Anderson pointed out, the districts never find out from the State what amount we will/won't be able to depend on the state to be paying. Better we should be taking the leadership role - and sooner rather than later.

Parents who have a vested interest in the operations of the school district would be wise to attend the monthly School Board meetings to stay abreast of issues being raised and discussed. Waiting until April and May of each year is asking to be behind the eight-ball.

***
It was discussed and decided to send out a Brochure from the SAD 63 district to all voters announcing a Public Hearing to present the proposed AOS (Alternative Organized Structure) which will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot. The Public Hearing will be held at the Holbrook School on October 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. SAD 63 voters unable to attend that meeting could attend the Public Hearing that will be conducted by CSD 8 - although this writer has no information regarding the date or location of that meeting. It is suggested anyone interested contact Superintendent Dave Anderson at the Holden School to request information if needed.

The AOS is an alternative option to a consolidated school structure and is allowed by the state legislature. Under the proposed AOS plan, SAD 63 will have one "partner," - the Airline District, otherwise known as CSD 8, with which SAD 63 has shared various central services (business services and superintendent services) since 1987. Under the AOS structure, both districts would continue to have separate School Boards and separate school budgets. One significant benefit to the approval of the AOS structure would be the elimination of the state imposed tax penalty which cost SAD 63 towns $180,000 this year (money which the taxpayers in Eddington, Clifton and Holden had to make up through increased property taxes).

The Public Hearing on October 19 will outline more details of how the AOS would work IF APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN ALL OF THE TOWNS INVOLVED (meaning all of the towns that are under SAD 63 AND CSD 8). Unless all of the towns approve the AOS, we go back to Square 1 AND the tax penalty next year, too.

The referendum will be on the November 2 ballot in all of the required towns.

It should be noted that at the meeting, this writer provided print-outs of the two postings from October 26 & 27 to the three SAD 63 school principals/SAD 63 superintendent. In the course of which I learned that one of the principals had been reading the October 26 posting. I was advised that there were more recent test scores. Once this writer obtains that information, it will be posted here.

Related to the subject, it was encouraging to see there will be a SAD 63 Board Curriculum Committee meeting in October. Until parents and taxpayers see 4th and 8th grade Reading and Math scores in the 80 percent passing range, this writer doesn't think anyone (anyone - meaning teachers, Board members, parents or students) should be bragging about the wonderful level of education our students are receiving.

At the same time, perhaps the Curriculum Committee should consider finding a way to include a method of verifying parents are fulfilling their responsibilities as well.

Education is not limited to the classroom. Parents are responsible as well - providing a place at home where homework can be done without distraction (television, arguing parents, loud music, etc.); sufficient sleep and rest; a schedule for dinner, relaxation, play and study; and parent supervision, review and verification that homework has been done. One has to wonder, for those students who are not passing the standard tests - are they receiving the support they need at home? Are they too tired to pay attention to be able to learn at school?

On the other hand, what standards are being utilized in the schools to verify that the teachers being employed are able to teach? Who is reviewing their performance and evaluating their success rate?

Consider this: 60-70% equals a D grade. 70-80% equals a C grade; 80-90% equals a B grade; and 90-100% equals and A. Any score below 60% equals an F/failure.

Now go back and look at the 4th and 8the grade Reading and Math scores posted for our three schools for 2009-2009 as shown on Educationnation (posted October 26 & 27 on this blog site). Then look at our school district budget/tax bills. What do you think?

MORE ON SAD 63 SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION NATION SCORECARD - SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

2010-09-27T16:08:00.002-04:00

The SAD 63 School Board Meeting tonight is at HOLBROOK Middle School - @ 6:30pm (not the Eddington Elementary School as previous posted). This is according to information received this afternoon from the Eddington Town Manager. According to the agenda, there will be discussion of the AOS which has been approved by the State Commissioner of Education. The voters of the school district will need to vote on the matter, scheduled for the November election. Stay tuned for whenever the School Board plans to hold the required Public Hearing so voters will learn of the pros and cons of the issue.

NOW - MORE ON THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON HOLBROOK AND HOLDEN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE (2008-2009) Currently being shown NATIONALLY on the EDUCATION NATION special project in New York. (See information on Eddington Elementary School, Bangor High School and Brewer High School and Maine's standards v. Federal standards posted yesterday)

All data is for 2008-2009.

