Good idea, but…
To the editor:
Stephen Rappaport’s entertaining article (“Landings reports: Good science, but unpopular,” August/September issue) shows how any important idea can transform itself into punishment. Sustaining a resource and a luscious economic delicacy is a no-brainer; turning the working stiffs of lobster industry (and their uncompensated spouses) into sea-level (somehow “on the ground” doesn’t work!) data collectors for the needed science is, in plain terms, nuts!
My professional life involved the practice of “policy science,” the study of how knowledge can be brought to bear on the formation and evaluation of public policy. I intended to apply my graduate studies to the education profession itself, but fate redirected me first to federal service. I learned planning, legislative design and support, and how to undertake (and cushion myself from) the consequences of speaking truth to power.
If, during the years thereafter as a university dean, I had been asked to improve administrative performance by daily tracking memos I wrote, or the program and student evaluations I’d sought, or the support I provided starting faculty and other staff, or whether I placed my own calls or had a secretary do it, etc., I’d have left the role (or the institution) for one in which I could do the work I was hired for, not study it.
Pertinent data can inform good policy. But asking the working stiffs to daily collect and monthly report is understandably crazy-making for them, will alter the appeal of the sometimes dicey livelihood to those with gumption to take it on (my friend and next-door neighbor in Brooklin was lost to the sea), and bears re-thinking from top to bottom. There have to be more sensible approaches.
Hendrik D. Gideonse
Brooklin
Machias photo ID
To the editor:
I am writing about the historical photo of Machias in the June/July issue. Although I no longer live in Machias, I did grow up on Water Street, but much farther up. The photo shows the lower part off Water Street approaching an intersection which leads to the bridge and the entrance to downtown.
At the top center of the photo is the Burnham Tavern, peeking out between a tree and the larger dark building (now gone). Directly in front of the Burnham Tavern is a building (Crane’s Garage then) which, when I was growing up, was a beauty parlor, then a dwelling place, and later a gift shop called The Sow’s Ear.
I think the buildings on either side may be gone now. The white building on the right rear is either the Armstrong House or a dwelling over a garage. The water side of Water Street at that location has been built out and is a small parking lot. It’s fun to see these old photos and figure them out!
Nancy Mawhinney
Portland
