LETTERS: Holly Stover has commitment

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To the editor:

My wife and I have been married for over 40 years. That’s commitment (four kids, four states, 12 moves, 14 jobs between us). We’ve finally settled in South Bristol and have never been happier.

That’s one kind of commitment.

Holly Stover exemplifies another, more public sort of commitment. During her years at Health and Human Services, in Augusta, she fought to deliver basic elements of care to the people of Maine – and when I say “people of Maine” I mean ALL-OVER Maine: Fort Kent to Fryeburg, Acadia to York; and for any person, rich, poor, housed, un-housed, young, old, male/female/ungendered – and she wept when [then-governor] Paul LePage cut healthcare benefits to 70,000 Mainers.

In her “day-jobs” (and, by the way, that’s plural: jobS), she continues to work for the benefit of the Boothbay peninsula through the Director of Operations for the Community Resource Council and as the Development Director of Lincoln County Dental, helping everyday folks who need a hand-up, not a hand-out, and providing essential oral care to those who cannot otherwise afford it.

As our representative in Augusta, Holly has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our small businesses – and in Maine, that means traditional brick and mortar, as well as marine: lobstermen and women, fishing boats of every description, the suppliers to support them, and the consumers who enjoy their harvests – she has stood with them and up for them in Augusta to help deliver critical funding for renovation and repair after the catastrophic twin storms of last January.

Holly is committed to public service. It’s why she gets up every morning. If you need her, contact her: she’ll be there for you. Let’s keep Holly Stover as our Representative for District #48, in Augusta. Vote for Holly Stover November 5.

Geoff Bates
South Bristol

LETTERS: Ray brings a wealth of experience

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To the editor:

As our election draws closer, I wanted to take the time to write a letter on behalf of Mike Ray, candidate for State Representative for Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, and Searsmont. I believe Mike will the best person to serve our communities as our District #40 representative in Augusta.

For the past several years Paige Zeigler has worked for our district as a concerned and active legislator. Often out in these communities, Paige was present for his constituents, listening and learning and then responding to our expressed needs. I am sorry that he will retire but am heartened there is someone running for this seat who will represent our communities with the same kind of commitment that Representative Zeigler has. Mike Ray has been actively running for this office with the commitment, accessibility and vigor that I had come to value so much in Paige’s service.

I believe Mike Ray will be an exemplary legislator who will work earnestly on behalf of the people he represents. He brings a wealth of valuable and varied experience to this post including years as an elected Selectman for the town of Lincolnville, membership on a variety of boards, councils, committees and commissions, both local and state, working on behalf of residents in this district, and a wide and diverse work experience, all serving to inform his ability to legislate effectively for our district. He is familiar with the state and knows the unique challenges that this district in mid-coast Maine, coastal, inland and island areas, face.

Mike has a caring heart and the patience to actively listen to the needs and desires of his community. I hope he will be elected to this post of State Representative because it will continue District #40’s strong representation in Augusta.

Cheryl Wienges
Lincolnville

LETTERS: Laura Jones is a positive go-getter

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To the editor:

When Laura returned to her home town she returned with a mission to help. She reached out to the community and jumped in to help many of us improve our communication and technology skills. She worked to get some of the town’s meetings online, which helps many of us be able to stay informed. She spent time and her own money to get things done! When we had questions she patiently explained and then created how-to manuals. She provided flyers for community events and posted them. She is a thoughtful, positive go-getter who makes things happen.

She has volunteered, shared, supported, and encouraged many of the residents and organizations in town. Using the skills she learned in the military she has already improved the Town of Vassalboro, let’s help her to improve our state by electing Laura as our House Representative #61! She’s the best person for the job!

Janice Clowes
Vassalboro

LETTERS: Garden of Governance

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To the editor:

Like many folks at this time of year, I was outside recently, “putting my garden to bed” for the winter. Culling the items that I don’t want, removing the $%#! weeds, and laying in the plants and bulbs I look forward to in the spring.

And it struck me.

There’s a reason elections are held in the autumn. On November 5, we’ll have the chance to cull those representatives who throw shade, whose roots may be deep but strangle the progress of our more desirable policies; those outright weeds that grow quickly, have visually loud but unattractive flowers and want to take over the garden without supplying anything of substance.

Join me in supporting a healthy, vibrant garden of governance in Augusta, where positive policies will seek to lift-up and complement the diversity held in any thriving garden.

Vote Democratic up and down the ticket. And compost those weeds.

Geoff Bates
South Bristol

LETTERS: Brown person of unusual capacity

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To the editor:

I was delighted to learn that Elise Brown, of Liberty, wants to work for our community by running for County Commissioner. Elise has already been working for our community for over 25 years as a foster and adoptive parent, a firefighter, an EMT, co-owner of an employee owned company, a restorative justice trained facilitator, and a steward of her home and property.