HOLDEN SCHOOL had an enrollment of 169.

The 4th grade READING exam had a 67% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 77% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.

The 4th grade MATH exam had a 50% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 52% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was slightly higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 66%.

HOLBROOK SCHOOL had an enrollment of 282 (grades 508)

The 8th grade READING exam had an 84% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district,the average was also 84%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.

The 8th grade MATH exam had a 60% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district, the average was also 60%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 53%.

Again, these statistics are based on Maine's standards. (Please refer to the information regarding Maine's standards compared to the Federal standards as posted in yesterday's blog posting.)

Maine's 8th grade students rank 35th in the nation in their Math scores using the national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education.

Any reader who wants to check out any public school in the country can do so at: www.Educationnation.com . Go to the Tab marked "Learn More" and then click on the Scorecard category. There is a place where you can type in the name of the school you want to look at. If there are more than one school with the c=same name, you can pick the one you want by identifying the town and state you are looking for. The Holden School is listed that way, as is the Holbrook School. The Holden School is not listed as Holden Elementary School, as an example.

But, looking as these results, one has to wonder what the teachers and school board members were referring to last spring when they were defending the "high quality of education" being provided to our students. Not with these scores - particularly with the lower standards the state of Maine uses as compared to the Federal standard which our students have to compete with when applying for college and being able to hold their own when they get there.

EDUCATION PERFORMANCE IN SAD 63 ACCORDING TO NATIONAL DATA

2010-09-26T09:48:00.002-04:00

Have you have been watching the National News this weekend (or the promotions last week) regarding the Special Project called "Education Nation" being highlighted on the Today show and Meet the Press? If so, you have seen where people can check out the performance of their specific and individual public schools across the nation. This writer did so.

I specifically checked out the Eddington Elementary School Reading and Math performance scores, which also provided all of SAD 63 4th grade scores (thereby providing the scores for Holden Elementary School as well). And then I checked out the graduation rates for Brewer High School and Bangor High School. John Bapst Memorial High School was not included because it is a private school. The following information is both disturbing and interesting from a local and state-wide perspective (not to mention from a taxpayer's perspective).

The following data is based on 2008-2009 scores.

Eddington Elementary School: 88% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
SAD 63 District as a whole: 77% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Maine (statewide average): 71% passed the 4th grade Reading exam

Eddington Elementary School: 55% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SAD 63 District as whole: 52% passed the 4th grade Math exam
Maine (statewide average): 66% passed the 4th grade Math exam

SUMMARY: Eddington Elementary School (and SAD 63) scores were better than the Maine average in Reading, but worse than the Maine average in Math.

Questions regarding these scores and what is being done to improve the teaching of these subjects to our elementary students should be raised at the School Board meeting tomorrow night, September 27, at the Eddington Elementary School at 6:30.

Another important area the Education Nation Project is addressing is the percentage of American students who are graduating from High School. So, using the same tool - www.Educationnation.com - I wrote in the two high schools (Bangor High School and Brewer High School) to which we are sending the majority of our students. The following is the data provided. Again, the data is 2008-2009.

Brewer High School had an enrollment of 1,735 with a graduation rate of 82%

Bangor High School had an enrollment rate of 3,930 with a graduation rate of 80%.

According to the state of Maine, the average state-wide high school graduation rate is 83%, so both of our two high schools falls below the state's average.

Again, because John Bapst Memorial High School is a private school, data was not available.

(It is interesting to note that only 39% of our students graduate from college.)

More interesting data regarding students who do and do not graduate from High School:
*A High School graduate earns an annual income of $25,610.
*A High School dropout earns $17,886.

NOTE: Maybe the dropout rate (and the low rate of college graduates (along with the high taxation rate) contributes to the state of near poverty across the state.

According to the information provided on the charts which came up when this writer queried our local high schools' performance, the following national information was most interesting.

"State expectation for students"
"The national test uses a common set of metrics for students in all states and sets a high bar for student achievement. States' expectations and standardized tests vary greatly. Compared to the national test, Maine sets a much lower bar for student achievement." (emphasis added by this writer)

Questions from this writer: (1)If Maine sets a "much lower bar for student achievement" and our local students are still performing worse than the Maine average, how can we expect them to do well once they move on to higher education? To college? Into the work force where Math and Reading comprehension are essential components? (2) While it is fine and good to proclaim Maine is "independent", it cannot expect its students to become successful in their employment or career goals if they can not compete academically with those individuals whose standard of education has been set at "a higher bar". Independence comes from having the ability to choose from multiple opportunities - not just having to take whatever is left over.

