Letters to the Editor
The Local News welcomes all letters to the editor on local topics that are of interest to the community.
However, as a prospective 501(c)(3) newspaper, by law The Local News cannot endorse or oppose candidates or print letters to the editor endorsing or opposing candidates running for office.
Letters will be subject to the usual standards for respectful, non-defamatory content. Letters should run no more than 250 words; we reserve the right to lightly edit for clarity. Not all letters will be published.
To submit a letter, please email or mail to the addresses below, and include your name, phone number and town of residence. Authors will be verified.
Send to editor@thelocalnewsonline.org or mail to The Local News, PO Box 135, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
____________________________________________________________________________________
July 21
Challenges to our rights demand action
A recent contributor referred to our God-given rights included in the Declaration of Independence. For 250 years, America has stood as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and self-government.
The principles espoused by our Founding Fathers – individual liberty, personal responsibility, equal justice under the law, and limited government have empowered generations of Americans to build strong families, vibrant communities, and a prosperous nation.
Yet as we look around us, we are confronted with challenges to our rights – boys in girls’ sports and in their locker rooms, taxpayer support for unauthorized immigrants and the damning of any notion or expression of pride in our culture, religion, history, and traditions. The usual reply to any questioning of these challenges is ‘it’s Maine state law’.
Today, Maine is being governed more like the line in George Orwell’s 1984, where “everyone is created equal, it’s just that some are more equal than others.” So, what will we do?
Are we willing to stand up and demand accountability and common sense of our leaders? There are 17,000 voters in our three towns. I would appeal to you to begin attending town meetings, school board meetings and speak up to defend these God-given rights.
If we want enduring freedom, we need to value it and defend it, at any cost, as did our ancestors. At the very minimum, we need to show up!
Kevin King
Kennebunk
__________________________________________________________________________________
July 4, 2026
Honor the courage, vision, and sacrifice of Founding Fathers
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, we honor the courage, vision, and sacrifice of our Founding Fathers who established a nation unlike any the world had ever known, Our founders affirmed a timeless truth – our rights come NOT from government, but from our Creator, and that government exists to serve the people—not the other way around.
Let’s take pride in Maine’s place in our nation’s founding story, In June 1775, ordinary citizens of Machias, a small coastal settlement, refused to yield to British intimidation during the Battle of Machias. Armed with determination more than weapons, they pursued and captured the British schooner Margaretta in what is often called the first naval victory of the American Revolution. Their courage embodied the principles that would define our nation: belief in liberty, self-government, and the conviction that free people have both the right and the responsibility to defend their freedoms. Burnham Tavern in Machias, used as a meeting place by the local militia, is one of the oldest surviving Revolutionary War sites in New England.
These principles – individual liberty, personal responsibility, equal justice under the law, and limited government—have empowered generations of Americans to build strong families, vibrant communities, and a prosperous nation. May we continue to uphold the values that have made America the greatest nation on earth, ensuring that the blessings of liberty, opportunity, and self-determination endure for generations to come.
Happy 250th Birthday to the United States of America!
Robert Giles
Kennebunk
__________________________________________________________________________
June 26, 2026
Applauding Youth Civic Involvement
Now more than ever, when our youth are bombarded by the constant noise of social media and conflicting demands on their daily schedules, it is important to recognize those who also make time to give back to their community.
A good example is recent Kennebunk High School graduate Helen Kennie, who received a $2,000 Edmund Muskie Democracy in Action Scholarship. Kennie is the seventh recipient of the award, given annually by the Democrats of the Kennebunks and Arundel to a high school senior who best exemplifies the spirit of civic engagement by making a difference in their school and community through political and/or non-political actions.
She was lacrosse captain, a USA Lacrosse All-American and All-Academic player, and was invited to the Southern Maine Activities Association Leadership Conference. Her club memberships included Peer Helpers, Executive Council, Girl Talk, Youth in Government, and Women in Science and Engineering.
In addition to her 100+ hours of community service, she served as a mentor for youth in Kennebunk. She helped organize multiple lacrosse camps with players as young as five, often sharing her old gear to ensure everyone had the equipment to play. According to Kennie, “being part of a caring community and showing leadership can inspire others to become leaders themselves.”
Kennie plans to attend Villanova University in Pennsylvania to pursue a business degree as a foundation to owning her own business or being in a management position.
Congratulations Helen! Thank you for making a difference in our community and serving as a role model for others.
Connie Dykstra
Kennebunkport
____________________________________________________________________________________
Seasonal residents beach pass decision needs discussion, transparency
The decision to charge seasonal residents non-resident beach fees is deeply disappointing. What is most troubling is that this change appears to have been made without meaningful discussion, transparency, or a town vote.
Seasonal residents are an important part of this community. They pay property taxes that support the local school system despite not using it. They contribute to municipal services, including trash collection, even though many are here only part of the year. They support local businesses, restaurants, contractors, and service providers, helping sustain the town’s economy and vitality.
In fact, seasonal residents recently absorbed a disproportionate share of the latest property tax increase while continuing to invest in and support the community they love.
To suggest that these same taxpayers should now be treated as non-residents when it comes to accessing a town beach sends the wrong message. It creates an atmosphere of exclusion rather than inclusion and fosters distrust rather than community.
Seasonal residents are not outsiders. They are homeowners, taxpayers, neighbors, and stakeholders who contribute significantly to the character and success of this town. They deserve to be treated as valued members of the community.
We love this town and want it to remain vibrant, welcoming, and united. Decisions that affect a substantial portion of the tax base should be made openly, with community input and careful consideration of their broader impact.
I urge town leaders to reconsider this policy and engage residents in a transparent discussion before moving forward.
We have a petition to reunite Kennebunk and bring respect for all taxpayers. To learn more, visit my Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18b8sxxbpb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Neal Waldman
Kennebunk
June 18, 2026
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
