THE GREEN LINE

Lance Tapley’s recent article (“What’s It Cost?” July 19) goes a long way toward illustrating the costly sham of the health-care “industry.” Clearly we need new ideas and some real solutions to our current health-care mess.

Last year, the State of Vermont hired an independent research firm to look at the impact of a single-payer health-care system in that state.

The results were exciting. The study found a single-payer system would provide quality coverage to all Vermonters, while lowering overall health-care costs. The savings are estimated at $118.1 million in the first year alone.

Vermont is a step ahead of us. In Maine, we will soon have the results of our own study. I’m confident single- payer will bring even larger savings for the State of Maine.

The next Maine legislature will be presented with an opportunity to take the leadership role in solving the nation’s health-care crisis.

I am running for the State House of Representatives in the 31st District. If elected, I will be honored to work for quality, affordable single-payer health-care for all the people of Maine.

John Eder

Portland

ZOMBIE FAN

Your latest strip by “Patrick” (“Postcard,” July 12) was simply the funniest thing I have read in years. I am a summer resident and found this absolutely brilliant. Keep him.

Mark Stitham MD

Cape Elizabeth/Kailua, HI

A THIRD PARTY

As a point of clarification for Jess Kilby and Ed Suslovic (“McDonough’s new deal,” July 12), there is a third candidate in the [House District 32] race — Josh Dolby. Jess Kilby should have tried reaching all of the candidates for comment, to flush out the full story. Anything less is just poor journalism. Ed Suslovic’s comment, though, that “should this be a rematch with Mr. McDonough” is a crafty way of focusing attention away from Josh Dolby, who is a threat to both candidates. There will be no rematch between Suslovic and McDonough, because the Democratic primary doesn’t happen twice. The next round will include a third choice for the voters. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say, voters will have a second choice. McDonough’s party switching is another example of the growing similarities between the Republicans and Democrats. Voters will be able to choose to stick with the Republicrat party, the party that is re-active, rather than pro-active, the party that has failed to foresee and tackle corporate greed, failed to foresee and tackle the cost of health care, and failed to foresee and tackle environmental degradation. The Green-Independent Party made these issues central to their platform long before the collapse of Enron, the rate hikes in health care, and the sales of Maine’s forests. Voters will make their own choice, but they must be growing tired of the mess.

Derrick Grant

Campaign Manager, Dolby for House District 32
Portland

MORE LISTINGS

Your “Portland’s Most Influential” lists and interviews (see “Portland’s Most Influential” supplement, July 19) made for entertaining reading. It’s nice to see some of the locals get a little recognition. One small fact check: Anita Stewart (who has done great work in trying to make Portland Stage a going concern) designed the costumes for Waiting For Godot. There were others involved in the process as well: notably the director, Michael Schwartz, and the set designer, Judy Gailen (from Portland!).

One other person of long-time great influence I would like to mention is Tony Montanaro. He is the founder of Celebration Barn Theater/School, and the one person directly responsible for the relatively high number of movement-based performers living in Maine, and working throughout the world, including such internationally know artists as Fred Garbo, Randy Judkins, Benny Reehl, Jackson Gillman, Michael Menes, Michael Miclon (made the list!), and many more.

Michael Lane Trautman
Portland