"State graduation report"
"The Federal government uses a well-regarded calculation to estimate high school graduation rates. The calculation used by Maine produces an estimate that is similar to than the Federal government's estimate."

(Translation to the italicized phrase: Maine decided to use "a similar estimated" calculation rather than use the standardized one. Question: Why not use the Federal standard calculation? Could it be that the Maine graduation rates would look even worse under the Federal calculation? The information provided on the Education Nation charts indicates that would be the case. It states, "Each state has its own math and reading tests and graduation rate calculation." It even shows a map with results of national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. Using the Federal standard calculations, the high school graduation rates for Maine shows an overall average of 79% - not the 83% the Maine state government reported.

Perhaps Maine parents should wonder about the validity of the other scores as well. Maybe they aren't really as high as they have been reported to be even as late as 2008-2009.

SEPTEMBER SELECTMEN'S MEETING CHANGED

2010-09-20T17:58:00.002-04:00

The Selectmen's meeting scheduled for September 21 has been postponed to September 28. It will still begin at 6PM.

The Eddington Farmer's Market has ended for the season. This year there didn't appear to be as much interest as last year (translation: not as many customers). It will be interesting to see if the Farmers Market will be held next year.

Although one source on the Route 9 paving project from down near the Clifton end reports that one of the crew members has stated that the deadline for completion is October 2, it will be a miracle if that comes to pass. Another source reports that the project must be done by November 1 because asphalt will not be produced after that date because of projected low temperatures. (No kidding!) Sure hope the crews get around to putting in the middle-of-the-road stripping SOON. It is down right dangerous driving the road after dark without the reflective lines. And if there is a late-night accident because of no reflective line... can the injured parties sue the DOT for neglect or contributing to the causation? Would be something to think about, one would think.

EDDINGTON POST OFFICE - PARKING LOT TO BE PAVED

2010-09-16T15:52:00.002-04:00

Anyone who picks up her/his mail at the Eddington Post Office is well aware of the pothole dilemma that has plagued the place for the past two years. The land owner has chosen to fill in the holes to China with cold tar for who knows how long, only to see the holes re-appear each spring. (For those who don't know, the Postal Service leases the land from someone and doesn't own the land. Lee, the Postmaster who retired this past spring had urged the Postal Service to buy the land at one point but that idea went nowhere.)

Our new Postmaster (for who knows how long) really got on the issue this summer. And yesterday, the 15th, some people showed up to evaluate the job, take measurements, etc. Sometime next week bids are due and the entire parking lot is expected to have a Bona Fide re-paving. Hooray! Something nice to go with the newly paved Route 9/Main Road that goes right by the Post Office.

The Plan, according to this writer's source, is to have half of the lot done first (to allow drivers to gain access to their mail, etc.) and then the second half. As long as the job is completed before the first frost, it will be a Good Thing.

Now, if the DOT contractors working on Route 9 can get these asphalt curbs in place...because you have to wonder how well they're going to hold up with the snow plows... Not just the DOT snow plow doing Route 9, but the individual homeowners plowing their driveways. Snow has to go somewhere when it gets to the end of the driveway at Route 9. Plow to the right or left and there's a good chance the plow blade is going to hit up against those curbs. Something will have to give, either the plow blade or the asphalt, or the snow is going to get plowed straight out into the road, the "law" be danged. Where else can the snow go for heaven's sake?

I just hope someone on one of the two DOT crews I talked to takes the water runoff problems I showed them into consideration. I'm tired of having to repair my driveway every time we have a big rain. Those of us who have gravel driveway do have problems with rain. But we don't have the ice problems people with asphalt driveways have in the winter.

On the other hand, I have neighbors who are tired of having full grown trees uprooted on their property from the water erosion because of the water runoff coming down from Route 9. It's enough, living on shoreland property, to be paying a higher rate of property taxes. But when the state is destroying the value of the property that is paying the bills.... What's that about biting the hand that feeds you? The hand has been known to form a fist, you know.

