Yeah, a lot of the laws were made many years ago and the fines have stayed constant. We have corporate fines in 1970’s dollars that conflict with 2020’s profits. And of course current profits win out

When the cost of paying a fine is cheaper than the alternative, then it’s just a cost of doing business.

Pretty much any super market or most hardware stores

I think that is is attitude a lot of people have. Unfortunately

I think the fact that is has worked well for other countries is the best reason to take a good look at the idea. The reality of American excellence has faded over time and we should start again to incorporate great ideas from other countries that work better. America has been surpassed in many areas in the last 40 years and we need to catch up on technology and infrastructure

I don’t disagree with you, but with little kids it’s a great place to go. It’s certainly not backpacking in the north woods, but for a day (usually morning) trip it works for my family. It’s all about managing expectations.

I live in Windham, a little down the road from where you are thinking about. My oldest is in kindergarten so I have been getting to know the school system a bit.

The schools seem pretty good and as well funded as any, so no complaints there. I was a bit surprised when I found out just how many kindergarten classes there are. There seems to be a lot of families in the area. Kids sports are pretty prevalent as well.

We have a state parks pass so we spend a ton of the summer at the Sebago state park. Definitely worth it. They have a clean beach and a playground so the kids love it.

The variety of restaurants isn’t what you find in Portland of course, but there are still tasty options for when you need a night off of cooking.

There are a ton of trails and lakes for hiking, canoeing, ice skating and fishing.

We haven’t lost power in the winter yet, which is a huge relief having young kids, but the power will go out occasionally during summer thunderstorms.

Overall it’s quiet, the folks are friendly and helpful when you need a hand, and it is a nice pace of life. We love it and are happy our kids will grow up here

Most of the horror stories are from the ice storm in the’90’s. As much as CMP gets shit on their line crews do an amazing job

The Portland water company has a bunch of land on the south side of lake Sebago with a ton of trails. About 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Portland

And the NIMBYs fight tooth and nail to prevent zoning changes because it might hurt their property value(s growth) which would make their home be less of an investment and just a residence.

Not yet, and it doesn’t appear that it will be in todays mail

It recharges the battery and moves the oils and fluid around. So I’ve been told by people who live in Minnesota and that’s just what they do

And a wool blanket too if you can spare one for your car. And always keep your car over 1/4 of a tank

Ummm, that’s the exact thing I say about all politicians. Hold them to a high standard and hold them accountable when they fall short. Are you a troll?

It really shouldn’t be about party. If he violated laws then he needs to be held accountable. There is no place in government for people who violate the public trust in the institutions of government.

Sorry if it’s not a specific answer to you question. But there are opportunities to meet up with folks of similar interests. I’ve found that meeting people that are like minded is more valuable than meeting with a specific age group as the older folks can likely point you towards a better local group for what you are after. Just my two cents

My advice would be joining a sports league. Doesn’t matter the sport, but if you can be upright you can have a decent chance of meeting folks.

Or if you are into gaming there are groups around, but your experience may (like with most things in life) not measure up to your expectations.

There are a number of outdoor groups that get together as well, especially this time of year to winter hike, bird watch, etc.

I would say find a group that interests you as there are opportunities to meet folks. Even if no one in the group is what you are looking for, there maybe opportunities to meet others through connections

I’m sorry, I had a good experience and it’s unfortunate that others didnt

Check out better help (I think it’s called). It’s a Telehealth company that contracts with people (and therapists). It was covered under my insurance and It was a big help during Covid lockdowns for me. (Of course if you can find something locally then you do you, but this was an alternative that worked for me)

I honestly don’t know how to feel about this, I’m too old for Pokémon and my kids are too young. It’s not extra sugar though so you get a thumbs up from this old parent 👍

Yeah. And when their campaign is funded by their opposition (or proponents of an opposition party) then they basically get paid to run. Such a messed up system

Oh man. Cambells in SoPo sounds like the same kinda place. Sadly Ms Campbell passed and they don’t do food anymore

I call it the lick her store

Absolutely, and figure out who’s funding them

I really like absentee voting for a lot of reasons. My main reason is I’m not rushed and if there is a candidate or proposition I’m unclear on I can do a little research before I make an uninformed choice. And I can do it when I want without fitting it around work or the kids’ activities