Elise is a person of unusual capacities. She has a remarkable work ethic, is highly organized and can connect and relate well with everyone. I have seen her being quietly effective with a wide range of Mainers; formerly incarcerated men, county officials, parents, farmers, business owners, artists, neighbors and children of all ages.

She is a creative problem solver, an expertly adept communicator, and an all around great human being.

We are fortunate to be able to vote for Elise Brown for County Commissioner. I urge everyone who can to do so. Elise will be a great addition to this administrative board.

Lisa Kushner
Belfast

LETTERS: Caregivers need our support

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To the editor:

Caregivers in Maine need support now more than ever before. I hope the candidates and Maine voters will keep caregivers in mind when they cast their ballot.

There are approximately 166,000 caregivers in Maine. Chances are you or someone you know is putting in many hours of unpaid care for their loved ones. Family caregivers are balancing a lot and over 60 percent of family caregivers work either full or part-time. I was a caregiver for my father for six years and I know how hard that can be.

Caregivers are tough! They do one of the most important jobs there is. It’s time they receive the support they deserve. Let’s ask the candidates important questions this election season such as how they plan to help family caregivers in Maine. It’s time for us to know.

 Paul Armstrong
AARP Maine
Lead Volunteer Advocate
Palermo

LETTERS: A vote for our climate’s future

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To the editor:

Maine’s future depends on how we act today to protect our environment.

With warming oceans and increasing hurricane risks like those seen in North Carolina, it’s clear we need strong leadership to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Pam Swift is the candidate who will champion these critical issues.

Unlike the current representative, who scored a dismal zero on environmental issues this session – voting against loon protection (LD 958) and failing to support wind power (LD 1895).

Pam Swift is committed to proactive, science-backed policies that address climate change head-on. A vote for Pam Swift is a vote for meaningful action to slow the impacts of climate change and safeguard Maine’s natural beauty for future generations.

Robert Morrison
Palermo

LETTERS: Swift has deep roots in Maine

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To the editor:

I urge you to vote for Pam Swift in House District 62, China, Windsor, Somerville and Hibberts Gore.

Pam trusts you. She knows you and your doctor will make the best decisions for you and your health. She knows that you can prepare for your children’s futures by helping them understand what they find in their school libraries, public libraries and on the Internet.

As a retired physician, Pam knows how important it is for you to have access to healthcare and affordable medicine. As a farmer she knows how important locally produced healthy food is to your family and how much small farms matter to your community.

Pam has deep roots in Maine and will fight for what Maine a great place to live.

Please vote for Pam Swift, candidate for House District #62.

Kathy Kellison
Windsor

LETTERS: Excited to support Laura Jones

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To the editor:

I am excited to support Laura’s candidacy because of her commitment to protecting our farms and Maine’s natural resources, building resiliency to climate change, and enhancing opportunities for small businesses. In addition, Laura will explore ways to enhance access to quality health care while lowering costs, expand access to affordable Internet service, and support public education. Collectively, Laura will work hard to make our quality of life the way it should be!

Laura’s dedication to community and country is obvious from all of her “Community Matters” efforts, her engagement in a family-owned, environmentally-sensitive small business, and a 25 year career in the US Air Force.

Let’s elect Laura Jones who will be a great representative for all of us.

Mary Schwanke
Vassalboro

LETTERS: Strong support for Detre and Rumpf

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To the editor:

As a current member of the Selectboard for the Town of China, I am writing to express my strong support for Tod Detre and Tom Rumpf as candidates for China Selectboard.

Tod Detre is a Systems Administrator II for the University of Maine System. Tod brings a fresh perspective and a strong desire to help bring people together as a community and make China a place where people want to spend their time and enjoy all stages of their lives. His family has two young sons in our local school, and both Tod and his wife Gina have logged many hours volunteering in their activities. Tod’s technical knowledge has been an asset on our Broadband Committee and would further help China as we prepare for the future.

Tom Rumpf’s wealth of local knowledge, as the president of the Four Seasons Club and the current chairman of the budget committee, would be invaluable to the selectboard. Tom has worked collaboratively with regional businesses to build the annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby into a spectacular weekend that showcases our town to the many visitors it attracts. Tom would help the board nurture better relationships with our local businesses.

I believe that Tod and Tom would both make excellent additions to the selectboard. They are both committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and open communication with residents. They both have demonstrated their understanding of the important role our local organizations have in our town.They also share a vision for a vibrant and sustainable future for the Town of China.

I urge my fellow residents to vote for Tod Detre and Tom Rumpf for selectboard on election day.

Jeanne Marquis
China Selectboard member