I do love the new road. Don't get me wrong. But what's is so strange about correcting a problem that wasn't there before the road got paved the LAST time. Or correcting problems that have been identified to be existing now? Repeating current and existing problems is no way to get ahead or achieve the best use of tax money being spent. Just a thought. Because - when will Route 9 get this kind of attention again? So why now do it right now? I know - that's radical.

MAINE - PUBLIC ASSISTANCE & CONVICTED FELONS

2010-09-13T11:35:00.002-04:00

The following information is more from the "Fixing the System" report released last week from the Maine Heritage Policy Center. Previous postings contain attitional information contained in the report. (Any bold markings are the choices of this writer.)
***

"According to the federal Government Accountability Office, Maine is only one of 9 states in the nation that not only allows convicted drug felons to receive taxpayer-funded Food Stamps and TANF cash assistance, but makes no further demands on them whatsoever, such as requiring drug treatment or testing."

(Writer's note: Is this Welfare for drugs - or just a way to avoid dealing with both problems?)

"There are work requirements for those who ultimately enroll in TANF, but Maine has evidently chosen not to strictly enforce these requirements. According to FY 2008 data from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 11.4 percent of Maine's TANF-receiving famlies with work requirements actually completed work activities during FY 2008, far less than the national average of 29.4 percent. In neighboring New Hampshire, by contrast, 47.4 percent of TANF families with work requirements worked."

(Writer's note: Maybe this is why taxes are so much lower in N.H. Do you think?)

"Maine's TANF families are not even working a little. In Maine, 77.5 percent of TANF families with work requirements had zero hours of work participation in FY 2008. In only one state that year - Missouri - were fewer TANF enrollees with work requirements actually working.

"These low levels of job holding are not the result of welfare enrollees dealing with disabilities. According to the ACF, only 0.7 percent of Maine TANF recipients also collect disability benefits. 99.3 percent do not."

(Writer's note: These stats are from 2008; can't blame the 99.3 percent on the economic situation since President Obama has taken office. These are just people who chose to be on welfare and chose to not seek any kind of "qualifying" work. The word is LAZY. And the working and retired taxpayers are supporting these BUMS.)

"Work rates are low in Maine even though the state's TANF program has a very broad definition of "work." According to the welfare advocacy organization Maine Equal Justice Partners, among the "activities" that "count" toward TANF work requirements are paid employment, volunteer work at a "public or non-profit agency," up to six weeks a year of job searching, or participation in various education and job training programs. For the year ending Septemebr 2007, only 25 percent of TANF-enrolled adults in Maine had paid employment. Another 16.5 percent participated in various work activities such as those described above, while the remaining 58.5 percent had no employment or work activities of any kind.

(Writer's note: For those 58.5 percent, see LAZY and BUMS above.)

"The high degree of unemployment and underemployment among Maine TANF recipients may be related to the program's long list of approved excuses for failing to meet work requirements. According to Maine Equal Justice Partners, these "good cause" reasons for "not doing" what the program requires include justifiable excuses such as serious medical or domestic violence issues, but they also include "bad weather" as an excuse, and that the "activity required that you travel more than two hours round trip."

(Writer's note: Gee, "bad weather." They live in Maine. May have even moved here for the easy access to welfare. And "bad weather" is an excuse for not seeking employment. Get real! As for two hours round trip travel, that's one hour one way. To get a job? To actually earn their way. Life is tough. Wouldn't want to expect too much from the free-loaders, would we?)

"As a consequence, the vast majority of Maine's TANF recipients are not only jobless, they are not even seeking employment. Remarkably, just 23.1 percent of Maine's adult TANF enrollees were considered "employed" during FY 2008, and 11.6 percent considered "Unemployed." The remaining recipients, a staggering 65.3 percent of the total, were classified as "not in the labor force," meaning they were not even looking for a job. In only four other states were such a high percentage of adults on TANF considered to be "not in the labor force." Nationally, only 27.3 percent of TANF adults were classified as not seeking work in FY 2008."

(Writer's Note: Don't blame the federal government for the state of Maine's welfare drain on the taxpayer's dollar. Federal welfare program require recipients to seek work. The problem is that deferal law allows the individual state's to opt out of that requirement for any state-funded welfare programs.)

"Despite the work requirements imposed by the 1996 federal welfare reform law [under President Clinton], those enrolling in Maine's welfare system seemingly do not need to seek work in order to receive cash assistance."

