Some Thoughts on the Middle School Principal

Now that the State Championship trophies are all handed out, perhaps the President of the Maine State Principal's Association can get back to duties as principal of a vibrant middle school in an economically decimated paper mill town in north central Maine.

It amazes me and my fellow townsfolks how the school department lets someone who is highly paid and seemingly not reimbursed, get away with such frivolous duties as speaking to secretarial groups and handing out sports trophies.

Sincerely,
Archer Daniels

Hi Ken,

I have been following your articles concerning the bids for the GNP Millinocket and East Millinocket Paper Mills. Having lived in Bangor and graduating from the University of Maine - Orono, I have been through Millinocket many times.  Though a mill town, it is one of the gateways to the recreational interior and certainly offers potential for other opportunities besides Paper. I found it interesting that there seemed to be either paper or "other" attitudes expressed by the town fathers but there was never any consideration for both.  I hope this whole episode will foster some thought towards that goal and maybe Millinocket can become a both an industrial and recreational East Coast 'Inland Empire".

This whole sale/bidding situation was very interesting to follow, you guys did a good job. Having worked in the wood products industry for the past 20 years, I have had hundreds of opportunities to visit and work with folks from other mills throughout the country. I was laid-off in September of '01 and I was hired by West Linn Paper.  I honestly have to say, it is a real priviledge to work for this company and I count my blessings when I think how fortunate I was to be selected for the position I applied for.  It's too bad the people and community of Millinocket are not going to have the same opprtunity as I have had. (No hidden agenda for me, I just thought you might like an insiders perspective.)  Belgravia is an exceptionally good employer and it's a real pleasure to get up and come to work each morning.  However, I am sure the new owners will do well for the community and the people who have been furloughed. I wish Millinocket the "Best of luck!"

OK, thanks for your time and keep up the good paper.

Considering I am not speaking/writing for the company, I don't want it to be misinterpreted that I am a spokeman for West Linn Paper or Belgravia, so please don't publish my name.

-- Name withheld on request.