I came to Central Maine Medical Center in 2002 as Director of Cardiology to help start Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute. At the time, there was substantial controversy over the new cardiac program in Lewiston. Some local doctors and politicians said we would fail and worked hard to make that prediction come true. Fortunately […]
William Phillips
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Leading the way with RCV
I want to congratulate the volunteers and voters of Maine who make the state’s motto, “Dirigo,” a reality. Maine truly leads the way in helping people realize the true meaning of the word democracy — a representative government for all people. Ranked-choice voting is far from a liberal “conspiracy” or “a secret agreement to carry […]
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Posted inLetters, sj-web
Support for family caregivers
Tuesday, the state Legislature took a first step toward recognizing and honoring a vital part of the state’s health care network — family caregivers. At great personal and financial cost, the estimated 178,000 family caregivers in Maine fill critical gaps in the medical, psychological and emotional care of our neighbors with chronic illnesses or disabilities. […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Honor the people's will
Just to recap: Gov. Paul LePage won his last election with 48 percent of the vote, totaling 294,533 votes. However, the ranked-choice voting proposition received 52 percent of the vote, with 388,273 votes. The people of Maine have spoken more clearly than ever. The state’s elected representatives have their instructions. The state’s Supreme Court has […]
Posted inLetters
Coverage for all Americans
This nation’s leaders continue to struggle with the very difficult health care problem. The House-approved AHCA is the most recent attempt but, as written, it will make care unaffordable and inaccessible to millions of Americans, particularly to those beyond age 50. Fortunately, Maine’s two senators both agree that major changes in the House version are […]
Posted inLetters
Voting your conscience
George Matthews’ letter regarding ranked choice voting (Aug. 6) contained several misconceptions. First, a voter is not forced to rank all the candidates on a ballot. Voting number 1 for your favorite candidate with no number 2 is a valid strategy. It will not result in disqualification of your ballot. Second, ranked choice voting is […]
Posted inLetters
Runoff election inconvenient
The Lewiston mayoral runoff election will be expensive, inconvenient and unnecessary. Most Americans, including those who endorsed and passed the ruling regarding the election, believe that democracy equals majority rule (more than 50 percent). Sadly, that is not true for many elections involving more than two candidates. In those cases, the winner is often decided […]
Posted inLetters
W. Phillips: Vote without fear
The votes are in, but regardless of anyone’s personal choice, it should be disturbing to all who believe in the democratic process that we have, once again, elected officials without the consensus of a majority of Maine voters. Maine already has a three-party system representing us in Congress, with Sen. Angus King elected as an […]
Posted inOp-Eds
William Phillips: Sharing the road — be patient, be alert
As the weather improves, our roadways will begin to see more bicycles, with riders of all ages and skills. It is important that both cyclists and motorists understand the laws regarding bicycling on our roads and commit to safe practices and mutual respect. Cyclists may ride for recreation, competitive sport, health, fitness, environmental consciousness, or […]
Posted inOp-Eds
William Phillips: To write or read and other driving distractions
I am strongly in favor of safe driving. Who isn’t? It troubles me that so many Mainers are driving with cell phones to their ears, whether they are in traffic, going through an intersection, passing another vehicle, or just out on a country road. Texting while driving seems even more dangerous and laws are being […]