Seems to this writer that the way the Maine Democratic Party has been able to stay in office has been to buy the votes - literally - through the never-ending, always expanding welfare programs for which there is no accountability. When do the taxpayers - the bill payers - plan to stand up and say, "Enough already." This writer can only hope that time will be this coming November.

BREWER EVENT ON "FIXING THE SYSTEM" - HOW TO CHANGE THE WELFARE SYSTEM IN MAINE

2010-09-13T10:20:00.002-04:00

Register Today For the Maine Heritage Policy Center Brewer Event

"Fixing the System:

Freeing Maine Families from Welfare Dependency"

Please join us for a presentation explaining why Maine, although less poor than the average state, has some of the highest levels of welfare system dependency in the nation. Welfare dependency is skyrocketing across Maine while job growth is virtually nonexistent. Maine's dependency crisis is a direct result of a welfare system that punishes hard work and traps parents and children in poverty.

Come discover how to free Maine families from dependency on Maine's welfare system by increasing accountability and opportunity. The Maine Heritage Policy Center will outline ways to fix Maine's broken welfare system as part of its "Fixing the System" project.

Mr. Stephen Bowen, Director, Center for Education Excellence

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Brewer
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Jeff's Catering (15 Littlefield Way, Brewer)

$5.00 - Refreshments Provided

You may register for the event by e-mailing Amanda Clark
at aclark@mainepolicy.org or calling 207.321.2550.

WELFARE IN MAINE - MORE GROWTH THAN EMPLOYMENT THANKS TO OUR STATE GOVERNMENT

2010-09-09T18:04:00.005-04:00

The latest multi-page document from the Maine Heritage Policy Center was issued today in Brewer. The 35-page report, entitled "Fix The System" is devoted to Maine's welfare dependency crisis. What follows is a brief synopsis of that report. In the following days and weeks, this blog will attempt to provide some of the critical information provided in the report, something every Mainer and voter should read before the November election.

***

"Maine's welfare system undermines hard work and traps parents and children in poverty. We must fix the system to free families from dependency through hard work and accountability.

"That is the conclusion of MHPC's latest, 35-page report on Maine's welfare dependency crisis, released today at a press conference in Brewer.

"Fix the System: Freeing Maine Families from Welfare Dependency," is a detailed report examining the policies that have caused skyrocketing welfare enrollment and reforms to move people from welfare to work.

Among the report's findings:

Maine's Welfare System in Broken

During the Baldacci administration, the number of people trapped in Maine's welfare system skyrocketed.
Between 2003 and 2010, welfare system enrollment grew 70% (226,000 to 381,000)

Almost 1 in 3 Mainers are trapped in the welfare system.
29% of Maine's total population is on some form of welfare

Maine ranks second in the nation in the percent of its population on Food Stamps, second for TANF cash assistance, and second for Medicaid.

Maine's poverty rate is growing despite the welfare system's huge cost and size.

Between 2001 and 2007, the portion of Mainers living in poverty grew from 10.3% to 10.9%

Maine spent $2.506 billion on its welfare system alone; more than it spent on:

Attracting new jobs ($47.6 million)

K-12 public education ($2.499 billion)

In just a few short hours, this breaking report has already been covered by the Portland Press Herald, the Kennebec Journal, the Lewiston Sun Journal, and Capital Weekly.

The report lists a series of proven reforms policymakers should adopt to reduce Maine's welfare dependency crisis:

Fix the System

1. Focus aid on the truly needy.

2. Tighten income eligibility requirements

3. Eliminate handouts for drug felons and non-citizens

4. Define Success as a new paycheck, not more welfare checks.

5. Help people toward work and self-sufficiency first, with welfare as a last resort

6. Create real and enforceable work and job search requirements

7. Establish clear and firm timelines

Overhaul Maine's welfare bureaucracy

1. Rename Maine's welfare bureaucracy from Office of Integrated Access and Support
to
Maine EMPOWER (Employing and Moving People Off Welfare and Encourage Responsibility)

2. Simplify and streamline the system to show a clear path to self-sufficiency

3. Set Work and Self-Sufficiency Goals for recipients, and report total results to taxpayers each month

MHPC's report draws attention to a critical challenge facing our state. Maine's level of welfare system dependence has huge costs, both fiscal and moral, and must be reformed. MHPC will continue its research into this important issue, and continue to advocate for the responsible, compassionate reforms that will free Maine families from welfare dependency.